Showing posts with label Neha Kakkar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neha Kakkar. Show all posts
Organizers respond to Neha Kakkar’s accusations, say singer caused losses
10:09 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (March 31, 2025)
After singer Neha Kakkar claimed that the organizers “ran away with her money” and ignored her calls – leading to a delay at her recent Melbourne gig – the organizers have hit back, accusing the singer of causing a Rs 4.52 crore loss.
They released a detailed expense report on Instagram for Kakkar’s concerts in Sydney and Melbourne, alleging that due to her “unprofessionalism,” they have been banned from performing at the Margaret Court Arena. They also claimed they’ve been barred from Crown Towers in both cities after Neha was allegedly caught smoking in the artist room, which is strictly prohibited in Australia.
Neha faced backlash after she was reportedly three hours late for her concert in Melbourne, leading the audience to boo her off stage. After a video of the incident went viral on social media, the singer took to Instagram to explain her side of the story, alleging that the organizers failed to provide accommodation for her and her team. She also claimed that they did not pay the vendors and ultimately abandoned the event.
However, the organising team have labelled Neha’s statements “totally untrue,” and stated that they actually faced significant financial losses due to the show. Agencies
Organizers ran away with my money-Neha Kakkar
10:47 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (March 29, 2025)
After facing severe backlash for being three hours late to her Melbourne concert, Neha Kakkar has addressed the criticism, alleging that the organizers ran away with her money and didn’t pick up her manager’s calls.
In a post the singer wrote, “They said she came three hours late, did they even ask once what happened to her, what did they do to her and her band? Do you all know that I performed absolutely free for my Melbourne audience? The organizers ran away with my money and others too. My band was not even given food, hotel and water. My husband and his boys went and provided them (with) food. Inspite of all this, we still went on stage and did the show without any rest because my fans had been waiting for hours for me.”
She added, “Our sound check got delayed by hours because the sound vendor was not paid. And when after so much of delay our sound check started, I could not reach the venue, couldn’t do the sound check, we did not even know if the concert is happening because the organizers stopped picking my manager’s calls.”
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What happened
Neha Kakkar was subjected to criticism from fans after she arrived three hours late and performed for only an hour at her Melbourne concert.
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.
I took a break for my mental and physical health, now I’m back-Neha Kakkar
10:31 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; February 27, 2024)
Neha Kakkar who was last seen as a judge on the music reality show Indian Idol in 2022, took what she says was a ‘much-needed break.’ The singer known for hits like Kar Gayi Chull, Coca Cola and Aankh Marey says, “This was a much-needed break for me because I was physically and mentally drained. I am someone who gives my all to any show and I have been doing that for a while now. After a point, it was difficult for me to go on doing what I was doing. I was staying low-key for some time because I wanted to take a small break. I have been working in this industry since I was a teenager. So, I needed that break for my mental and physical health. But now I am back with a bang.”
‘I don’t pay attention to rumours’
Last year there were rumours of Neha and Rohanpreet filing for a divorce, however, there was no truth to that. Now there are rumours that the singer is pregnant. Reacting to it, she says, “Since I got married, there have been only two rumours doing the rounds about me – that I am pregnant or getting a divorce. That’s the sad part of being who we are, that people want to gossip about you and to do that they create whatever stories they want. I don’t pay much attention to it, because only I know what the truth is.”
Neha, who is now excited to be back as a judge on the upcoming children’s singing reality show, Superstar Singer 3, tied the knot with Rohanpreet Singh in October 2021. When asked if her focus has shifted from work to family, Neha says, “My focus had shifted to my family and my husband for a while, but now I am back to focusing on myself and my work. My husband deserved all the attention and now that we have completed three years of marriage, I felt it was time to bring focus back to my work. I am made for singing and the work I do, so now I am back to it.”
The participants of the past five editions of Idol have vast YouTube and Instagram followings-Vishal Dadlani
4:08 PM
Skilled musicians may come and go, and it is one’s ability to leverage social media and market themselves that will decide their fate, says Indian Idol judge Vishal Dadlani
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; September 2, 2023)
Ahead of the upcoming season of Indian Idol that sees Kumar Sanu, Vishal Dadlani, and Shreya Ghoshal on the judges’ panel, Dadlani addresses the question that’s on the lips of every audience member: ‘Where do the popular singers go after the show ends?’ His answer makes it evident that in 2023, an entrepreneurial spirit is just as important as one’s skill to enjoy a lasting career. Edited excerpts from the interview.
