Sonu Nigam: I'm willing to speak on behalf of the grounded crew

Sonu Nigam

Sonu Nigam has landed in a controversy for rendering some of his tracks from the aircraft's in-flight address system while travelling from Jodhpur to Mumbai on January 4. His dulcet voice did not exactly sound sweet to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which suspended five crewmembers of Jet Airways post an inquiry into the incident. It has also issued a notice to the airline, asking why its licence should not be suspended.

Also read: 'Real intolerance', cries Sonu Nigam on punishment for in-flight 'concert'

File picture of Sonu Nigam at the city airport

Reacting to the DGCA's move, Sonu says, "I was taken by surprise when I heard about it. It is too harsh on them (flight crew). I have, so far, not been contacted by any of the authorities concerned on what happened. It also involves me and I am willing to speak on behalf of the grounded crew."

A video of his mid-air performance posted by some passengers has been doing the rounds of social media. "The crew is not at fault. I feel it is wrong to suspend them. They did not ask me to sing; it was the passengers who requested them to ask me to sing some of my songs. I was only spreading happiness," he adds.

Also read: Jet Airways suspends 5 cabin crew over Sonu Nigam's 'concert' on flight

A grab of the video that shows Sonu Nigam singing mid-air

He crooned Do Pal Ka from Yash Chopra's Veer Zaara (2004) and Panchhi Nadiyaan from JP Dutta's Refugee (2000). Several passengers also sang with Nigam.

The singer feels the crew did not breach any security concern and his singing didn't interfere in the crew members' duty or cause hindrance to any passenger: "I sang when there were no announcements to be made. It was the time when the seat belt sign was off. I understand the security and safety concerns on board a flight."

Watch! Sonu Nigam surprises flight passengers with impromptu gig (View video below, click here for full story)

Questioning the decision of the authorities, Sonu states, "I have seen models strutting in the aisles and fashion shows taking place in aircrafts. I have heard of concerts happening in-flight. Pilots and crew members often crack jokes to loosen up passengers from other countries. I feel there is nothing wrong in this."

He adds that Indians also need to loosen up and that real intolerance is the lack of common sense.