Neha Bhasin is a woman on a mission. After tasting fame as part of Viva, the all girls band and crooning for Bollywood movies, Neha is spearheading a pop revival in the country, by way of folk music. Recently having released her single Nai Jaana, Neha reveals in a chat that she will continue giving Punjabi folk a modern spin because she enjoys the experience of recreating the music. Excerpts:
How did you decide to break from mainstream and work on Punjabi music?
We wanted to revive my YouTube channel and were wondering what we can do besides original singles. My music producer and director Sameer (Uddin) asked me to try folk. I was initially reluctant, but eventually convinced. I’m a Punjabi and I grew up listening to songs like Latthe di Chaddar, one of my first singles. The song got appreciated and I started recommitting to my roots.
In terms of experience, how is Punjabi folk different from Bollywood? Do you feel restricted?
I feel less restricted now. When you’re doing your own music, it’s just you and your team. But when you go to sing someone else’s song — Bollywood or ad or even collaboration — they’ve lived with the tune for so long you have to go by their vision. The fun part there is that they call you for the job because they want your inputs.
Would you collaborate with indie artists?
At some point, yes. I would love to do something with Mohit Chauhan and other folk artists. Once the momentum picks up it’s easier to get people on board. It’s a lot of work to make the songs.
How important has Viva been in your journey so far?
Viva was the beginning of my journey and it not only gave me a platform but also made me the person and performer I am today. The good, the bad; I wouldn’t take that away from my journey. Some people learn their lessons at 40 but fortunately we got to learn at 20. It was a good time for music. We didn’t talk for ten years and a year-and-a-half ago we met for an interview and caught up again. We’re back to being friends. It was like picking up from where we left off; wasn’t difficult at all.
Do you get bored talking about Viva?
I don’t. It’s nice that people still remember us and I’m grateful. A lot of the new generation do not know Viva, but then they don’t even know The Beatles, so I’m not surprised. If they don’t know The Beatles they should definitely not know Viva. I asked someone if they knew Rod Stewart and they didn’t. I think you shouldn’t even be in the industry if you don’t know these people.
When I was in school, the first song I learned was of Simon and Garfunkel, and The Beatles. I couldn’t even pronounce their names but I was singing “Hello Darkness my old friend” and Yellow Submarine. Now, in school people are dancing to weird songs and a lot has changed. We were not allowed to sing Bollywood. I danced to East or West and was punished for the whole day.
How did singing down South happen?
That happened back in 2007 when I was singing for Yuvan Shankar Raja (Illayaraja’s son) and then one thing led to another. Singing in different languages comes naturally to me. I don’t speak Punjabi very well, but I sing it well. I find it to be a very beautifully rhythmic language. My favourite languages are Tamil, Punjabi and Urdu. They’re poetic. It has more character and I can explore my range.
What’s on your plate next?
I’m doing a folk song Madhaaniya next. It’s going to be a very different version of the song — it will be acoustic. Every time I hear it, I can’t stop crying. The video should be out the end of the month.
