Showing posts with label Neeti Mohan interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neeti Mohan interview. 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.”
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
7:55 AM
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.
I feel artistes should not get married-Alka Yagnik
9:10 AM
Alka Yagnik tells the story behind the yesteryear hit to interviewer Neeti Mohan
Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; July 9, 2018)
While Neeti Mohan is in awe of her senior, Alka Yagnik, the veteran is all praise for the young star and how newer singers are confident about their skills. As they settle for an interview peppered with music at a Juhu five-star, they walk each other through their musical journeys. Edited excerpts from the tete-a-tete:
Neeti to Alka
You redefined how singers carry themselves. Before you, few female singers would pay attention to dressing.
I am fond of good clothes and accessories, and I like to dress up. Earlier, for almost 15 years, my life was limited to home and studio. I would record five songs daily, and do stage shows occasionally. Later, when I started getting a little more time for myself, main apne shauk poore karne lagi.
At stage shows earlier, singers were only expected to perform well, with little attention paid to their dressing. But today, the spotlight is also on your appearance when you perform live.
Earlier, media was not so active and you wouldn't be clicked wherever you went. I did several shows with Kalyanji-Anandji and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. They taught me how to conduct myself on stage. Gradually, I started speaking to the audience. Back then, so much importance was not given to outfits, background dancers and presentation. I was a shy person. I could let go of my inhibitions only when I was in front of the mic. Now, I am a changed person on stage. I make the audience laugh.
(Mohan adds)
I experience something similar when I perform live — mere andar ki diva unleash ho jaati hai.
Do you feel singers are also actors?
Absolutely! Performing arts are always connected. You have to be an actor to be a good singer. When I sing a song, the actor in me comes out as I emote for the track. Actors also have a singer in them. Unless they have an idea of rhythm and sur,how will they dance to a song?
You said you would record five songs daily. How did you take care of your voice?
I had tonsillitis since childhood. My doctor suggested not to get it operated as my tonal quality would change. So, I had to live with tonsillitis attacks. The good thing was that the more I would sing, meri awaz utni hi khulti thi. Some artistes get tired after singing a couple of songs, but my voice used to blossom.
Do you remember recording a song with a bad voice?
When I had to record Ek Do Teen [Tezaab, 1988], I could barely talk. The song required strong throw, and we didn't have technical help those days. Mehboob Studio was filled with musicians that day — there was a 45-member chorus and around 100 instrumentalists. I told Laxmiji [of Laxmikant-Pyarelal] that I was not in a state to sing. He said, “Aap socho hi mat uske baare mein, aur bas gaao.” Though we had to finish recording before 12 am, we hadn't had a single take till 11.30 pm because balancing all the instruments was taking long. Finally, when it was all set up, Laxmiji said, “Alkaji, sing a rough version today. We will dub your voice again.” I belted out the number in one go. But that dubbing never happened. He was so happy with the song that he said, “Agar aapko lagta hai is gaane mein aapka gala kharab hai, to aap mera har gaana kharab gale se gaao.”
I read that when Osama Bin Laden's Abbottabad house was raided in 2011, hundreds of your song recordings were found.
Somebody had told me when this was reported. I felt weird. I think maybe he too had an artiste inside him (laughs).
Have you ever thought of teaching music?
Music cannot be taught. Either you are a singer or you're not. I always guide singers who need help. Over the years, I've done so many reality shows, and the participants often send me their works or come over to my home for suggestions.
Alka to Neeti
Do you plan to get married?
It has been on my mind of late. I hope to get into a relationship now.
(Yagnik adds)
I feel artistes should not get married. An artiste's life is erratic and most of them are moody. In such cases, the partner has a tough time adjusting to his/her moods and schedules. Even Ashaji [Bhosle] often says kalakaaron ko shaadi nahin karni chahiye.
(Mohan)
I have been in a relationship with my music and career. I am so busy that I don't have time for a guy in my life.
(Yagnik)
I got married early and my daughter [Syesha Kapoor] was born within a year. It was around the same time that Ek Do Teen and Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) released, and my career took off. I used to feel guilty that I wasn't able to devote time to my husband and her.
What kind of songs are your forte?
I don't know my forte yet. As a kid, I used to sing a lot of Hindustani classical songs and bhajans. When I went to a boarding school in Pilani, Rajasthan, I learnt folk music. I was there for seven years and would hear local women sing Marwari songs.
