Showing posts with label Neeti Mohan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neeti Mohan. Show all posts
Squad goals: Keeping up with the Mohans - Shakti, Mukti and Neeti
9:32 AM
As kids, sisters Shakti, Mukti and Neeti Mohan would perform in classrooms, parties and their bedroom. (SOURAV SHARMA)
Neeti has sung your favourite Bollywood tracks. Shakti has the killer dance moves. Mukti lights up the stage and the screen. Step inside the Mohan sister-verse
Kritika Kapoor (HT CITY BRUNCH; March 14, 2026)
As kids, the Mohan sisters would perform everywhere. In their bedroom, at birthday parties, in classrooms, for friends and family. Their favourite routine: Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor’s Dance Of Envy from Dil To Pagal Hai (1997). Shakti Mohan and Mukti Mohan took turns playing Madhuri and Karisma. “I was Yash ji [Chopra] and Saroj Khan,” says Neeti Mohan, laughing. They would cut their tights into shorts, and their mother would lend them lipstick and jewellery.
None of them really dreamt of a career in the spotlight. They were a middle-class family in Delhi, with zero ties to film or TV; there was no real path to get there. Yet, 30 years later, Neeti, 46, is a Bollywood playback queen. Shakti, 40, reigns as Indian TV’s go-to dance judge, host and mentor. Mukti, 38, started out as a dancer, before pivoting to acting. She’s been in Thar (2022), Lust Stories 2 (2023) and Gyaarah Gyaarah (2024).
They did it all the hard way: No filmi family, industry contacts or shortcuts. Just three sisters figuring it out together.
The Mohans are often asked how one family ended up with three siblings in show business: Is it in the genes? The training? Something in the water they drank? Even they don’t quite know. Their parents weren’t performers. They weren’t wealthy – their father was a chartered accountant, their mother a homemaker. “But they let us do whatever we wanted, be it singing, dancing or sports,” says Shakti.
In the early 2000s, even in a city like Delhi, that kind of freedom for daughters was rare. The sisters remember people pitying their father for having four daughters. (Their fourth sister, Kriti Mohan, stays out of the spotlight, managing Shakti and Mukti.)
It’s partly why Neeti had a relentless urge to excel. Reason No 2 was her younger sisters. Their father would tell her, “Neeti, whatever you do, your sisters do. No pressure.” Of course, she felt the pressure. “My sisters are like my best friends,” she says. “But they’re also like my children.” So, she leaned into the role, excelling at studies, music, dance, theatre and the National Cadet Corps.
By the time her sisters joined the same school, Neeti was the hostel head, the cultural head, the band leader. Shakti was the “naughty one”; the kind to throw a book at a beehive, just “to see what would happen”. “Teachers would complain to Neeti about me, so I was terrified of her. If she was coming from one direction, I would run in the opposite direction,” Shakti says.
Neeti in turn, made sure her sisters had a spot on stage, and coached them to do well. “I’d tell them to dance to a patriotic song – you’ll get more marks.” The strategy worked. The sisters dominated everything, from dance to basketball. They picked safer futures in college: Neeti studied Philosophy. Shakti planned to take the UPSC. Mukti wanted to pursue a Master’s in Psychology. But that was about to change.
Triple threat
It was the first decade of the new millennium. India was in the middle of a reality-TV boom. Farah Khan, Sonu Nigam and Anu Malik were assessing nobodies face-to-face. Talent shows were carving out a separate path to fame. Music directors were looking for new voices. The showbiz formula was changing.
Neeti was 24 when her sisters pushed her to audition for Channel [V] Popstars in 2003. When she appeared on the show, “we were bragging everywhere,” recalls Shakti. She made it to the shortlist – along with three others – to form the pop group Aasma. They released two albums before folding in 2005. But the show had given Neeti a way in, and she wasn’t letting go.
In 2009, she returned to compete on the singing show Music Ka Maha Muqqabla and won again. Then, in 2012, a breakthrough. Neeti sang Jiya Re, from Jab Tak Hai Jaan; and Ishq Wala Love, from Student Of The Year. There were awards. There was recognition. Her sisters believed if Neeti could get there, maybe they could too.
Shakti and Mukti grew up joined at the hip. “People thought we were twins, even though we’re two years apart.” Maybe it was the matching outfits and identical mushroom haircuts. Or the fact that they trained in Bharatanatyam and contemporary dance together, shared the same friends, and – for a while in college – even had the same Tata Docomo phone. So, it was hardly surprising when they entered showbiz together. In 2010, Shakti won Dance India Dance Season 2, while Mukti won Zara Nachke Dikha.
At the time, there was no real career in dancing. “You could either be a back-up dancer or assist a choreographer,” says Shakti. But with a reality TV win, they had the visibility that few dancers did. Shakti went on to judge, host and guest star on more than 20 dance shows. Mukti tried everything from comedy and stunt-based contests such as Fear Factor, to taking a six-year break in 2018 to train in theatre. “I didn’t have to worry about rent or groceries,” she says. Her sisters had her back as she worked her way up to films and web series.
Home advantage
The sisters say that the only downside to fame has been the invasive curiosity that comes with it. “People keep flooding our social media comments with questions about Kriti,” says Shakti. Conspiracy theorists suggest that she’s being kept out of the spotlight. “It’s so bizarre and obnoxious. She has chosen to remain private. She’s living her life. Why does she have to be on stage too?”