We see reality shows coming out year after year. And often, months after they are over, the most common question that is asked is, where did the popular singers go? What are the opportunities for this influx of talent?
The music business has come to a place where a singer is his own opportunity. In the past, a singer’s career was dependent on the composer. It was dependent on the films he was singing for. That is no longer the case. [The participants of] the past five editions of Idol have vast YouTube and Instagram followings. Their shows on tours are [booked out] and they perform all over the world. A singer’s career depends on the legwork that they are willing to put in—whether that’s about meeting composers or creating and releasing their own music. Now, every singer understands that they also need to be a composer, just like, [until] a few years ago, every composer understood that they also needed to sing. You need to be an artiste and promote your own artistry. And if someone follows them, they usually enjoy the [work of the] artiste for life. A platform like Indian Idol gives these kids that head start, which is [significant] right now. The number of eyeballs that you command is your currency in 2023.
The importance of building a personal brand cuts across all industries. But, it’s not the easiest thing to do because one needs to have a fine sense of marketing as well. Are there any skilled participants who you believe didn’t get the kind of attention they demanded only because they were unable to market themselves?
Many of them. Right from season one, you could see that there were some people who promoted themselves, and who are, today, doing far better, economically, than the others who didn’t. They may not have even been the winners. That is the reality of life. You have to understand that music, art and entertainment are in the public sphere. You can’t [achieve anything] without the public. Your equity is how many people love you or the work you put out. Take [A R] Rahman as an example. He has never marketed himself. But, his first few soundtracks were so ground-breaking that people automatically began to admire him. Another example is Neha Kakkar, who is one of the most popular people on Instagram in the world. She’s built that following by actually constantly treating her Instagram followers as her friends and family. She puts her life out there. It’s something that I couldn’t do, but I admire that she can. And people connect with her on that basis.
Do you believe singers must stick to their niche? And what kind of training do participants receive on the show?
Most artistes today are known for their style of singing. In the past, either Sanu da [Kumar Sanu] or Udit ji [Udit Narayan] would sing every song in an album. That [approach] doesn’t work anymore. Now, it’s about specialists. Every singer has, and is known for one style. That’s also a more organic way of [approaching music]. Before, there was one voice for the hero; now a hero can have six voices. Songs don’t matter, what matters is how the singer serves the song. In Idol, they go through all sorts of training. To begin with, they are very accomplished. To get through the auditions, you have to be pretty good. Once they are among the top 15 contestants, they go through grooming sessions. There are [classes on] voice culture. For instance, if they have been trained in classical music, they are also taught to have an understanding of playback singing. They also need to learn how to pull back while singing. Grooming sessions help them add a certain subtlety and nuance to their delivery.
I wish to do songs in every language possible. I believe God has given me the voice for it-B Praak
8:43 AM
Aayushi Parekh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 9, 2022)
Singer Pratik Bachan, commonly known by his stage name B Praak, kicked off his India tour, Supermoon ft B Praak-King of Hearts, from Bengaluru on October 8. In the aftermath of the recent Neha Kakkar-Falguni Pathak remake controversy, the singer, who used to be a music producer before dropping his debut single in 2017, shares, “There are remakes that work as well. I have done a few remakes myself and the audience has accepted them graciously.”
According to the Mann Bhareya singer, there is a formula to crack when making remakes. “It’s about connection and how you get your audience to connect with the song. What also matters is who is doing the remake and how they are treating the original song. Some people have their own ambitions with a song, and some successfully manage to connect with the audience,” he adds.
Amid the rise of pan-Indian movies and music, the National Film awardee also wishes to expand his horizons as an artiste, as he shares, “I wish to do songs in every language possible. I believe God has given me the voice for it and I want to produce music in more languages.”
On the work front, the 36-year-old is taking it one step at a time: “Currently, I’m focusing on this tour and I’ll get back to making new music next year.”
And talking about his ongoing tour, the singer says, “I will be travelling across cities from Bengaluru, Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Goa, Kolkata and more with this tour. It just feels wonderful that the music industry is back on the live scene and it’s great for everyone involved — be it a small artiste like me or any other big artiste. The music industry was affected the most in the last two years. But with God’s blessings, everyone is working again and this is how it should be.”