Did you always want to become a singer?
As a kid, I loved being on stage - be it acting, singing or dancing. I could never pick one, so I would often be in a fix. We used to have an hour-long extracurricular class daily. My dramatics, music and dance teachers would fight over me for their respective sessions. I struggled to figure out what I enjoyed the most. Eventually, I realised that when I sing, I get to do all three things - sing, dance and act - together. That's when I decided to participate in a singing reality show. I recently performed with A R Rahman sir in Kochi. I sang Jiya Jale Jaan Jale live and put up a Bharatanatyam act for it. It was fulfilling.
You need to move on. You can’t be single all your life-Neeti Mohan
7:44 AM
Singer Neeti Mohan won’t tie the knot without her family’s consent; is open to acting in films
Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; October 31, 2016)
From being someone whose voice was her only identity to becoming a recognisable face in Indian homes, Neeti Mohan is a singer who understands the power of television. She was one of the mentors on The Voice India Kids (along with Shaan and Shekhar Ravjiani) which wrapped up its first season. In fact, Neeti is on cloud nine because Nishtha Sharma from her team was announced the winner. “This was my debut on Indian television. And now, anywhere I go — Ladakh or the Mumbai airport — people recognize me,” says an elated Neeti.
While she has hits like Ishq Wala Love, Jiya Re, Kashmir Main Tu Kanyakumari and Bang Bang to her credit, the singer still likes to call herself a ‘beginner’. “I believe music is a journey. There’s no destination that you can reach as a musician. You learn throughout your life,” says Neeti, who wants to spread her wings and explore non-film music now. “Apart from Bollywood, I am equally interested in independent music. I enjoy writing and composing songs,” she adds.
Keen to act in films
Many Indian singers have ventured into acting. Does facing the camera interest her? “I do get acting offers, and sometimes, they are really interesting. Whether it’s singing, dancing or acting, performing arts have been my forte since childhood. I don’t see myself acting in the near future, but if an extraordinary and inspiring role comes my way, I will give it a shot.”
The family girl
Ask the singer if she plans to tie the knot anytime soon, and Neeti laughs. “I am married to music. But I agree, you need to move on. You can’t be single all your life. Marriages are made in heaven and whenever my family gives the signal, it will happen. I will only marry a guy my family approves of.”
Neeti says she would love to collaborate with her sister, choreographer Shakti Mohan. “We think alike as artistes and we stand for certain causes. We want to work together, but the project has to be right, where dancing and singing can be fused. Something we feel strongly for is women’s empowerment and education of the girl child. We have just collaborated for a film on breast cancer awareness, so let’s see what comes up next.”
Christina Grimmie's murder: Indian singers talk about security concerns in India
8:31 AM
Singers weigh in on security concerns while performing in India, in light of the recent murder of Christina Grimmie by a fan
Bryan Durham (DNA; July 3, 2016)
Fans and admirers are an unpredictable lot. At their best, they stand one as armies that cannot bear even the slightest slight against their idol; at their worst, the same idols need to take out restraining orders against them. Worse still, tragic incidents occur around gigs and concerts, with the idol at the receiving end of a fan’s attention and cruel intentions. Former The Voice USA contestant Christina Grimmie found out the hard way at a club where she was performing, that an enamoured fan had managed to smuggle a gun into the venue where she was playing. He shot her dead.
As artists in this country will tell you, most people in most places and venues are the best kind. But, at times, in certain places, crowds do get unruly. For example, earlier this year, a DJ was shot dead in North India for not playing a request. But by and large, such incidents are few and far between. We asked young, popular singers with legions of fans what their security concerns were and what precautions, if any, could be taken...
Shalmali Kholgade
Frankly, I haven’t imagined a situation like this, arising in my career. At least, not at this point. I have admirers and fans, but I have always assumed they are realistic in their idea of who I am. Having said that, during a government festival, college show or any public gig, it is important to have adequate security to avoid any unruly behaviour. My manager has the final say in what is safe for me to do and what not. I don’t question her judgement.
Anushka Manchanda
I usually don’t feel threatened during, before and after a concert. Sometimes there are huge crowds which are pushing and pulling, but I always have big, beefy security guards who are very vigilant, and my manager and team are super protective about me because I’m totally out there and never hold back. In different parts of the country and at different shows, the audience is always different. I would be more careful at a public show than a corporate one, or in the North of India than in the South. Danger can come from anywhere in any form. All you can do is be careful and not incite or invite trouble.