Shakti runs a dance studio, Nritya Shakti, for hip hop, ballet, jazz, dance hall, Bollywood and more. Mukti’s performing-arts space Mukti Manch trains aspiring actors. Both sisters acknowledge that their success came from all the people who voted for them on TV. They’re keen to pay it forward.
And, for once, they’re teaming up. Their 2025 show, Mohan Sisters Live, has played in Mumbai and other Indian cities. It’s packed with Bharatnatyam, bhangra, kathak, garba, Latin, hip-hop and contemporary routines. Neeti sings all her hits. There’s even a Madhuri Dixit tribute, making it a full-circle moment.
And just like they did as kids, they’ve shaped every detail of the show. Shakti handled choreography and the show’s Instagram page. Mukti takes charge of design and styling — from sourcing the fabrics for their glittering anarkalis to the bedazzled red JLo-style jumpsuits.
They’re not always in sync. They are sisters, after all. On 5 am flights, “Mukti and I are bouncing around,” says Shakti. “Neeti is quiet because she’s conserving her voice.” Neeti will change her seat sometimes, because she “just can’t keep up with their energy”. On their group chat, it’s the same. Shakti and Mukti flood the thread with GIFs, memes and stickers. Neeti operates in efficient one-word replies, usually to scheduling questions. Her signature response: “Available”.
When it comes to famous sisters, the Mohans admire Destiny’s Child, the Phogat sisters and the Williams sisters. But their favourite sister act of all time? “Us. Definitely.”
My label AT Azaad isn’t doing that great, nor is it doing too poorly-Amit Trivedi
9:14 AM
With names like Sunidhi Chauhan, Armaan Malik, and Neeti Mohan associated with the latest album from his independent label, composer Amit Trivedi celebrates playback singers who are grooming themselves to take centre-stage
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; November 4, 2024)
Amit Trivedi appears to be having a lot of fun, and here's why this fact isn't to be taken lightly. Sure, Trivedi isn't one to disappoint with his compositions, but there's something magical that follows those phases when his interactions with fans and media are markedly playful. Speaking about his upcoming album, Azaad Collab, Trivedi appears delighted and nervous in equal measure. With a bevy of popular faces putting their might behind the project, he admits to having his hopes pinned on this pop album that presents the "music icons of India" in new light.
Fans of Trivedi will agree that his four-year-old label, AT Azaad, is a goldmine of music that is both innovative and appealing. Evidently then, this latest 14-track offering is being welcomed with open arms. In this interview, he discusses the response to the first song, Jubin Nautiyal and Hansika Pareek's Rangeeni, and crafting an entrepreneurial journey as an artiste. Edited excerpts from the interview:
When you look back at the way your label has evolved, how do you reflect on the journey?
The [reason] behind creating the label wasn’t to be the next T-Series or Saregama. It is an artiste-led label. I should have the upper hand [when it concerns] what I create. I am putting in the work and money. I should have the freedom to make what I want. If I was signed on by a label, I’m not sure if I would have had that liberty. There would have been a lot of restrictions and clauses that may have been in their favour. I wanted to avoid the hassle.
I launched it in April 2020. So, it’s been four and a half years. I’d say, the label isn’t doing that great, nor is it doing too poorly. There is a lot of scope for improvement. I need a song that can really do well. [Some] songs become popular, but those that do [very well] are made rarely. I would say, of the 10 lakh songs that are released in a year, only 10 to 15 do that well. Not every song becomes a [banger]. I was lucky that my first song, Moti Veraana, did that well, and so did the following ones, Lagan Laagi Re and Madhubala. But, for a label to function regularly, we need at least one song per year to do that well. That hasn’t happened in the past two years. I’m hoping that changes with Azaad Collab. I have 14 more songs to go. So, let’s see how it does. It’s up to the audience.
Can you explain the structure of creating music within the label when it comes to bifurcating the singles and albums?
I do a lot of film work. A film’s soundtrack usually has only four to five songs. In a rare case, we may have 10 songs. But to arrive at those five songs, we create a lot of music. If I have created 25 songs, and only five are chosen, what should I do with the rest? They are all great songs; ones that I believe in. Maybe they didn’t work for the filmmaker, but that does not imply that the song is bad. So, many of the songs are those that were made for films. Rangeeni was one such song. It was made for a film, but it [wasn’t used]. But, people are loving it today. Then there are some songs that I pro-actively create, keeping the album’s structure in mind.
Can you take us through the making of Azaad Collab?
It has 22 collaborators, including artistes of all [calibres]. We started off with Jubin Nautiyal and Hansika Pareek. There are songs with Neha Kakkar, Sunidhi Chauhan, Armaan Malik, Neeti Mohan, Nikita Gandhi, Shahid Mallya, and Javed Ali, among others. They are all playing 'front'. They are called playback singers, but now they are playing front. They are starring in their own videos, and in those of this album too. They are all out there, dancing, acting, performing, and grooming themselves well. Look at Armaan, Sunidhi, and Neeti—they are like rock stars, both on and off the stage. They are our country’s musical stars.
Also, Jubina and Hansikar have never been paired before. I don’t think I’ve heard them before together. That’s [a pattern] I’ve tried to retain across the album—create [a pairing] and a video that the audience has not seen before. Javed and Shahid have never been heard together before, and neither have Neeti and Asees Kaur. I’m trying these new combinations.