People text me saying, 'Neha Kakkar has spoiled Maine Payal Hai Chhankai'-Vivan Bhathena
8:33 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 28, 2022)
It was with singer Falguni Pathak’s Maine Payal Hai Chhankai music video that actor Vivan Bhathena made his debut in showbiz in 1999. After the recent war of words between Pathak and Kakkar on the song’s recreation, the actor says that his inbox is flooded with messages from people expressing their disappointment.
“I have been getting messages with people saying, ‘How can Neha do this?’ or ‘She has spoiled the song’. Each generation has its own version of things. You can’t say I will only watch (actors) Michael Keaton’s Batman (1989) or Sean Connery’s Bond films. You can’t be angry at somebody for trying to reinvent it (the song). If she (Kakkar) is doing well and the music is doing well, it is okay. It is a homage to the original song,” the 43-year-old explains.
The Sooryavanshi (2021) actor shares his memories of how he got his big break, and says, “I had gone with a friend who was doing a trial and a casting person asked me if I wanted to do the video. And I was like, ‘Why not?’ It was fate.”
Bhathena is happy that the music video of the 1999 song made such an impact that people still remember it. “Directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru created magic with the song and it was their vision of creating those beautiful small romances. There was a market for it. Now, music videos have taken a very different turn. I am not sure if those cute stories are being told [now],” the actor ends.
Neha Kakkar-Falguni Pathak’s episode was shot a month before fallout
8:33 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 27, 2022)
Amid the war of words between singers Neha Kakkar and Falguni Pathak, the two were seen together in a promo of the singing reality show, Indian Idol 13, where Kakkar sits on the jury panel, leaving fans perplexed. In the promo, Pathak was seen visiting the sets as Kakkar welcomed “legendary Falguni ma’am” to the show and even danced with Himesh Reshammiya, a co-jury panel member, and host Aditya Narayan. However, a source close to the show reveals that the particular episode was shot way before the ongoing conflict between the two singers kicked off.
“This particular segment was shot during the auditions round. It was shot in August. The timing is all coincidental. They shot the chunk for Navratri. In fact, at that time, Neha and Falguni were quite cordial. Currently, Neha doesn’t even wish to talk about Falguni and was quite clear that she won’t promote the particular episode or talk about what it was like to have Falguni on the sets,” an insider close to the development says.
Pathak’s team confirmed that the particular shoot took place on “August 20”. A few days back, an online tussle kicked off between Kakkar and Pathak over a recreation of the latter’s original Maine Payal Hai Chhankai by the former. Pathak has been quite vocal about her disappointment over Kakkar’s song, O Sajna.
We reached out to the channel but they maintained a “no comments” stance. Kakkar didn’t reply till we went to the press.
Jab khud pe guzarti hai tab pata chalta hai-Falguni Pathak
8:32 AM
Pathak wishes she knew about owning music rights in the ’90s
Samarth Goyal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 26, 2022)
Of late, fans of Indian pop music have been up in arms about the recently released track, O Sajna, which is a re-imagined version of singer Falguni Pathak’s hit ’90s track, Maine Payal Hai Chhankai. The new song, composed by Tanishk Bagchi and sung by Neha Kakkar, has irked Pathak, who wishes she had the right to take legal action.
She took to social media to express her disappointment. “What else could have I done? I could not take legal action,” Pathak tells us, adding, “I was overwhelmed to see so many people write on social media that they love my music, and they didn’t like this (Kakkar’s) version.”
Pathak said in a recent interview that she “would have taken a legal route” if she could. She tells us that back then, she “didn’t know” the importance of owning music rights, which could have prevented such recreations. “I wish I was aware back then. Jab khud pe guzarti hai tab pata chalta hai. I regret that I didn’t know about it then, otherwise I would have definitely done something about it,” the Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi singer says.
Pathak, 53, meanwhile, clarifies that she isn’t averse to the idea of recreations. But she feels that whoever works on a recreated version should be passionate about music and work on the song wholeheartedly, rather than thinking just about its success.
“I don’t mind singing a remake,” she says, when asked if she would like to sing one, given an opportunity. “I am not averse to the idea of remixes and recreations. They have been happening for a long time. But it has to be done with a lot of passion, and the passion has to be only about creating good music. Everything else comes later,” the singer signs off.
Neha Kakkar took to Instagram to hit back at the critics with a cryptic message
”How I feel today.. Very few people in the world get what I have received in life. That too in such a young age. This kind of Fame, Love, Countless Super Hit Songs, Super Duper Hit TV Shows, World Tours, Fans from Little Kids to 80-90 years old people and What Not!! You know why I got all this because of my Talent, Hardwork, Passion and Positivity. So.. Today I just wanna Thank God and Each one of You for giving me what I have today. Thank you!! I am the Most Blessed child of God. Thank you again! Wishing you all a lifetime of Happiness (sic),” singer Neha Kakkar wrote on Instagram.
