Singer Neeti Mohan: my sisters and I have made our parents proud

Neeti_Mohan
Neeti_Mohan

For a singer of her calibre who has been around since 2003, after her debut with the pop band Aasma, recognition has taken a while to happen. But the Jiya Jiya Re girl, Neeti Mohan, has been on an ascent in her career, since the Jab Tak Hai Jaan song became a chartbuster in 2012. Earlier this year, she became the first female Indian singer to join the league of popular celebrities like Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore and others, when her 2015 single Udne De, that was written and composed by her as a tribute to Nirbhaya, was included in the United Nation's "Music To Inspire - Artists UNited Against Human Trafficking" project.

"I think I was destined to be here. I don't come from a musical family and nobody among my relatives is an artiste or a singer. I started singing in competitions during my college days, that's when my sisters pushed me to sing more, they had more faith in me than I had," remembers Neeti. It's her peppy, soulful and distinct voice that's helped Neeti earn loyalty of her fans. After Jab Tak Hain Jaan, Student of the Year's Ishqwala Love secured Neeti's position as one of the lead playback singers in Bollywood. "Vishal and Shekhar wanted to try a husky voice for this romantic number. But I had to audition for it," reveals Neeti.

Apart from singing for films, it's Neeti's television presence, as a judge on the reality TV singing competition The Voice India, that's led her popularity soar. "I had been invited during Season 1 of the show to perform with one of the contestants... A year later they called me to judge The Voice India Kids show. It was a huge surprise, but I was also apprehensive about sharing the podium with Shaan and Shekhar, both such seasoned seniors. But the experience has been amazing!" It's not just her on-screen charisma, Neeti has also grabbed eyeballs for her styling. "Shringar (grooming) too is an important aspect of being a singer... To put it across simply, I would say, you wouldn't consume a boring dish, presentation makes it appealing. Likewise on television, presentability matters," she says.

Her recent hit Bawara Mann from Jolly LLB 2 has upped her popularity further. It's Neeti's effortlessness that's perhaps helped her bag so many popular songs. "It really feels good. Especially because all my three sisters - Shakthi (dancer and runs a dance school), Mukthi (theatre artiste and actor), Kriti (manages Neeti's assignments) and me are doing well. When we were younger, neighbours and relatives would always ask us, "no brothers?" and would keep taunting our parents about it saying, we will just end up getting married. But things are different now. We feel happy that we have proved ourselves and are taking care of our parents as well," she says.

Quick fire:
Favourite music director: Madan Mohan
Favourite song: Piya Tose Naina Lage Re (Guide)
Singing rituals: I practice every morning and afternoon. I also do a lot of voice exercises and meditate with the tanpura
I want to sing for: Madhuri Dixit

 

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