If not her songs, Neha Kakkar’s statements tend to break the internet. Her recent comments come amid a debate over the authenticity of singing reality shows, after Sunidhi Chauhan questioned how genuine the format remains and spoke about performances being edited or manipulated, as well as makers asking judges to promote specific contestants. Neha was also asked about Indian Idol’s dipping ratings and whether the show’s performance had been affected by her absence.

Neha says, “I found it very demeaning when I was asked about Indian Idol’s dipping ratings and whether it was scripted. I just said, ‘It’s not my fault if it’s not working. Main nahi kar rahi hoon toh nahi chal raha hai toh main kya karu? Main jab karti thi tab toh superhit hi tha’. That’s what happened.”

The singer also weighs in on the use of contestants’ personal struggles and sob stories to influence audiences, arguing that such stories can help viewers understand the journeys behind the performers, as long as they do not overshadow talent.

Neha says, “Majority of people come from middle-class backgrounds, toh unke paas apni journey aur struggles ki stories hoti hain. They don’t own businesses or have the money to release singles or make their own videos, so they turn to platforms and people who can promote them aur unka saath de. If we bring their stories to the forefront, there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, people should know about the challenges they have faced and see how far they have come. Having said that, kabhi bhi talent se badi story toh nahi hoti hai. Talent is always the most important thing and should remain so.”

In the reality-show space, the Kala Chashma singer, who has judged singing reality shows such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs, the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th seasons of Indian Idol, and Superstar Singer - Season 3, is currently seen as a mentor on I-POPSTAR Vol 2. The show focuses on artistes who write and perform their own music, something she believes is particularly important for independent musicians.

She says, “Independent music has always been very important to me because I have built my career through it. When only a handful of music labels were operating, my brother Tony (Kakkar) and I started our own channel and began creating independent music, which did very well. But for other artistes, it was, and still is, difficult to get their music heard by an audience. That’s where I-POPSTAR comes into the picture. Unlike the other singing reality shows I have been part of, where contestants mostly sing covers, this is the only one where they write, compose and sing their own music. If they are good and their songs are great, no one can stop them from going viral.”

Singer Tony Kakkar isn’t inclined towards revisiting a song and touching its legacy, and that’s why he had apprehensions about recreating Altaf Raja’s iconic track, Tum Toh Thehre Pardesi. Along with appreciation, he’s also getting a lot of flak, but he’s not fretting about it. “I often say that the answer to anything and everything is universal. And that’s love,” says Kakkar, talking about the response to Saath Kya Nibhaoge, which was directed by Farah Khan Kunder and featured Sonu Sood and Nidhhi Agerwal.

Kakkar prefers to take everything in a positive manner. “Mujhe yeh cheezein bahut motivate karti hain. I’ve noticed that the things which do well face some sort of disagreement. I’ve come to the conclusion that disagreement bhi bahut zaroori hai kyunki sampurnata hanikarak hoti hai.”

The singer has earlier crooned popular tracks such as Coca Cola Tu, Tera Suit, Number Likh and Goa Beach, many of which were criticized for its lyrics. But the 37-year-old focuses on the love. “They are faceless people spreading negativity. There are many who love me. I know that kids start dancing to my songs. I feel blessed,” he explains.

Talking about Saath Kya Nibhaoge, he says, “I was not comfortable recreating iconic songs. But I gave it a try, and I’m proud that everyone, including Altaf sir, liked it.”

Remember Altaf Raja’s Tum to thehre pardesi that played in every nook and corner on its release in 1997, and became the unofficial break-up anthem for its fans? The qawwali has piqued the interest of Sonu Sood and director-friend Farah Khan, who have teamed up for its reprised version. The single, recreated by singer Tony Kakkar and Raja, will feature Sood and will be released on his birthday, July 30.

When Sood was approached to lend his face to the music video, he knocked on the choreographer’s door, requesting her to wield the directorial baton. Having worked with her on Happy New Year (2014) and Jackie Chan’s Kung Fu Yoga (2017), the actor felt Khan would be the best person to give a new twist to the number. A source says, “Sonu and Farah have been friends since Happy New Year. Their bond has deepened during the pandemic as they extended support to the needy in their personal capacity. The track will be shot on a set in Chandigarh and across the mustard fields of Punjab. Farah will bring a blend of urban and rural culture in the video.”