She also posted, “And for those who’re sooo, Unhappy seeing me HAPPY and SUCCESSFULL. I feel sorry for them. Bechaare.. Plz keep commenting. I won’t even delete them. Coz I know and Everybody knows What NEHA KAKKAR Is!! If talking in such a manner, saying such bad things about me, abusing me.. makes them feel good and if they think it will ruin my day. Then I’m sorry to inform them that I’m too blessed to have bad days (sic).”
REMAKE VS ORIGINAL: THE FIGHT CONTINUES
Composer-singer Anu Malik says, “I am not against anything, but the amalgamation should be a cordial and happy one. I don’t want to insult people, because new talent is also very strong. But I feel the original composer or singer should be involved in the making, and given due credit.”
Singer Sukhwinder Singh asserts that he is not against the remix culture. He says, “If I get an opportunity to sing a recreated version, I would love to because I adore songs of the past and present alike. But one thing that’s criminal is not giving proper credit to the original makers. Whether a portion of a song is used or an entire track, the music director and lyricist should be credited first. Nahin toh the generation is misguided. For instance, if one wants to recreate Mehbooba Mehbooba from Sholay (1975), how can the people reworking it call themselves the music directors of the song?”
Singer Shilpa Rao, on the other hand, urges her peers to create original music: “We have many talented composers, singers, folk artistes as well as classical artistes. I am a big supporter of original music.”.
Inputs by Sugandha Rawal
Retain the essence of the original song, says Falguni Pathak on Maine Payal Hai Chhankai remix row
8:30 AM
Riya Sharma (BOMBAY TIMES; September 26, 2022)
Remixing an iconic song isn’t new for the music industry. But often original singers have slammed remixed versions of their songs on social media. Recently, when Neha Kakkar released the remixed version of Falguni Pathak’s Maine Payal Hai Chhankai, fans got miffed with the singer for the remixed version. Falguni also shared a few of the comments from fans, showing her displeasure with the new version.
Falguni tells us, “I got to know about the remixed version three-four days back. First reaction achha toh nahi tha, I was like, mujhe bas ulti aani baaki thi, aisa ho gaya tha. Original gaane ki waat laga di.”
She adds that she cannot take any legal action because she does not have the rights to the original song. The OG garba queen says that this song is very close to her heart. “Mujhse zyada meri audience ke kareeb hai. These people have been supporting me and my music for decades. And they’ve been hurt. Meri aankhon mein aansu aa gaye when I saw my fans’ support,” she says.
She urges music composers to retain the originality of the song if they are remixing it. “Video aur picturization mein jo innocence thi, uska pura satyanash kiya hai iss gaane mein. Remixes are happening but do it decently. If you want to reach out to the younger generation, change the rhythm of the song, but don’t make it cheap. Gaane ki jo originality hai, feelings hai, essence hai, innocence hai, keep that. I don’t think I need to do anything; my fans are taking action against it. I am just sharing stories. Why should I keep quiet when they are supporting me? Main kaise chup baithun,” she shares.
We reached out to Neha Kakkar’s team for a response to the online reactions to the remixed version. However, we did not hear back from them till the time of going to press.
Maine Payal Hai Chhankai remake row: Falguni Pathak wishes she could take legal action
8:32 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (September 25, 2022)
Seems like Falguni Pathak is not happy with Neha Kakkar’s recreation of her iconic song Maine Payal Hai Chhankai. Falguni, the original singer behind the ’90s hit track, reshared fans’ posts on her Instagram Story, indirectly showing her disapproval of Neha’s version, titled O Sajna.
“How long you can go Neha Kakkar? Stop ruining our old classics for us. Falguni Pathak is the OG. Stop with it already (sic),” one of the posts shared on Falguni’s Instagram story read.
The original song was released in 1999 and it featured actor Vivan Bhatena and Nikhila Palat. The song was played out as a puppet show in a college fest and was a massive hit. The new version was unveiled recently.