Every collaborator is special in their own way. Each singer has been amazing, both in the studio and on the set, while we were shooting. The shoot lasted 14 hours, and they were accommodating. I’m genuinely blessed that these artistes have agreed to do this for me. [The album’s genre] is pop, mostly. There is folk, and Sufi music too, but it’s all in the space of pop music. There are no sad, intense, or hard-hitting songs. It’s my first season. If this works, it will encourage me to do the next season in which I can experiment more. This one is smooth, easy, and colourful.
Post the pandemic, a lot of artistes of your kind, like Salim-Sulaiman and Sheykhar Ravjiani, have created their own labels. When you look at everything that’s coming out in the market, what has grabbed your attention?
We are in a democratic situation. Everybody and anybody can showcase their content easily. You simply need to record and upload it on YouTube. At our time, it was very tough. But the drawback is that today, there is no filtration process. There are a lakh singers and composers, and all are making music. Creating a song is like throwing a grain in a room full of grains. They all look the same. Only the audience will decide which one will stand out. Either it grows organically, or you will need to pump in a huge amount of money.
So, I don’t know if this boom is good or bad; it may be good for the artistes. But, to truly thrive, the artiste has to have talent, and must not be dependent on anything.
There’s a discussion on the need for better music in cinema. For instance, we’d love to hear a song like Rangeeni in a movie. Why is it that these fantastic numbers available on independent labels are not making their way to films?
That’s a vision. These days, I can’t talk about film music. I don’t know what’s going on. I only notice that things are not working very well. I have not seen such a downer in the Hindi film industry in my entire life. In the '80s, I heard there was a lull. But that too was not as bad as this is. Till 2019, things were good; we had a lot of work. After the pandemic, things haven’t picked up. Various factors would be at play. We are seeing a different side to cinema; people are not going to theatres, and OTT has also become saturated. So, where are people consuming content? Creators are putting in a lot of money, but their effort and money are going to waste. It’s sad to see that. Maybe it’s a phase; I believe it will come back up.
As someone who enjoys a successful run in the film industry, and also has a thriving label, what recommendation do you have for young artistes who look up to you?
There are exceptionally talented people in the industry today. I’m happy to hear about some of the work that people are doing. But, right now, the pie has been divided among too many people. Earlier, only a handful of people were operating in films. Today, there are 20,000 composers working for films alone. So, there share has been divided. It’s a strange place that we find ourselves in. For a track to work, you must pump in money, or [hope] it can organically grow, like Hanumankind’s song, or Gulabi sari did. It’s pure luck, sometimes.
Mukti Mohan reveals Neeti Mohan's name was omitted from Gadar 2 song
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Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 13, 2024)
A recent podcast with choreographers Remo D’Souza, Ganesh Acharya, Shakti Mohan and others, talking about them not getting credit on YouTube for many of their choreographed songs, has once again put the spotlight on the credit debate.
Weighing in on the issue, actor-choreographer Mukti Mohan says it isn’t just choreographers — even their assistants never get credit.
“The steps we see in a number — so many times, it’s the assistants who do that but their names are nowhere to be found,” she rues, lamenting that her work as an assistant choreographer for Padmaavat (2018) and Shamshera (2022), didn’t get any recognition.
But more shockingly, Mukti reveals that the name of her elder sister, singer Neeti Mohan, was omitted from the YouTube credits for Chal Tere Ishq Mein for Gadar 2 (2023).
“The credits had the actors, directors, and producers names, but her name was neither on the title nor in the credit list,” she says, adding that the power of social media and audience’s advocacy got Neeti her rightful recognition.
“She was quite upset and her morale went down. But thankfully, fans do figure out. Soon, people started commenting under the YouTube video, asking the label and production house to add Neeti’s credit because they easily recognized her voice.”
I love how different Delhi looks around Diwali-Neeti Mohan
8:17 AM
Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; November 9, 2023)
Neeti Mohan had a busy weekend in Delhi while she was here for a performance at a college in Gurgaon. The singer made the most of her brief visit to her hometown a week before Diwali and did most of her festive shopping from here.
She says, “I wanted to shop ethnic wear for my mother, so I had decided even before coming to Delhi that I would be going with her to the Greater Kailash market. I was really excited to be in Delhi around this time as I knew that I would get to experience festive vibes, every place would be decorated and lit. I love how different Delhi looks around Diwali. Har mohalla saja hota hai aur lagta hai har ghar me shaadi ho rahi hai.”
‘I wanted to take Diwali mithais from Delhi to Mumbai’
Neeti says that shopping for mithais was also part of her schedule here. “I remember on Diwali we would get so much mithai that it will take over a month to finish it. I think we would end up gaining at least 5 kgs from over - eating sweets and other delicacies on Diwali. But I love indulging in mithais and that sight of every shop extending the counters during festivals with thaals of mithai is so tempting. I would take dhoda barfi, kaju roll, kaju katli, soan papdi and lots of other mithai to Mumbai for Diwali,” says Neeti.
‘As a kid I enjoyed decorating house and visiting friends and relatives’
For Neeti, the best part about Diwali has been doing Lakshmi pujan with family and visiting friends and relatives’ homes. “I love decorating the house and then dressing up for puja in the evening with my family. We used to visit our friends and family, eat good food, party and just have fun. I have very sweet memories of Diwali and I want my son Aryaveer to experience the same joy. I think Diwali is the best festival that comes with the message of spreading happiness and prosperity,” she says.
