Chennai: Neeti Mohan’s foray into music began with her win in the reality TV show, Popstar, whereafter she debuted in Bollywood with the song, ‘Ishq Wala Love’, in the film, Student of the Year.
She has since sung in a number of popular films, the song, ‘Jiya Jiya re Jiya’ from Jab Tak Hai Jaan shooting her to fame.
The young singer has now entered Kollywood, lending her voice for the eagerly awaited Vikram-starrer, Ai.
She has also worked with the music composer duo Salim and Suleiman for Animal Planet’s ‘Yeh Mera India’ animal anthem in Hindi and Tamil on the occasion of India’s 68th Independence Day.
“I am happy to be working on this album with Salim and Suleiman. The theme of the anthem is about how we, as humans, need to learn to live in harmony with the other creatures on our land who have equal rights to be there. We hope that viewers learn to respect wildlife,” says Neeti.
Singing in the Tamil film, Ai, was indeed a memorable experience, she says.
“I have worked with A.R. Rahman on live shows and movies earlier. When I came down to sing for Ai, I did not expect Shankar sir to be sitting in the office. He has worked hard on getting what he wants for the film and for the song. I remember thinking that this was the man who directed Sivaji and Robot.”
How do singers like her cross the language barrier, singing without comprehending the language? “We try to convey a particular emotion through a song; once I understand that emotion, I work on the pronunciation and then sing, but I also feel if I had known the language I would have been able to work on more projects here,” Neeti says, in parting.
An accomplished trio
Neeti Mohan, Shakti Mohan and Mukti Mohan are three popular sisters in Bollywood. While Neeti has pursued her love for music and singing, Shakti competed in the popular show, Dance India Dance Season 2, and also danced in the popular item number, ‘Aa Re Pritam Pyare’ for Rowdy Rathore. Mukti Mohan was one of the celebrated participants in the last season of Jhalak Dikhla Ja. Neeti says about her sisters, “For all us, it is a lot of hard work and the position that Shakti has achieved today through her dance alone is commendable. I am proud of them.”