Neeti Mohan
This kind of an incident can happen to anyone irrespective of the quality of security measures undertaken, since artists generally get up, close and personal with fans at public events and there’s a high risk of threat to life when it comes to any public figure. However security measures such as screening of all fans at entry points with metal detectors, assigned artist security personnel, personalised electronic gate passes for all crew members, sniffer dogs at key access points, screening of meet-and-greet fans is a must. I would even go the extent of suggesting artists wearing bullet-proof jackets, artist’s families being insured and organisers ensuring all ticket holders have a clean police record. Artists in India don’t have standalone security riders really and that would be a great start to things. The basic requirement of venues being patrolled by local police and then being cordoned off 12 hours before a show is a must, with sound check happening only 24 hours before the show instead of the general norm of an hour before the show. Backstage green rooms should have strict regulations minus the ad hoc walk-ins and the live stage should also have armed personnel and not just stage managers. But I think, at the end of the day, if someone is mentally unfit, the chances are he or she will find a way to do something socially unacceptable. At the end of it, artists and fans are very closely integrated and no amount of monitoring can really protect an artist from a calamity of this sort.
Jasmine Sandlas
What happened to Christina Gimmie is heart-breaking. I pray that her loved ones find solace in the memories that they have shared together. As a performer, this incident doesn’t motivate me to necessarily beef up my security but it reveals to me that there should be an effort to increase awareness of mental health issues and treatments. I feel that there are many signs of distress before an act of violence is committed. It’s important to recognize these signs and get professional help before it’s too late. This way, we can combat the bigger issue at hand. I hope something like this never happens to anyone again.
Shipra Goyal
Often, I get to hear news of skyfires (celebratory gunfire), at our very own Indian weddings, which sometimes end up in untoward accidents. We all are aware of this. Not only weddings, though. Apparently, clubs in the metros are not safe either becasue sometimes one hears of people entering with guns. So, as an artist, it scares me, if the venue I am going to be performing at, a history of such incidents. I clearly refuse to go onstage Or the event managers or organising people they have to make sure of my security and remove any alien element or threat present in my audience. For security reasons, I have my personal bouncers present with me during all my shows. But yes I feel there is a strong need for change in regard to security of artists across the globe because not just this one case, there have been numerous of artists shot down dead while performing in Punjab or Pakistan, too!
Bryan Durham (DNA; July 3, 2016)
Fans and admirers are an unpredictable lot. At their best, they stand one as armies that cannot bear even the slightest slight against their idol; at their worst, the same idols need to take out restraining orders against them. Worse still, tragic incidents occur around gigs and concerts, with the idol at the receiving end of a fan’s attention and cruel intentions. Former The Voice USA contestant Christina Grimmie found out the hard way at a club where she was performing, that an enamoured fan had managed to smuggle a gun into the venue where she was playing. He shot her dead.
As artists in this country will tell you, most people in most places and venues are the best kind. But, at times, in certain places, crowds do get unruly. For example, earlier this year, a DJ was shot dead in North India for not playing a request. But by and large, such incidents are few and far between. We asked young, popular singers with legions of fans what their security concerns were and what precautions, if any, could be taken...
Shalmali Kholgade
Frankly, I haven’t imagined a situation like this, arising in my career. At least, not at this point. I have admirers and fans, but I have always assumed they are realistic in their idea of who I am. Having said that, during a government festival, college show or any public gig, it is important to have adequate security to avoid any unruly behaviour. My manager has the final say in what is safe for me to do and what not. I don’t question her judgement.
Anushka Manchanda
I usually don’t feel threatened during, before and after a concert. Sometimes there are huge crowds which are pushing and pulling, but I always have big, beefy security guards who are very vigilant, and my manager and team are super protective about me because I’m totally out there and never hold back. In different parts of the country and at different shows, the audience is always different. I would be more careful at a public show than a corporate one, or in the North of India than in the South. Danger can come from anywhere in any form. All you can do is be careful and not incite or invite trouble.