‘We will host Diwali party at home’
Neeti will be in Mumbai for Diwali and says that she will be hosting a Diwali party at her home, which will also be her pre-anniversary bash. “We will invite friends over for a card party. I love watching my friends play cards, I am not very good at it,” Neeti adds.
My son Aryaveer claps each time he would see me on TV; that’s exciting to see-Neeti Mohan
8:44 AM
Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; July 23, 2023)
From being a contestant on a music reality show in 2003 to now being a judge on another, Neeti Mohan has come a long way. The singer, who returned to TV last year as a judge for a kids’ singing reality show, will now be one of the judges on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Neeti says she is enjoying this phase. “I think I was born for this hustle, and I thrive on it.”
She adds, “From 2003 to 2023, we have only seen singing reality shows becoming popular. So many people got opportunities and platforms because of these shows. They have given people a livelihood, and their dreams could come true because of these reality shows.”
‘As a judge, I am as real as possible’
Reality shows are often criticized for being overly dramatized, but Neeti says that as a judge, she is as real as possible with her feedback. “If someone wants to share something, we just listen to them and react, we don’t create drama. Last season, there was this talented singer, Harsh Sikandar; his voice always touched my heart. Whenever he sang, I felt strongly for that boy, and sometimes I cried as well. So we were just being real and reacting to that situation and not creating any drama,” she adds.
‘My son claps every time he sees me on TV’
Neeti says, "My son Aryaveer is two now. Last year, we introduced him to the concept of his mother being on television, and he was like, ‘Oh mumma!’ He claps each time he would see me on TV; that’s exciting to see. Music is a very important part of our household. As soon as my son wakes up, I play devotional music. We enjoy some rhymes during lunchtime and lullabies at night."
Neeti auditioned for a music, reality show, which launched her musical career with the band Aasma in 2003
Every night I compose a lullaby on the spot when I put Aryaveer to sleep-Neeti Mohan
8:21 AM
Neeti Mohan credits son Aryaveer for helping her improvise her songs; says music has become an integral part of his life too
Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 12, 2023)
After staying low-key during pregnancy and becoming a mother in 2021, singer Neeti Mohan successfully bounced back to professional life last year. Besides performing at back-to-back shows, the singer also had four film releases. Elated with how she’s balancing her time as a mother and artiste, Mohan credits her son, Aryaveer, for inspiring her as a musician.
“Every night I compose a lullaby on the spot when I put Aryaveer to sleep. This has really helped me improvise with my songs too,” says the Meri Jaan (Gangubai Kathiawadi; 2022) singer.
Mohan is glad that just like her, music has become an integral part of her son’s life, too. “Aryaveer loves music. I started singing for him when he was in my womb. I introduce everything to him with some tune or melodic phrase, even if it’s a fruit or animal. For instance, we have a song called Crow Caw Caw. So, I know when I sing that, I don’t just teach him about the crow, but also its sound. Aryaveer sits with me when I play the piano and he presses the keys. It’s a such a great feeling. We also play the guitar together. We have got some musical toys for him and he really enjoys playing with them,” says the singer.
Ask if she would like her son to become a musician when he grows up, and Mohan says, “As a mum, I want him to get exposed to as many sounds as possible. I want to introduce him to all kinds of musical notes, as they really help sharpen your brain. Ultimately, whether he becomes a musician or not will be his call.”
Sanjay Dutt’s USA tour, which was cancelled in August due to logistical reasons, to be held in March 2023
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Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 12, 2022)
Beginning with a concert in Toronto on August 19, Sanjay Dutt was to headline gigs in Dallas, Atlanta, Washington and New Jersey as part of his tour, titled Sanju Baba Chale Amerika. The actor, who was the main draw of the tour across the USA and Canada, was to be joined by Arshad Warsi, Shehnaaz Gill, Maniesh Paul, and Neeti Mohan, among others.
However, in August, mid-day had reported that the shows were abruptly cancelled (It’s a no-show, Aug 28). While some stated that the makers faced logistical issues after block dates of the artistes couldn’t be matched, others blamed it on poor ticket sales.
At the time, while the organizers issued refunds to the ticket holders, Dutt flew back to India and utilized the dates to shoot his actioner Baap. Now, it is learnt that the organizers are planning to conduct the shows next year. A source says, “The team has decided to move the tour to March 2023. Prep for the shows will start well in advance.”
When mid-day contacted the organisers, Mehboob Haider, president, Splendid Global Entertainment Inc, said, “There are rumours about the show being cancelled; these are completely false. The show is definitely on track, and has been moved to March. They will be held in the US and Canada, as planned.”
When I see contestants on reality shows, I recall my journey-Neeti Mohan
8:16 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; September 28, 2022)
Singer Neeti Mohan will soon be seen as a judge on singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs Season 9. Even though she has been a judge earlier, this is the first time that she will be judging kids. Neeti, who has been a reality show contestant in the the past, says, “Since I participated in a singing show Popstars (2003) myself, I understand what contestants go through. When I see them, I recall my own journey.”
Talking about it further, she says, “I’m from Delhi and I remember standing in a queue for hours to get an opportunity to sing. I’ve come a long way since then — I’ve sung for films, independent music and done so much more. I want to continue doing good work. I believe if one follows their heart, they can achieve their dreams.”
Neeti and her husband Nihar Pandya welcomed their son Aryaveer in June last year. She says, “I got pregnant during the lockdown. The silver lining was that my pregnancy went smoothly and I was relaxed during my postpartum period as well. So, I could resume work within three months. I was also travelling for my gigs, taking my son along whenever it was possible.”