The actor is currently in his hometown Moga, coordinating the shoot for the track that will be launched by Desi Music Factory. As per the original plan, Khan was to wrap up the shoot between July 19 and 22. The source adds, “The heavy rains in Punjab played spoilsport. Farah will leave for Chandigarh today and complete the song over the next two days.”

Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan is set to return to television with Star Plus’s new singing reality show, Taare Zameen Par (TZP). He’s particularly excited because this one is about children and he acknowledges that they are highly competitive today. “But TZP is the journey of 20 kids who just want to sing, without anyone winning or losing at the end and no eliminations along the way. It’s about us mentoring them without any pressure. Yahaan sabhi seekhenge, sabhi jeetenge (Here, everyone will learn and everyone will win),” he asserts.

The title of the show was registered with Aamir Khan, but after hearing the concept, the actor happily gave it to the makers. “It’s sweet of Aamir and we are grateful because it’s the most apt title for our show,” says Shankar, who, along with Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa had composed the music for the 2007 film by the same name. “Those songs are evergreen, there’s no better song to remember your mother than ‘Maa’ and if you want to talk about children, every line of ‘Taare Zameen Par’ does that beautifully.”

Shankar’s co-mentors on the show are singers Jonita Gandhi and Tony Kakkar. He describes Jonita as “family” and points out that she’s fun and can sing and adapt to any genre of music quickly. “Tony is today’s sensation; his songs are played everywhere. I met him only recently; he’s so modest and grounded!” Shankar raves. So, can we expect the trio to collaborate soon? “By the time this show ends, you can expect a lot since we will be like a family every day for a while.” The trio started shooting on Sunday and the show will air from November 2.

Meanwhile, in an era of remakes, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy haven’t reworked a single song. “The success of Bandish Bandits’s music proves that originality cannot be replaced, it is food for a creator’s soul. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy don’t align with the idea of recreations,” he maintains, saying they have enough on their plate, including Toofaan, Bunty Aur Babli 2, Prithviraj and Sooraj Barjatya’s next production. Will he be singing some of the songs? “I don’t like to sing all my songs, but you’ll hear my voice; there’s no escaping that,” he laughs.

With his foot-tapping party numbers and soul-stirring romantic songs, Tony Kakkar has made a name for himself within a short span of time. The young composer, who started out singing bhajans with his sisters - Sonu and Neha Kakkar - has several singles to his credit including Ankhiyan, Car Mein Music Baja, Mubarak Ho and Lori Suna that have been lapped up by music listeners online. After foraying into Bollywood as a composer with Sawan Aaya Hai (Creature 3D) and following it up with other tracks, he has now turned singer with Mile Ho Tum Hum Ko in the forthcoming film Fever. He talks to BT about his musical journey.

Early beginnings
We shifted from Rishikesh to Delhi in the early 90s. At that time, we were reeling under a financial crisis. My sisters and I had always been interested in music and wanted to help our parents in some way. So, we started singing bhajans and performing at jagratas in and around Delhi. We would get Rs 50 for every performance. My parents had complete faith in us and would encourage us to perform. Gradually, we started doing well and realised that music was our true calling.

The city of dreams beckons
My Bollywood journey began when I moved to Mumbai in 2004 with my younger sister Neha. When she used to go for recordings, I had a lot of free time. So, I started learning about the technical aspects of composing music. Gradually, I started making demo CDs. Later, I worked as a lyricist with composer Sandeep Chowta and was hugely inspired by him. However, I could never muster the courage to tell him that I wanted to be a composer.

First big break in Bollywood
I used to sing all my demos. One day, actor-producer Pooja Bhatt heard my CD and suggested that I should meet head honcho Bhushan Kumar. I was a little apprehensive and didn't know which track he would like. I sat up one night and composed Sawan Aaya Hai. When Sonu and Neha heard it, they loved it and told me that this song would work. Even Bhushanji liked it and insisted that we use it in Creature 3D.  After that, there was no looking back.