Neeti Mohan
This kind of an incident can happen to anyone irrespective of the quality of security measures undertaken, since artists generally get up, close and personal with fans at public events and there’s a high risk of threat to life when it comes to any public figure. However security measures such as screening of all fans at entry points with metal detectors, assigned artist security personnel, personalised electronic gate passes for all crew members, sniffer dogs at key access points, screening of meet-and-greet fans is a must. I would even go the extent of suggesting artists wearing bullet-proof jackets, artist’s families being insured and organisers ensuring all ticket holders have a clean police record. Artists in India don’t have standalone security riders really and that would be a great start to things. The basic requirement of venues being patrolled by local police and then being cordoned off 12 hours before a show is a must, with sound check happening only 24 hours before the show instead of the general norm of an hour before the show. Backstage green rooms should have strict regulations minus the ad hoc walk-ins and the live stage should also have armed personnel and not just stage managers. But I think, at the end of the day, if someone is mentally unfit, the chances are he or she will find a way to do something socially unacceptable. At the end of it, artists and fans are very closely integrated and no amount of monitoring can really protect an artist from a calamity of this sort.
Jasmine Sandlas
What happened to Christina Gimmie is heart-breaking. I pray that her loved ones find solace in the memories that they have shared together. As a performer, this incident doesn’t motivate me to necessarily beef up my security but it reveals to me that there should be an effort to increase awareness of mental health issues and treatments. I feel that there are many signs of distress before an act of violence is committed. It’s important to recognize these signs and get professional help before it’s too late. This way, we can combat the bigger issue at hand. I hope something like this never happens to anyone again.
Shipra Goyal
Often, I get to hear news of skyfires (celebratory gunfire), at our very own Indian weddings, which sometimes end up in untoward accidents. We all are aware of this. Not only weddings, though. Apparently, clubs in the metros are not safe either becasue sometimes one hears of people entering with guns. So, as an artist, it scares me, if the venue I am going to be performing at, a history of such incidents. I clearly refuse to go onstage Or the event managers or organising people they have to make sure of my security and remove any alien element or threat present in my audience. For security reasons, I have my personal bouncers present with me during all my shows. But yes I feel there is a strong need for change in regard to security of artists across the globe because not just this one case, there have been numerous of artists shot down dead while performing in Punjab or Pakistan, too!
As a trained vocalist, I'd love to sing bhajans-Neeti Mohan
7:37 AM
Neeti Mohan, who's excited about her upbeat numbers in Sanam Teri Kasam, tells us about the genres she wants to experiment with
Lakshmi V (BOMBAY TIMES; January 29, 2016)
This year promises a lot of
travel for Neeti Mohan. The singer has already been part of two of AR
Rahman's concerts this month and is already gearing up for her next with
the composer. “We have one in Madurai (Tamil Nadu) this weekend. It's
such an honour to share the stage with Rahman; I've done two world tours
and about 60 concerts with him. I'm also excited about performing with
Amit Trivedi at a concert, and the US tour with Vishal-Shekhar,“ begins
an excited Neeti. In a chat with us, the exu berant singer tells us how
she's happy that her songs in Sanam Teri Kasam have been received well
and reveals what helps her build a good rapport with composers.
Tell us about the songs you've sung in Sanam Teri Kasam.
Recording for the album was actually an interesting experience. I'd sung these songs really long ago and that too, in different months. So, I had no idea they were all part of the same film. While Kheech Meri Photo is a fun number, Haal E-Dil is melodic. Ek Number is a kind of fusion of R&B and Hip Hop. While Himesh (Reshammiya), who's composed the album, infused some rap, he made me write as well. This has been a very creative journey.
You've collaborated with Himesh on many albums. What kind of equation do the two of you share?
The first time I worked with Himesh was for Kick; I'd sung Tu Hi Tu for him. What I really like about him is that he gives me a different kind of song every time - semi classical, peppy, slow numbers. He understands the uniqueness of a person's voice and taps it well. I believe that it's music that connects two musicians. For two people to work well together, they need to bond over that song. I share a good equation with all the composers I've worked with; each one has guided me and taught me how to approach a song differently.
Is there any genre you'd like to experiment with?
I'm lucky to have done almost all kinds of songs -Jiya Re (Jab Tak Hai Jaan) was high on energy, Tune Maari Entriyaan (Gunday) was a dance number, Tumhe Apna Banane Ka (Hate Story 3) was a seductive romantic song and I even got to explore jazz in Bombay Velvet. But as a trained vocalist, I'd love to sing bhajans!