Neeti says she wants to balance her work and home because both are important to her. “I finish my work and run to my baby to spend time with him. This is a crucial time when I have to be with my child because he needs me. Becoming a mother is such a beautiful feeling and I feel empowered. To be a mother and a musician is a fulfilling journey for me.”
Motherhood has changed her in many ways, she says. “After becoming a mother, I’ve definitely changed in a good way. And since I’m a mother now, I think the way I will deal with kids on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs will be different because I have become more sensitive. I will be empathetic towards them,” she shares.
Neeti Mohan and Shaan join hands for the remix of Mohammed Rafi’s Chura Liya Hai Tumne
8:14 AM
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; August 29, 2022)
Neeti Mohan and Shaan join hands to bring back Mohammed Rafi’s Chura Liya Hai Tumne for the young generation, and lend a contemporary twist to the classic.
Rechristened Sajaunga Lutkar Bhi, this version, says Mohan, was approached like she would a fresh song. “I have grown up listening to this song and to [revive] it with Shaan was a pleasure. This will always be memorable. I admire, and look up to him, and he sounds amazing in this track. We wanted to make it sound young and fresh, and we tried to sing it [by employing an] RnB [flavour]. Dharan Kumar [composer] has made it more youthful,” she says, adding that with this number being “more groovy”, listeners can now dance to a track that they could, until now, only sing.
No longer apprehensive about revisiting old classics, Mohan says singers benefit from paying heed to a composer’s vision. “What was created earlier was suited for that era. Each composer offers a fresh take. It is subjective. Here, the melodic content is high; this one has a certain tease attached with it too.”
After Jiya Re released, I had applied to go to a music school. A R Rahman told me to not go anywhere-Neeti Mohan
8:15 AM
Masumi Shah (BOMBAY TIMES; June 22, 2022)
From debuting as a band member of Aasma (its members were the winners of the reality show Popstars) to crooning Bollywood chartbusters like Sau Aasmaan (Baar Baar Dekho), Meri Jaan (Gangubai Kathiawadi) and Nainowale (Padmaavat) and collaborating with globally reputed artistes, Neeti Mohan has come a long way in her nearly two-decade-long career. One of the artistes she has had a long association with is A R Rahman.
Talking about the composer, she says, “I’ve been performing with A R Rahman sir for 15 years and it is always such a beautiful experience. I really look up to him as an artiste and a human being. In fact, after Jiya Re from Jab Tak Hai Jaan released, I had applied to go to a music school and study abroad. But when it became a hit, I was in two minds about whether to go or explore playback singing. When I reached out to him, he told me, ‘You have a hit song now, you are going to get more, stay here.’”
‘MOTHERHOOD IS THE MOST AMAZING THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME’
Aryaveer, Neeti’s one-year-old son, keeps her busy when she’s not working. “Motherhood is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me,” she says. When recordings were halted due to Coronavirus, the new mother had shifted to her home studio for a while for recordings and now, she feels it offers her flexibility and “has worked out well.”
Talking about striking a work-life balance, she adds, “When I am travelling for work, I focus just on that and at home, I give all my attention to my son. I am lucky because my mother-in-law helps a lot whenever I am not at home.”
Neeti says it was a great experience to collaborate with her sisters Shakti and Mukti for the single Naari. She shares, “We’re the best working partners. Also, the way they look after my child is a blessing. ”
‘BEING A PART OF A BAND TAUGHT ME A LOT’
Talking about how the band Aasma, which recently completed 19 years, shaped her as a musician, Neeti says, “If Aasma had not happened, I wouldn’t have moved to Mumbai. I am really grateful for the experiences I acquired through the band. I never knew Western music but through the members, I learned a lot about it, which helped later in my career.”
Does she think the band would have enjoyed the same success today? She says, “Being part of a band is a difficult thing because every artiste has a different persona. That is the reason many artistes go solo. But I believe Aasma came to me at the right time because currently, it is more about solo artistes than bands in India.”
Neeti Mohan gets back to the studio 15 days after giving birth
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The singer says that she is able to maintain her work-life balance swiftly and smoothly
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 25, 2021)
It has been just over 20 days since Neeti Mohan delivered a baby boy, and she is back in the recording studio weaving together a musical story through her voice. She admits that work from home has enabled her to resume work fast.
“Last week, I started recording. That was the first time when I was away from him (her son Aryaveer). I kept thinking ke woh kaisa hai, is he crying, will he be okay. But I thought it was pretty smooth to manage my recording at home and be with him when he needed me. I could bring him inside my home studio, feed him and do my things and he can chill in his jhulla,” Mohan tells us.
The Ishq Wala Love hitmaker, who gave birth on June 2, feels “pregnancy, delivery and becoming a mother is such a beautiful time for any woman and we should celebrate it”. But that doesn’t mean putting work on the back burner.
“Of course, a woman’s body goes through a huge change and you have to rest a lot. I am resting a lot. But at the same time, I started feeling okay to start recording. The good part is that we are at home and you can take your own time. Maybe, I am not comfortable with going to a studio yet,” admits the 41-year-old.
However, she is still getting a hang of it, and describes it as “so far so good”. “Working from home has been a silver lining in the Coronavirus pandemic. It is good that I had a baby right now. I know it was scary but I am getting to spend enough time with my baby since there are no concerts,” she says, adding, “On the other hand, I am hoping that things will open up soon and then I will travel with my baby, and do concerts that will be so cool.”
