NEHA BHASIN dropped another song on Valentine’s Day. The singer, who is also the captain of the show Indian Pro Music League, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA on how she got interested in music and why she chose cyberbullying as a subject for a song
How did you get interested in music?
It began in school. My teacher, back then, one day made me sing in the class. He loved the way I sang. I developed a love for singing from there. My mother is a great singer. We grew up listening to her sing. Hamare galey mein sur-tal shuru se thha.
When and how did you get your first break?
I got my first break through a reality show Coke (V) Popstars. It was a show done by Channel V, it was a nationwide talent hunt show where five women who would form a band; I was one of the winners. That is how I began my musical journey.
What are the three songs, that you released recently, about?
All the three songs that I have released in the last three-four months have a different flavour to it. They showcase me as a person and as an artist in different light — versatile and the multiple personalities that I may have. The song Kehnde Rehnde comes from a deep place of anger, disappointment and rejection for being a certain kind of person; a woman in the world who doesn’t follow the norms. And not just cyberbullied but bullied by the society and put in a corner and shamed for being myself. Cyberbullying is another evil aspect of that. This song, I felt was necessary to put out. I wanted to tell people, through the song, why they keep blabbering since nobody is interested. Tu Ki Jane, is a mature song about heartbreak and yet the woman has a sense of empowerment and shows the man an aspect of what he will lose if he leaves me. The video is very empowering. Tara is a beautiful love song of yesteryears — the subtlety that one saw via poetry where the woman says that she would have been just an ordinary star in the galaxy but after meeting you I have become wholesome like the moon and now have a place because of you.
How did Tara get featured in Lahore Confidential?
We were working on the song when somebody I knew in Zee5 was looking for a folk song. I made him listen to Tara; we were still working on it. He loved the rough track and asked if he could feature it in Lahore Confidential. I told him that I was working on my own version of the song and if I could do that, I can license you the song. I am glad that it happened.
nDo you think songs have the power to change mindset?
Songs, films and art have the power to change mindset and artists have been gifted the divine power by God and hence I feel this is the responsibility that we have on our shoulders rather than the morality of bondage that the society wants to put on me because I am a woman who behaves in a certain way. I would rather take the responsibility of changing the mindset and progressing the society into being more fluid and more accepting of people.
What kind of music do you love making?
My taste in music is varied. I make music that comes from within — from my heart. As an artist I love the idea of expressing myself and not just selling music. I love acoustic music, ballads, pop, rock. I love listening to dance music. I listen to reggae, good hip-hop tracks as well. I just want the music to be good that comes from the heart. The lyrics should be good nd even if the music is hardcore, as long as it is fun and well-produced, I would love it. The songs should have a special something to them.
A song that you loved doing?
I have loved and enjoyed doing songs that I have put out whether it was in Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil or Telugu. There is always a back story to each song. But yes, there are a few favourites. Dil Diyan Gallan is one of the most favourite songs that I have sung. Tara is yet another song that I loved doing.
You acted as well. Why not pursue that?
I would love to pursue acting if it was a Broadway like Chicago.
What next?
There is plenty in the kitty. I have two more songs lined up. I am almost set to release my first English song. I am working on it. I am also the captain of the Delhi team on Indian Pro Music League.