The voice behind hit numbers Bareli Ke Bazar Mein — Remix (Jail), Second Hand Jawani (Cocktail), title track of Blue and Wo Ek Pal (Not A Love Story) has been described by choreographer Farah Khan as a ‘Rock Star’, and by actress Mandira Bedi as the ‘Next Indian Shakira’. Yes, we are talking about young and vivacious singer Neha Kakkar, who is making waves in the music industry.
Having started singing at the age of four, Neha performed at bhajan sandhyas till the age of 16. “I was always appreciated for being a good performer in addition to being a good singer, and so I decided to participate in Indian Idol. I believed there was something in me that I needed to bring out for others to see.” Being the youngest participant, Neha was naturally pampered on the sets, and recalls that the show gave her great memories and fame. “Although I did not get any playback singing offers post Indian Idol, I got to perform in concerts that took me across the world. I started getting recognised and people started knowing me as the Jai Mata Di girl.” It was much later, after a year, that her friend called her from the studios of composer Sandesh Shandilya, who was looking for a new voice. That’s how Neha landed her first Bollywood song that she sang with Sukhwinder Singh for Meerabai Not Out. Having lent her vocals to several hits after that, she mentions that the title track of the television serial Naa Aana Iss Des Laado holds a special place in her heart, as the song was a touching experience since it focused on women.
Neha went on to appear in Season 2 of Sony’s Comedy Circus ke Taansen alongside comedians Kapil Sharma and Ali Asgar. “It was an amazing experience and the whole team was always laughing. The atmosphere on the sets was positive and the jokes had us all cracking up. I particularly enjoyed it since I am bubbly and always smiling.” She has also participated in other reality shows like Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar on Star Plus. She has also got a tremendous response for her Shah Rukh Khan Anthem on Youtube, for which Shah Rukh thanked her by saying he loved the song. She also recorded a single with her current favourite Honey Singh for his album Satan, that was released in December 2012.
With new singers mushrooming in Bollywood, Neha knows there is competition but says that her voice is her USP. She also says that she keeps practising by learning to sing songs that catch her fancy. “There is no doubt that you have to be talented to get a break in the industry, but it is also important to network and connect with music directors to ensure that they remember you. For me, this is just the beginning and I want to rule the industry one day.”
A popular stage performer, Neha has performed in countless shows and is raring to go for more. “I love being on stage and when I hear fans chant my name and ask for an encore, it is a high like no other. Of course, there is no scope for making or rectifying mistakes on stage; you just need to go on. In the recording studio, we can have several retakes, but I am clear that I give my best and have fun doing both.” Her favourite singers include Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Sukhwinder Singh, Arijit Singh, Kavitha Krishnamurthy and Honey Singh. Looking ahead, Neha says that she has sung for top composers and hopes her songs see the light of the day in the next year. She is also working on an album on Punjabi club songs with her siblings that she is hopeful of releasing soon.