Till then, she is waiting for her doctor to give her a go ahead to get vaccinated, and making sure her baby is safe in these uncertain times.
Going on to explain, Mohan says, “It is because of the current situation that we have not met anyone. Even in our house, only me and my husband (Nihaar Pandya) are allowed to be around him without masks, rest everybody wears a mask when they meet him”.
“He is so tiny abhi, and doesn’t have enough immunity. I am not stepping out, neither is he, and family members are taking all the precautions,” she ends.
Shreya Ghoshal, Neeti Mohan and I kept in touch throughout our pregnancies-Harshdeep Kaur
7:44 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 3, 2021)
Harshdeep Kaur welcomed her son, Hunar, on March 3. While it’s just been three months since she embraced motherhood, the singer has already learnt to strike a balance between her personal and professional life. “Earlier, I used to just do my riyaaz and recordings at home, but now, I sing to him (Hunar) all the time. That way, I’m composing new songs and lullabies. Sometimes, when he sleeps, I quickly record a song in my home studio,” she says.
Delivering a baby during a pandemic is no cakewalk, and Kaur admits she was worried to step out for check-ups: “But, we took all precautions, and our doctor was very encouraging. Another thing I was worried about was my vaccination, but I’m happy that they’re vaccinating lactating mothers now.”
The Mere Baabula (Jawaani Jaaneman; 2020) singer has also been sharing tips with “close” friends — singers Shreya Ghoshal, who delivered a baby boy last month, and Neeti Mohan, who is currently in her final trimester.
“We kept in touch throughout our pregnancies,” Kaur continues, “When I told Neeti that I’m going to be a mother, she kept my hand over her belly and told me she is pregnant as well... She keeps asking about my delivery experience, things she should pack in her hospital bag. As for Shreya, I was very concerned and kept checking on her.”
Neeti, Shakti, Mukti Mohan in self-isolation after returning from Australia
8:31 AM
Pallabi Purkayastha (BOMBAY TIMES; March 26, 2020)
Bollywood singer Neeti Mohan and her dancer siblings Shakti and Mukti are in self-isolation these days. The Mohan sisters, as they are popularly known, along with Neeti’s husband Nihaar Pandya (right), had gone to Australia on March 6 to support the ICC T20 Women’s Cricket Team. However, they returned home within days after Hollywood star Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, tested positive for Coronavirus Down Under.‘WE HAVE RESPONSIBLY QUARANTINED OURSELVES’
Mukti says, “Shakti di, Neeti di, my brother-in-law and I had gone to Australia to support the women’s cricket team. We had also planned to visit some other places in Australia after the match, but when we heard that Tom Hanks was in the same city as us and he had tested positive for coronavirus, we returned home immediately. We haven’t met our parents since then.”
“All four of us are in isolation at a farmhouse owned by Nihaar’s family. It has been 13 days since we have responsibly quarantined ourselves,” says Mukti from her isolation den, which is situated in the outskirts of the city.
The family had to drive down from Sydney to Brisbane overnight to catch their last-minute flights. Nihaar recalls, “After Tom Hanks and another Indian in Melbourne tested positive, I called up my brother, and he asked us to either stay in Australia till the crisis subsides (which could have taken months) or take the next flight to Mumbai. So, we decided to rush back home and had to travel from Brisbane to Singapore, then Dubai and finally, Mumbai. It was scary to see the airports nearly empty, but the authorities were helpful. When we landed in Mumbai on March 13, we thought that we might be stuck for hours, but it went pretty smooth and after the temperature tests, we were allowed to leave. For the initial three-four days, we stayed in an apartment in Andheri, where Neeti’s parents used to live earlier. Later, we shifted to a remote location on the outskirts of Mumbai and have been living here since.”
Neeti adds, “When the BMC authorities got to know our travel history, they started checking on us every two days. Throughout this period, we made sure not to come in touch with anyone, not even our parents! They are anxious, but I guess they are seeking comfort in the fact that we manage to stay in touch through video calls.”
‘WE HAD FUN THROUGHOUT’
While self-quarantine can be boring, the quartet ensured that they kept themselves entertained. “Since we come from a family of singers, dancers and actors, we were constantly having fun by singing, practising splits and what not,” says Shakti.
“The best part is that we kept each other in good spirits. The isolation will be over today, but we had fun throughout,” concludes Mukti.
Check out Anil Kapoor, Pulkit Samrat, Kriti Kharbanda shooting for Arabian-themed song in Pagalpanti
8:16 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 23, 2019)
Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda, whose romance blossomed in London on the sets of their upcoming film, the Bhushan Kumar-produced multi-starrer comedy, Pagalpanti, reunited last week to shoot for a song in a city studio. The actor-couple was joined by co-stars Anil Kapoor and Saurabh Shukla.
According to a source close to the development, the yet-untitled song features the couple in colour-coordinated Middle Eastern-costumes. While Pulkit wore a heavily embroidered attire with hand chains and a neckpiece, his eyes streaked with kohl, Kriti was dressed in Badlah, an Egyptian folklore costume worn by belly dancers. “This dance number has an Arabic feel to it and the costumes were custom-made for the track,” adds the source.