When an entertainment news portal asked if she is planning on taking the legal route, Falguni said, “I wish I could but the rights are not with me.” When asked if the makers or Kakkar tried to reach out to her, Falguni said, “No. ”
In what looked like a response to the online hate, Kakkar wrote on her social media, “For those who are so unhappy seeing me happy and successfull, I feel sorry for them. . . If talking in such a manner, saying such bad things about me, abusing me, makes them feel good, and if they think it’ll ruin my day, then I’m sorry to inform them that I’m too blessed to have bad days (sic). ”
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HINDUSTAN TIMES (September 25, 2022)
Singer Falguni Pathak has broken her silence on singer Neha Kakkar’s rendition of her iconic song Maine Payal Hai Chhankai. As several fans criticized Kakkar for her recently released single O Sajna, claiming she “ruined” the original, Pathak, reshared many of these posts on her own social media, expressing her unhappiness over the remake as well.
Talking about taking the legal route, Pathak told Pinkvilla, “I wish I could but the rights are not with me.”
However, the Saawan Mein singer shared that she is “overwhelmed and touched” with all the love the original has received. “I feel overwhelmed and touched on receiving so much love from all over for the song, so had to share their feelings,” the 53-year-old added.
When further prodded if the makers or Kakkar tried to reach out to her after seeing her Insta Stories, Pathak answered, “No.”
Meanwhile, Kakkar also took to Instagram Stories to address the backlash. She wrote, “For those who’re unhappy seeing me happy and successful, I feel sorry for them. Bechaare… Plz keep commenting. I won’t even delete them.”
People who are not emotional may find my tears fake on TV-Neha Kakkar
8:21 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; August 21, 2022)
She first came on the reality show Indian Idol as a 16-year-old contestant with dreams in her eyes. She didn’t win, but what could be a bigger achievement than returning to that stage as a judge! We are talking about singer Neha Kakkar, who has been a judge on Indian Idol for the past three seasons and is gearing up for the next.
In an exclusive chat, talking about her journey from being a contestant to becoming a judge on the show, Neha says, “I still feel that I am living in a dream world when I think about it. Even today, when I see a contestant on our show, I see myself in them.”
While Neha is known to be sweet to the contestants, she also tends to get teary-eyed on the show, for which she has even been trolled and called fake. Ask her about this, and she says, “I can’t blame them, there are many people who are not emotional at all! For people who are not emotional, I would seem fake. But people who are sensitive, like me, will understand and relate to me. Today, we don’t see too many people who can feel others’ pain and who want to help them. I have that quality in me and I have no regrets about it.”
Reality shows in recent years have been criticised for showing a lot of drama by focussing on the contestants’ personal lives and struggles. But Neha feels it is an integral part of a show. She says, “I wouldn’t call it drama. There are elements included in a show to make it interesting. Showing just singing and dancing might get boring, so we also focus on the lives of the contestants and their families. Viewers also relate to them. When we show how a contestant has come a long way by sacrificing things, people connect with it because everyone has someone of their own who has been through struggle and achieved things. We are just showing on the show what happens in our homes.”
On the personal front, Neha married Rohanpreet Singh in October 2020 and life has changed since then. She shares. “My life has completely changed after marriage in a good way. Earlier I would be too lost because I was so busy with work all the time. Sometimes I would feel that there was just work and nothing else. But now, my partner makes me laugh, gives me emotional support and when I come back from work, I have something to look forward to. I am really thankful to God for sending him into my life.”
It helps to have a partner from the same field, she says. “He is also a singer and understands my work and I understand his. Things become easy for us. The kind of songs I am doing these days, all the variations that I have added to them, I have learnt from him. He is a much better singer than I am and one day people will know that. I have become a better singer now because of him,” adds Neha.
A while ago, there were rumours about Neha being pregnant, is there any truth to them? “It’s been over a year that there have been rumours! For a song promotion, I had posted a picture and people misunderstood. They assumed I was expecting. No, I am not pregnant and we have no plans to have a baby as of now,” she says.
One tweet from Amitabh Bachchan about my song changed things overnight for me-Yohani
8:08 AM
The Sri Lankan singer, whose song Manike Mage Hithe went viral, talks about finding fame and her musical journey so far
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; December 5, 2021)
From learning to play the guitar by watching videos online to becoming an overnight sensation with her rendition of Manike Mage Hithe, Yohani has come a long way indeed. Recently, the Sri Lankan music artiste toured multiple Indian cities and even made an appearance on the reality show hosted by Salman Khan for her popular track. In an exclusive interview with Bombay Times, the 28-year-old Sri Lankan singer-composer talks about how Amitabh Bachchan’s tweet about her song changed things overnight, her music, being a sportsperson and more. Excerpts:
You were in a band when you were in school. Tell us about your foray into music…
I was in the Western brass band and I played the trumpet and French horn, but back then, I was more into sports. I tried my hand at polo, swimming, synchronised swimming, Wushu and many other things. My parents pushed us to do many extracurricular activities. My mother enrolled me for piano classes, and that is how I got into music. Then, I picked up a guitar and learned how to play by watching videos online.