Does it bother you when the movies for which you've sung don't do well at the box office? For instance, songs of Bombay Velvet were appreciated, but the film didn't meet commercial expectations.
It was a period musical drama, and we'd done a lot of research for it. Amit (Trivedi, composer) and I attended workshops, saw documentaries and recorded most of the songs live. In fact, that was the first time that I'd read the script of a film! I enjoyed the whole process of working on the movie. Of course you feel disappointed when the reach of your movie isn't as big as you expect it to be, but the experiences make you richer. I got so much of love from people for the songs, especially Dhadaam Dhadaam.
Singles have made a comeback. Are you planning one any time soon?
Doing a single is liberating. It helps you express yourself better without any restrictions. I had actually composed, sung and co-wrote Udne De with dad (Brij Mohan Sharma) and Manoj Yadav last year. It was my dedication to Nirbhaya and I had released the number online. My sisters (Mukti Mohan, Shakti Mohan and Kriti Mohan) had also worked on this number. I've done singles before, and will plan more soon.
How important is it to have classical training if one wants to attempt playback singing?
I learnt Hindustani and it has helped me a lot. Our music is technically sound and it helps you learn other forms faster. I had to learn jazz and Western for movies, and I found it very easy.
Are reality shows still a good platform for aspiring singers?
Both my sisters and I are products of reality shows - I was one of the winners of Popstars, Shakti won Dance India Dance and Mukti, Zara Nachke Dikha. I would probably not have made it here if not for reality shows. It helps you connect with and learn from the right people.
Tell us about the songs you've sung in Sanam Teri Kasam.
Recording for the album was actually an interesting experience. I'd sung these songs really long ago and that too, in different months. So, I had no idea they were all part of the same film. While Kheech Meri Photo is a fun number, Haal E-Dil is melodic. Ek Number is a kind of fusion of R&B and Hip Hop. While Himesh (Reshammiya), who's composed the album, infused some rap, he made me write as well. This has been a very creative journey.
You've collaborated with Himesh on many albums. What kind of equation do the two of you share?
The first time I worked with Himesh was for Kick; I'd sung Tu Hi Tu for him. What I really like about him is that he gives me a different kind of song every time - semi classical, peppy, slow numbers. He understands the uniqueness of a person's voice and taps it well. I believe that it's music that connects two musicians. For two people to work well together, they need to bond over that song. I share a good equation with all the composers I've worked with; each one has guided me and taught me how to approach a song differently.
Is there any genre you'd like to experiment with?
I'm lucky to have done almost all kinds of songs -Jiya Re (Jab Tak Hai Jaan) was high on energy, Tune Maari Entriyaan (Gunday) was a dance number, Tumhe Apna Banane Ka (Hate Story 3) was a seductive romantic song and I even got to explore jazz in Bombay Velvet. But as a trained vocalist, I'd love to sing bhajans!
Does it bother you when the movies for which you've sung don't do well at the box office? For instance, songs of Bombay Velvet were appreciated, but the film didn't meet commercial expectations.
It was a period musical drama, and we'd done a lot of research for it. Amit (Trivedi, composer) and I attended workshops, saw documentaries and recorded most of the songs live. In fact, that was the first time that I'd read the script of a film! I enjoyed the whole process of working on the movie. Of course you feel disappointed when the reach of your movie isn't as big as you expect it to be, but the experiences make you richer. I got so much of love from people for the songs, especially Dhadaam Dhadaam.
Singles have made a comeback. Are you planning one any time soon?
Doing a single is liberating. It helps you express yourself better without any restrictions. I had actually composed, sung and co-wrote Udne De with dad (Brij Mohan Sharma) and Manoj Yadav last year. It was my dedication to Nirbhaya and I had released the number online. My sisters (Mukti Mohan, Shakti Mohan and Kriti Mohan) had also worked on this number. I've done singles before, and will plan more soon.
How important is it to have classical training if one wants to attempt playback singing?
I learnt Hindustani and it has helped me a lot. Our music is technically sound and it helps you learn other forms faster. I had to learn jazz and Western for movies, and I found it very easy.
Are reality shows still a good platform for aspiring singers?
Both my sisters and I are products of reality shows - I was one of the winners of Popstars, Shakti won Dance India Dance and Mukti, Zara Nachke Dikha. I would probably not have made it here if not for reality shows. It helps you connect with and learn from the right people.
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