Legendary ’90s playback singer Kumar Sanu has opened up about a terrifying experience from his career, revealing he once felt “scared” for his safety after being forced to perform at a Dubai party hosted by an underworld don. According to Sanu, he had little option but to go through with the performance. Reflecting on an era when the underworld held significant sway over the Hindi film industry, he admitted the situation left him genuinely fearing for his life.
Kumar Sanu recalls fearing for his life
Speaking on Subhojit Ghosh’s podcast, Sanu admitted, “Darr toh laga tha. Kyunki us samay kuch chal raha tha — aisa ek system tha,” (“I was scared. Because at that time something was going on — there was such a system.”) The host responded by pointing to the grim backdrop of that era, noting, “Gulshan Kumar was shot dead at that time.”
Kumar Sanu on navigating a dangerous era
Reflecting on that unsettling chapter, Kumar described witnessing several alarming incidents firsthand, which kept him on edge. Still, he said he’d try to talk his way through tense situations, though there was often a price for it, being asked to perform at a specific gig, which he would simply agree to since he felt he had no real choice. Interestingly, he recalled that some of these figures eventually grew fond of him, even offering, with a laugh, to step in and handle anyone who troubled him. His response, he said, was always the same: “mujhe dekhne ki zaroorat nahi hai, main khud ka dekh lunga” (“There is no need for you to look after me; I can take care of myself.”)
Kumar Sanu’s legal battle for his identity
The singer had approached the Delhi High Court last year, requesting legal protection over his personality and publicity rights, spanning his name, voice, and distinctive vocal style. The plea is set to come up before Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora on Monday. Among the elements Sanu wants shielded are his vocal arrangements and interpretations, singing mannerisms, images, caricatures, photographs, likeness, and signature. He further urged the court to prevent third parties from exploiting these attributes without authorization or license, especially in ways that could confuse, mislead, or dilute his public identity.
Kumar Sanu’s suit cites moral rights violation
The lawsuit, brought forward by advocates Shikha Sachdeva and Sana Raees Khan, also raises the issue of Sanu’s moral rights in his performances being violated, as protected under the provisions of the Copyright Act.
Kumar Sanu’s decades-long musical legacy
Kumar Sanu boasts a career spanning several decades, marked by an impressive body of work. Some of his most memorable tracks include ‘Ek Sanam Chahiye’ and ‘Dil Ka Aalam’, both from ‘Aashiqui’ (1990), along with ‘Dheere Dheere Se Meri Zindagi Mein Aana’ from the same film. He’s also lent his voice to hits like ‘Chura Ke Dil Mera’ from ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’ (1994) and ‘Tujhe Dekha To from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (1995).