You created Manike Mage Hithe during a lockdown at home...
Yes, we were all quite frustrated with the Coronavirus pandemic, and I was experimenting in my studio with my instruments. Manike has always been a favourite of mine and I thought of making a TikTok video of it. Chamath came across this and invited me to do an official cover of it.
When did you realise that the song had gone viral?
I think it happened in stages. When the song first reached 25 million views, we were all very excited. Then one day, Amitabh Bachchan tweeted about my song, and things changed overnight.
How are you handling the sudden fame?
I am still adjusting to it. I’m humbled by the love and support. I’m also very grateful that we could tour India and perform for a live audience. They loved the music we played. Even though I was introduced to many people with Manike, I’m proud that I have a repertoire to perform for a live audience. I hope people like my upcoming music as well.
You have spoken about your love for Hindi film music many times. Recently, you debuted in the Bollywood music industry with the title track of Shiddat. How has that been?
We watch a lot of Hindi movies in Sri Lanka. We grew up watching Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan and often sing songs from Hindi films, too. I can’t describe what I felt when I got the opportunity to be a part of Shiddat’s new track. I had to learn the words and pronunciation in a day. I think I have to learn the language a lot more, and I am working on it. I look forward to doing singing more Hindi songs.
Which Indian musicians do you admire?
I admire A R Rahman a lot. The music that he created even a decade or two ago still feels fresh. I was listening to a playlist of his songs the other day, and each composition is so complex and beautiful. I grew up listening to his music and I still listen to it. It would be a dream come true to work with him one day. I also like Badshah, Divine, Honey Singh and Neha Kakkar; I feel a certain connection with them. I guess you could say that their vibe is great.
Will Kareena Kapoor join Karan Johar and Mithun Chakraborty on Hunarbaaz?
8:16 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; October 15, 2021)
It has already been announced that Mithun Chakraborty will be one of the judges on the TV show Hunarbaaz. The reality show will provide a platform for people across India to showcase their talent. We have now learnt that filmmaker Karan Johar, who hosted the first edition of Bigg Boss OTT, has been roped in as the second judge. The makers are now in the process of finalising the third celebrity to join the two on the judging panel. We hear that they are in talks with Kareena Kapoor Khan and Nora Fatehi for this.
A source associated with the show informs us, “Apart from Kareena and Nora, we are also in talks with a few singers, including Neha Kakkar, to join Mithun da and Karan Johar as the third judge. The show will hit the tube in December. What’s interesting is that the audience will get a chance to pick their favourite contestant right from the beginning. Participants will showcase their singing, dancing and other talents.”
If the deal with Kareena materialises, she will return to the small screen after two years. She was last seen as a judge on the dance reality show, Dance India Dance Battle of the Champions.
Is the ‘real’ factor disappearing from reality shows?
7:56 AM
Controversy surrounded the ‘love angle’ between Arunita Kanjilal and Pawandeep Rajan on Indian Idol 12
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 4, 2021)
On Indian television, reality shows are great crowd pullers. And while they showcase real talent from all over the country, their entertainment factor is what often makes headlines. With judges being asked to praise contestants regardless of merit and ‘fake’ content being churned out in form of love stories and emotional and funny anecdotes, is the ‘real’ factor disappearing from reality shows?
Singer Rahul Vaidya, the second runner-up of Indian Idol 1 and a Bigg Boss participant, maintains that while “some emotions could be scripted to make the show interesting, the talent is real”. “The nok-jhok between contestants, judges and hosts and even link-ups are often fabricated to spice up the show… If a show is in the news, it means the audiences are watching it and it is working,” he says.
Indian Idol 1 winner, singer Abhijeet Sawant recently pointed out that reality shows are often in the news for controversies and not talent. From the wedding angle between singers Neha Kakkar and Aditya Narayan in Indian Idol 11 to Indian Idol 12 contestants being trolled for singing Kishore Kumar songs with a twist, Sawant feels such elements take away from a talent’s performance.
