Neeti Mohan: Reaching for the Aasma'n

Popular Indian singer, Neeti Mohan who was in the city recently, gets candid with us.

One unusual place where ideas for songs/compositions come to you?

Anywhere! When I’m on flight, working out, at the spa. Maybe when I'm in the shower too?  

The song that is playing on your iPod on loop right now?

Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding.

Recount an instance where you've messed up on stage and had to makeup?

In a foreign country, instead of saying hello, like we say namaste in India, I said something in their dialect which was a cuss word and there was pin drop silence. Actually my translator pulled a fast one on me! When I was told that I had just cursed them, I begun by apologising profusely and to lighten up the mood, did push ups on stage too!

Recognise one blown-out-of-proportion piece of news in the music industry today and comment on it.

Justin Bieber supposedly peeing in his pants! Give the kid a break man!

If you could bring one dead musician back to life, who would it be?

Michael Jackson – he’s evergreen and gave a huge boost to pop music. He embodied what we call a 360 degree showmanship in music and defined an era that now seems to be long forgotten.

If there’s one musician from India that you would collaborate with, who it be? What would you do if you get a chance?

Not to sound arrogant but I’ve worked with everyone I’ve always wanted to work with. AR Rahman topped my list and I’m truly honoured to have worked closely with someone I call my mentor.  

What’s one pick-up line that has worked for you?

I bet you play soccer, because you’re a keeper.—

If not for a musician, what would you have picked for your alternate career?

Music or nothing at all. This has been my day one passion. And if fate hadn’t favoured me, then something in the creative field for sure. I don’t think I was ever cut out for a 9 to 5 white collared profession.

One word that best describes Bengaluru audiences and musicians?

I’ll use two – eclectic visionaries.