On turning singer
When I recorded the demo of Mile Ho Tum Hum Ko, I had told director Rajeev Jhaveri that we would get a renowned singer to render it. However, he insisted that we retain my voice. My sisters, who have always urged me to take up singing, were ecstatic when they heard this news. They are happy that now all three of us can sing together live in concerts. Also, I think this will better my career prospects as one gets a lot more popularity as a singer as compared to a composer.

Sibling revelry
Sonu and Neha are the first to hear my compositions and give me honest feedback. We share a strong bond as we have faced many hardships together. We are like three bodies and one soul. When their songs become a hit, I rejoice and feel as if my hard work has paid off.

Musical inspiration
Though I have composed quite a few party numbers, slow romantic tracks are close to my heart. I feel, music is an expression of your emotions and an extension of your personality. AR Rahman, Amit Trivedi, Sandeep Chowta, Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Madan Mohan are my favourite composers. My dream is to compose the entire soundtrack and background score of a film rather than limiting myself to just composing one or two tracks. As far as the online space is concerned, Sonu, Neha and I have collaborated on several singles and now plan to come up with one that will pay an ode to our bond as siblings.

The voice behind songs like Ladki Kar Gayi Chul, Tukur Tukur, London Thumakda and many others, Neha Kakkar has got everyone swooning to her songs. The singer is known for her unconventional voice which gives her an edge over her contemporaries. In a chat with BT she talks about why she is dying to sing romantic numbers and her desire to face the camera. Excerpts:

Does your popularity in singing party numbers limit your potential of trying other genres?
Composers are very confident about me singing dance numbers or party tracks but when it comes to other genres, I think they aren't sure about me as I haven't tried them. I am dying to sing romantic numbers. I want to come out of my comfort zone and try different genres. Singing from the heart is my only goal. I am an entertainer and I would sing a song if I know my voice would do justice to it.

Did the lack of a filmi lineage ever feel like a disadvantage?
I never took it as a disadvantage. In fact, I feel that if my parents would have been singers, then I would have been under constant pressure to prove myself. I am glad that I faced rejections and it was my hard work and perseverance that has got me success.

You have been a part of a reality show.
We have seen very few singers who participate in them have made a successful career. As a viewer, I love to watch reality shows and being a part of the industry, I feel it helps a lot. There are a lot of talented artists in small towns and villages of India and these shows are a huge platform to showcase their talent and bring them to the forefront. Beyond that, only the talent and the determination of the individual helps them to make it big.

So do you think reality shows really launch talents?
Yes, I feel they do. I have been part of one and I am aware that there is very little scope for cheating. There are many singers I see these days, who have not done playback singing but they surely are earning well and leading a good life.

How do you look at competition?
It's a good time to be in the Bollywood music industry. I have always believed in healthy competition and currently, everyone from composers, lyricists and even singers are open to trying out new things. The industry has been forthcoming and many deserving people are getting a chance to showcase their talent.

You said that you believe in healthy competition so how do you keep the energy up without being complacent?
There is no hit formula to make it big in Bollywood. I am aware that I am not going to be here forever and I have accepted this fact gracefully. After me, there is someone who is going to take my seat. My siblings (brother Tony Kakkar and sister Sukruti Kakkar) have been my pillars of strength. I also try to be in sync with the current trend in the industry. You may pull off all the gimmicks in the world, but if you don't perform, you will surely perish. I am aware that I have to deliver consistently to be on top of my game.

Recently, Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah were involved in war of words. You have worked with both of them. Did you find anything amiss between them?
I have had a good working relation with both of them. They are both fun to work with. I am not aware of what happened between them but I have always heard good things about Badshah from Honey Singh and vice versa. They have always appreciated each other's work. There have been times when I have heard Badshah talking on phone and saying Honey bhai. I am sure they'll soon sort out their differences and make even better music together.

Any plans of foraying into acting?
I'd love to become an actress someday. In fact, a lot of my fans who watch my selfie videos comment on it asking me to face the camera. At this point I am concentrating on singing, but if a good acting offer comes up then I'll surely consider it.