Narayan, who has been a part of reality shows for 15 years now, feels every show is sincere. He says, “The goal is to give talent a platform and that is the ‘real’ part, rest of the things happen impromptu on the sets. Contestants, crew and judges work together for three-four months, so it leads to pranks, teasing and masti-mazak.”
Singer Shaan has judged many reality shows and admits that he is fine with light and fun banter but not any gimmicky stuff. “The creators are under pressure to get TRPs, so they go for popular stuff that works... I have also been asked to create stories, connect with contestants or have a takiya-kalam, but I refrain from doing so. In 24 years of being a judge on numerous reality shows, I have stayed real,” he shares.
Though he doesn’t believe in broadcasting it, Shaan says he has given many contestants a break. “Arunita Kanjilal from Indian Idol 12 toured with me all over the US after winning Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs 5 in 2013. Indian Idol 12’s Pawandeep Rajan stayed with me in my house after he won The Voice in 2015.”
I plan to get married to Shweta Agarwal by the end of this year-Aditya Narayan
8:09 AM
The singer-actor opens up about his 10-year relationship with his debut film actress
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; October 12, 2020)
It’s official! Aditya Narayan is tying the knot with his long-time girlfriend and actress Shweta Agarwal by the end of the year. The couple met on the sets of their debut film Shaapit in 2010. Talking about their relationship of 10 years, the actor-singer said, “I have never kept my relationship a secret. But at one point there was too much being said about it. So, when I decided to not talk about it, people left me alone.”
He revealed, “I met Shweta on the sets of Shaapit and we hit it off instantly. Slowly and gradually, I realised I was head-over-heels in love and started pursuing her. Initially, she wanted to be ‘just friends’, because we were both very young and needed to focus on our careers. Like every relationship, we have seen a lot of ups-and-downs over the last 10 years. Marriage is just a formality between us now, which hopefully should also happen by November or December. My parents know Shweta and like her a lot. I am happy that I have found my soulmate in her.” Aditya feels that it is important that people do not invade a couple’s privacy when they are in a relationship. He says, “I remember a few years ago, how people had assumed that Shweta and I had a big spat on the street and had broken up. After that it was so difficult for me to even go out with her.”
“I accept that there can be issues in a relationship, but that doesn't mean it's the end of the road. Marriages break easily these days, so we were both taking our time to know each other. Now, after a decade, I feel it is the right time to take the plunge,” says Aditya. Besides singing and acting, he is also a popular anchor of reality shows on TV, while Shweta has done films in the South opposite actors like Prabhas and Kichcha Sudeep among others.
Singer Neha Kakkar, who’s been linked to Aditya, is also set to tie the knot with singer Rohanpreet Singh. Dismissing the rumours that linked him with Neha during the last season of Indian Idol, Aditya said, “It started with a joke that was in the script of the show. People assumed so many things after that. There was no truth to those rumours. Neha is a dear friend and I am happy for her. I have known Rohan since he was the second runner-up of a music reality show I hosted in 2008. I am thrilled that two of my good friends are getting married.”
However, Aditya is not sure of attending Neha’s wedding. “I would have loved to attend it, but the wedding is happening in Delhi. I have a bad shoulder injury and I am not sure if I can make it. But almost everyone from the show, including Vishal sir (Dadlani) and Himesh Reshammiya are attending it,” he informed.
He also defends father Udit Narayan’s comment that he wanted to see Neha and Aditya getting married. “I had told my parents to not talk about Shweta, so when the rumours of Neha started, my father casually mentioned how if there was a possibility, he would love to see us together. Audiences watch a fragment of our lives and make assumptions. But I’d like to say that people, most of the time, do not know even five per cent of a public figure’s life,” said Aditya.
Image: Sunny Kaushal and Neha Kakkar shoot for a music video with additional preventive measures
8:00 AM
After unit hands tested positive during Udaipur shoot, studio adopts additional preventive measures for the filming of a music video in Delhi
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 15, 2020)
Where movie shoots are beginning, one schedule at a time, producer Bhushan Kumar has managed to film two music videos amid the current restrictions. A week after the shoot of Jubin Nautiyal's yet-untitled single in Udaipur that saw five crew members testing Coronavirus positive, the makers were more vigilant as they filmed Taaron Ke Sheher over three days in Delhi. The single features actor Sunny Kaushal and singer Neha Kakkar.