Before the four-day shoot, the duo rehearsed their moves on the studio premises for two days. “This is Kriti’s first attempt at belly-dancing. She practiced for up to seven hours a day to match the professional belly-dancers who had been flown in from Qatar and Dubai,” the source reveals. The dance number, which also features over a hundred background dancers, is choreographed by Ganesh Acharya, while Nakash Aziz and Neeti Mohan have given playback.
The Anees Bazmee directorial is headlined by John Abraham and also features Ileana D’Cruz and Arshad Warsi.
Image: Jacqueline Fernandez and Prabhas sizzle in Saaho’s Bad Boy
8:23 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; August 19, 2019)
Actress Jacqueline Fernandez recently shot a special song for Saaho with Prabhas in Austria. The number, titled Bad Boy, was shot over two-and-a-half days with virtually no time for rehearsals before the shoot. Sung by Badshah (who has also penned the track) and Neeti Mohan, the song comes close on the heels of a crucial fight sequence in the bilingual action-thriller. Talking about the song and working with Prabhas, Jacqueline said, “Prabhas works relentlessly till he gets things right. It was crazy and fun. Though there is action around the song and I love throwing in kicks and punches, I’m not part of any action sequences here. I was just very nervous as to how we’d do this because I had to get my Telugu lines right. I couldn’t do it without being fully ready, but I was pleasantly surprised that I could nail my lines in the first take.”
Jacqueline, who was in Europe for another professional commitment, met the team of Saaho in Croatia. “As much as I like rehearsing for all my songs in advance, there was no scope for that here. I was already shooting for something else when this opportunity came my way. I just wanted to team up with Prabhas in some capacity, and I was excited when this song was offered to me. So, we started shooting in the second half of the day and over the next two days wrapped it up,” said Jacqueline, adding, “We went into this song completely blindfolded, and yet, it’s turned out very well. It’s the first time that I worked with a team down South, and I was amazed that they work at such a fast pace. They’re so professional and well-prepared. Prabhas rehearsed all his moves with me on the set till he had nailed it.”
Tahira is my pillar of support-Aparshakti Khurana
7:51 AM
Delighted to have sister-in-law Tahira Kashyap helm his debut single, Kudiya Ni, Aparshakti Khurana on venturing into music
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 28, 2019)
Talking about growing up in the midst of parents and grandparents who celebrated music, Ayushmann Khurrana, in a previous interview with mid-day, had revealed that the art was always at the forefront in his family.Khurrana's actor-brother Aparshakti then doesn't take us by surprise when discussing venturing into singing with the release of his first single, Kudiya Ni. Taking to Instagram to share short videos of him belting out popular tracks, Khurana's decision to create a single stemmed from the subsequent acclaim he earned from fans.
"I want to thank all those involved in the process of making this single, including arrangers John Edward Eduri and Aditya Dev, and co-singer Neeti Mohan. Having featured with Sargun Mehta in the song, I can say that she made me look good," says Aparshakti of the track that has been helmed by his sister-in-law, Tahira Kashyap.
Referring to Kashyap as his "pillar of support", the actor says she could be credited for ensuring a smooth filming process. "[She brought] an energetic vibe on set; everyone was driven."
Set to release on May 31, the track was primarily shot in Chandigarh.
Varun Dhawan turns TV host for a segment in Rising Star 3
8:59 AM
A reality show will see the actor indulge in some banter and dumb charades for a segment
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 6, 2019)
Over the weekend, Varun Dhawan takes on a new role on camera. The 31-year-old actor, who is up for a guest turn on the singling reality show Rising Star 3, which has musicians Shankar Mahadevan, Diljit Dosanjh and Neeti Mohan on its judges’ panel, will be taking over the hosting duties for the episode.
According to a source close to the development, the actor will anchor a segment with Aditya Narayan. “It will have the duo indulge in some banter. Aditya and Varun will also play some dumb charades with each other but with a twist. Judge Neeti who has given playback for Varun and Kiara (Advani’s) song ‘First Class’ in the film (Kalank) will croon it with the three actors shaking a leg,” the source added.
Varun’s co-star Alia Bhatt, who will be present alongside Aditya Roy Kapur, is also expected to perform on “Ghar More Pardesiya”.
After a grand wedding in Hyderabad, Neeti Mohan and Nihar Pandya postpone reception
8:07 AM
Singer Neeti Mohan and actor Nihar Pandya exchanged vows in a star-studded ceremony attended by Bollywood biggies
BOMBAY TIMES (February 20, 2019)
Popular singer Neeti Mohan tied the knot with long-term boyfriend and actor, Nihar Pandya in a grand ceremony at a heritage hotel in Hyderabad recently. The couple, who exchanged the wedding vows in presence of family and close friends, has however reportedly postponed their wedding reception after Neeti’s father was admitted to a hospital following ill health.The pre-wedding ceremonies — engagement, mehendi and sangeet — that took place in another five star in Banraja Hills a day before, were attended by a host of celebrities from Bollywood that included actor Ayushmann Khurrana, his wife Tahira Kashyap, brother Aparshakti Khurana, tennis ace Sania Mirza and her sister Anam among others.
Keeping up with the Bollywood theme of the sangeet, a host of Neeti’s colleagues from the industry — Benny Dayal, Jonita Gandhi and Ayushmann — enthralled the guests with their electrifying performances during the ceremony.
