'Working with kids is a joyful experience'

It all started when a child, barely 10 years old, was highly intrigued with “firangi bhajan singers” in Krishna temples across Delhi. She told her parents that she wished to adorn jewellery and saris just like them and become a singer too. They initially took it as a childish whim but soon realised her unrelenting passion and knack to learn music. Now, nearly three decades later, singer Neeti Mohan has far accomplished that dream, is creating a storm in Bollywood and is all set to mentor a children’s reality show, The Voice India Kids.

Sharing her thoughts on mentoring a children’s reality show for the first time, she tells Metrolife, “It seems my life has taken a complete circle. My journey began with a reality show back in 2003 and today, I am going to be a mentor on one. It seems absolutely unbelievable.”

“Initially, I was very scared as I didn’t know what to expect. But once I began, I realised that working with kids is a joyful experience. To be able to nurture their dreams is the most beautiful thing in the world,” says Mohan who had recently lent her voice to Kheech Meri Photo from the movie Sanam Teri Kasam.

However, as a mentor, Mohan wants that the children should “have fun” and “not feel that they are a part of a bitter competition.”

“Learning should be their motto. I just want that three months later, when they go back home and reminisce, they feel happy about their journey.”

She says that one of the challenges will be to encourage the children to uphold their originality and not limit themselves. She as a mentor will provide the children with creative freedom essential for them to flourish throughout the show.

The singer who has tracks like Jiya Re and Ishq Wala Love to her credit says that the show will not only be an experience for her but will also help her learn from the fellow mentors and coaches, Shekhar Ravjiani and Shaan.

“Both Shekhar and Shaan are highly experienced and I will get to learn a lot with them. But till now, these kids have made me realise how essential it is to uphold one’s innocence and fearlessness and give ones’ best without worrying about success or failure,” she says.

The Voice India Kids will premiere on July 23 at 9 pm on &TV.