A team of 35 headed to Delhi on September 5. Upon their arrival in the capital, the cast and crew were tested for the virus and found to be negative. "T-Series wanted director Arvindr Khera to helm the single as he has shot some music videos in the past two months without hiccups, and hence, is more familiar with the process of filming in the post-pandemic world. As a precautionary measure, the director divided the three-day stint between leads Sunny and Neha, and the background dancers, thus minimising contact. Only the leads and a handful of unit members reported to work on the first day, and filmed their portions over an eight-hour shift. The next two days were dedicated to the background dancers," reveals a source.
After the director called it a wrap on the project, the entire team underwent a COVID-19 test again before they could board the flight to Mumbai.
Kaushal, who was growing restless during the stay-at-home period, says, "This is the first thing I shot for after the lockdown; it was fun to be back on set." Kakkar, who has rendered the track with Nautiyal, believes the romantic number will tug at listeners' heartstrings. "I was excited to feature in the video with Sunny," she chimes in.
After Sunny Leone, Neha Kakkar & Doraemon make it to Bengal college merit lists
8:34 AM
Jayatri Nag (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 1, 2020)
Last week, the merit list of the Bachelor of Arts, English Honours graduation course in a Kolkata College went viral after Sunny Leone’s name topped it, prompting even the actress to tweet, “See you all in college next semester!!! Hope you’re in my class.” Now, similar incidents have been reported across two other colleges in the state.While Neha Kakkar’s name appeared on the merit list of the Bachelor of Arts, Education Honours & English Honours program of Malda district’s Manikchak College, cartoon character Doraemon also made it to the admission merit list of a Siliguri college.
The issue has raised controversy in the education circle and colleges have now enlisted the help of the cyber crime department to identify the culprit. The Vice-Principal of Asutosh College, Apurba Ray, said, “This year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we did not charge an admission fee from students. Someone must have played a prank using the name of the actress and the name topped the admission merit list. We will take the necessary action.”
Neha, Sonu and Tony Kakkar to judge first-of-its kind virtual singing reality show
8:26 AM
Sonu, Neha and Tony Kakkar
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 5, 2020)
While Coronavirus has brought the film and TV industry to a standstill, Zee TV is coming up with a first-of-its kind virtual singing reality show titled Ghar Ghar Singer. The audience will see the contestants give video auditions from the comfort of their homes and will be judged by the Kakkar siblings, Neha, Sonu and Tony, from theirs.
“Since we are entertainers, it’s our responsibility to entertain and spread happiness. Like liquor, entertainment also helps you forget all the bad things happening around, but without the intoxicating influence,” reasons Neha, adding it will give people something new to look forward to when they are only watching reruns.
The siblings are apparently the first sibling-trio to judge a show. “We have done everything together since childhood, then, we got busy in our careers. This is a reunion for us too,” exults the singer with the promise that they will perform too.
With considerable experience as a judge on other shows, what tips will she give her siblings? “They have judged me my whole life since I am the youngest child. What would I teach them?” Neha laughs, pointing out that Sonu has previously judged a singing show in Punjabi and Tony was to start one but it got pushed due to the lockdown. “Tony bhai is a composer and singers like Arijit Singh record for him. He will make an amazing judge.”
Ghar Ghar Singer is expected to air towards the month-end and will be telecast for 21 days. There is no age-limit for participants. “Who knows, the next singing sensation might be a senior citizen,” Neha concludes.
If you panic, you’ll feel claustrophobic-Neha Kakkar
8:35 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 16, 2020)
The Coronavirus pandemic that has called for social distancing has given singer Neha Kakkar the opportunity to spend quality time with her family. But she admits that she misses eating outside. Looking at the brighter side of things, she says, “Industries coming to a halt has led to a decline in air pollution all across the world. Water bodies are cleaner. I hope that after the pandemic ends, we will become more mindful of the environment.”
One thing that has been bothering her is the speed at which fake information about the health crisis is spreading. “My mother is in her 50s and my father is in his 60s. When they hear rumours, they tend to panic. The forwards that we get on WhatsApp are not always true,” Kakkar shares.
She says that the lockdown is taking a toll on people’s mental health but the best way to deal with it is to accept the reality. “Humans can do anything if we decide to do it. It’s all in our head. If you panic, you’ll feel claustrophobic. But if you look at it positively and decide to enjoy this phase by being safe and staying indoors, then you’ll be able to sail through it smoothly,” Kakkar says, adding, “Be with loved ones, learn new things, and sleep well. It’s also a good time for artistes to come up with creative concepts.”
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