After the colourful soirees, the couple tied the knot in a white-themed wedding ceremony, pictures of which are yet to be released. Ditching the mainstream trend of having a pre-wedding photo shoot with her beau before the wedding, Neeti decided to honour the ‘sisters before misters’ pact by having a photo session with her sisters — Mukti, Shakti and Kriti before the wedding. Holding placards brandishing the hastag — #NotWithoutMyMohans, the Mohan sisters looked like a million bucks as they posed donning sarees and lehengas in shades of blue and lilac.
In one of the pictures posted by Shakti on her social media handle, Neeti looked stunning in a blue lehenga with gold and silver shimmer work which she complemented with sneakers. Shakti posted a caption to go with the pic saying: “We will not let you go Didi (sic).” The pictures went viral in no time with fans wishing the singer all the luck for her new journey.
We are caterers of mediocrity-Rekha Bhardwaj
8:28 AM
Rekha Bharadwaj breaks down why the finesse in the independent music industry isn't arguably translating to Bollywood
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; February 18, 2019)
Ashe chronicles the goings-on in the Bollywood music industry, Rekha Bhardwaj sprinkles this conversation by drawing examples of artistes and films, spanning decades. Her fine observation skills and deep understanding of cinema trends are made evident, even though she isn't one to go to town when critiquing the industry. Set to serenade fans on an upcoming episode of MTV Unplugged, Bharadwaj talks to mid-day about the reason behind the increasing gap in the quality of music being churned out in and out of the film industry.
Edited excerpts from the interview:
There is a lot of talent in the independent music scene. Why do you think that quality arguably isn't translating to Bollywood music?
[Independent music] platforms still have a long way to go [before they can become popular]. Abroad, an artiste first releases an album, then the song is picked up for a film. But, songs are an integral part of our films, [and hence] we have incorporated film songs [on this platform too], to meet the demand. We are, primarily, a melodramatic society, and caterers of mediocrity. A majority of our population appreciates mediocrity, and that's why it exists in films and fine arts. Also, since crores are invested in films, certain requirements must be met. Today, the film business is a three-day affair, governed by collections from Friday through Sunday. Few are [driven] by a creative pursuit. The independent music genre has come to the fore after 20 years. I struggled for 11 years to release the album that was to launch me. There's a lot that we have to do to put up the quality [of music] that we desire. Rural audience won't appreciate sophisticated music. They would prefer folk music, while the youngsters would, maybe, choose noisy tunes. Remixes too are horribly executed. They are derogatory to the original classic.
How do you suggest that can change?
Artistes should be more concerned about content, [which comprises] language, diction and musicality. The younger musicians must educate themselves about our musical heritage. Also, [a lot depends on] aesthetics. I've sung many item songs, and am proud of all of them, including Namak Ishq Ka, and Ghagra. When Gulzar sa'ab writes a naughty, raunchy song, you will still find it aesthetically appealing. Aesthetics must be maintained in the lyrics, composition and rendition.
Is the industry receptive of singers with unique voices, like your own?
After Namak Ishq Ka, a lot has changed. The younger lot of composers have a background in Western music, and are hence open to experimenting with all sort of voices. Jagga Jasoos, for instance, had so many new voices, and a beautiful range of singing. Also, pronunciation must be paid heed to. For example, in Bombay Velvet, all the songs were nice. Some singers, like Neeti Mohan, paid attention to diction. When singing in Urdu, one should be certain to pronounce correctly. Neeti was, while a few others weren't. When the diction is correct, 60 per cent of your job as a singer is done. Unfortunately, even lyricist don't care if their words are being pronounced right. We pay heed to accents and pronunciation when singing English numbers. But, Hindi songs are tackled with carelessness.
You've often spoken positively about the influence of Western music in India. Why is that so?
This is something that was even evident in old music. In fact, earlier, Catholic musicians from Goa formed a major part of our industry. If you listen to older melodies, like Madan Mohan's Khelo Na Mere Dil Se, you'll notice that the introductory music will not reveal the melody that comes in later. The music arrangers then were classically trained in Western music, and also understood Indian nuances. The young generation is talented since they are exposed to all genres. But, there's a thin line between good and bad influences.
How does a platform like MTV Unplugged benefit the industry?
When a song is composed for a film, it's based on situations. Here, we're not bound by demands. I've recreated Darling [for the show], and used a brass section. There are two originals too, one of them being an Amrita Pritam poem.
Neeti Mohan, Nihar Pandya to tie the knot on Valentine’s Day
8:04 AM
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 31, 2019)
After playing hide-and-seek with the media to evade questions on their upcoming nuptials, singer Neeti Mohan and model-actor Nihar Pandya have decided to talk about their relationship. In an upcoming guest turn on The Kapil Sharma Show, the soon-towed couple confirms that they are scheduled to tie the knot on Valentine’s Day in the presence of family and friends.
During the show, the duo also divulges details of their courtship. According to Nihar, who met Neeti a year ago, he was in love with the crooner even before their first meeting. “A friend of mine was a member of Aasma, the band that Neeti was a part of at the beginning of her career. I asked him several times to introduce us but that never happened. Coincidentally, I met her in Goa at the same friend’s wedding almost a year ago, and that’s when our love story started,” he informs.
When Kapil asks them to reveal who made the proposal, Nihar goes down on one knee to recreate the moment. “We were taking a stroll around my farmhouse and upon reaching a pre-decided spot under a tree, I went down on one knee and asked her, ‘Tu shaadi karegi mujhse?’ and at that very moment a phoolon ki baarish happened,” he says.
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