Singer Neeti Mohan rose to fame when she participated in the reality show ‘Channel V Popstars’.
She went on to win the show along with 3 other participants. The four then formed the popular band ‘Aasma’, which disbanded a few years later.
Neeti soon started singing for movies and at concerts. Some of her songs include ‘Ishq Wala Love’, ‘Jiya Re’, ‘Saadi Galli Aaja’, ‘Kashmir Main Tu Kanyakumari’ and ‘Tune Maari Entriyaan’ which were quite a rage and are even played now. She has also dabbled in the South Indian music industry. Her current projects involve independent music and songs for some forthcoming films.
Neeti has also tried her hands at acting in ‘Socha Na Tha’, which was an Abhay Deol production.
1 | Theatre
Mukti Mohan
“I was introduced to theatre, thanks to my sister Mukti Mohan. I often go to watch her plays and that of her friends. She plays a different genre each time and it always gives me a thrill to watch her perform. I also like watching artistes Sumeet and Shruti Vyas’ performances. Once of the recent plays that I watched was ‘Ila’, which is a mythical story that had a comic twist to it. It’s a change from what we regularly see
on screen.”
2 | Musician
A R Rahman
“When I was studying in boarding school, I didn’t have much access to music. When I got hold of the audio cassette of ‘Roja’, I listened to that over and over again. I would wonder if I could hide in his studio and just watch him work. His entry to the music industry changed the way one looked at music. Even today, I need to listen to his music whenever I’m travelling. I get the feeling of not being alone; it takes me to a fantasy world. My all-time favourite song is ‘Ye Haseen Wadiyan’. My favourite right now is ‘Thalli Pogathey’. I also like listening to all the songs from ‘Rockstar’ and ‘Ok Kanmani’.”
3 | Place
Pilani, Rajasthan
“Pilani is a place that’s known for its educational environment. I studied in a boarding school there and it still holds a special place in my heart. I remember my parents coming down with our dog to visit my sister and me at the school. They used to stay at the guest house. We used to have picnics and play ‘antakshari’. My dog would run around in
the lawn and chase peacocks.
I recently went there as a guest of honour and it was wonderful to refresh my memories.”
4 | Inspiration
Beyonce
“I absolutely love Beyonce
because she’s not just an independent artiste, but a wife and mother as well. She used to be part of a band and worked her way up. Even with the multiple roles that she plays daily, she manages to carry on her work flawlessly. I am also inspired by Lata Mangeshkar and when I meet her, I’d like to ask how much work she has put in the industry and how she has maintained her voice for so long. Malala Yousafzai is also inspirational as she breaks all norms and stands for what she believes in.”
5 | Book
‘Michael Jackson: The Magic and the Madness’ by Randy Taraborrelli
“Reading philosophical books, biographies and autobiographies are a pastime of mine. I find it extremely difficult to pick one book as I just want to read them all. I’m currently reading the biography of Michael Jackson.
Reading such books make me feel like I know the person. The difficulties they have encountered and how they have faced such situations inspire me. I usually read when I’m travelling and before I go to sleep every night. If I don’t get to read, I feel incomplete.”
6 | Cuisine
Continental food
“I don’t get much time to cook; I have even burnt food! So I just prefer to go out and enjoy what I love eating. Soups and salads are some of my favourites. I love going to ‘Indigo’ in Mumbai for my choice of Continental dishes. They serve good bread and cheese as well. I love eating everything presented to me, but I’m a very light eater.”
7 | Movie
‘Andaz Apna Apna’
“I absolutely love watching all the old 80s and 90s classics over and over again. My sister and I would often plan a movie marathon with lots of popcorn for company. We used to watch ‘Andaz Apna Apna’, ‘Mr India’ and ‘Chachi 420’ and repeat the lines of the actors when the movies were going on. It was a lot of fun. Among the recent ones, ‘Queen’ is my favourite.”
(As told to Anila Kurian)