A voice emerged from Delhi, clear and distinctive. It belonged to Neeti Mohan, a singer destined for Bollywood’s spotlight. Her journey began with classical training but soon embraced jazz and pop.
Victory on Channel V’s Popstars in 2003 launched her career. It placed her in the pop group Aasma. Yet, her true breakthrough came years later.
The song “Ishq Wala Love” from Student of the Year in 2012 changed everything. It announced her as a major playback singer talent. That same year, she recorded “Jiya Re” for a film scored by A.R. Rahman.
Her fresh sound earned the Filmfare R.D. Burman Award. Her work spans over seven Indian languages and English. This versatility defines her two-decade career in music.
Early Life, Family Background, and Musical Foundations
The eldest of four creative sisters, her childhood was filled with music, dance, and disciplined training. Her father, Brij Mohan Sharma, worked as a government officer who encouraged all his daughters’ artistic pursuits. Her mother Kusum supported the family’s creative ambitions from their Delhi home.
Childhood, Education, and Early Interests
School years revealed her multifaceted talents. She participated in dramatics and joined the school band. The young artist marched in Delhi’s Republic Day parade for five consecutive years.
Her dedication earned her the title of best cadet in the National Cadet Corps. This honor led to representing India in the Youth Exchange Programme. Meanwhile, she balanced academics with intensive artistic training.
Training in Classical Music and Dance
Formal music education began at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. She later continued studies at Bhatkhande Music Institute. The singer trained for five years with Rajashree Pathak in Mumbai.
Dance became another passion. She learned Bharata Natyam and Kathak under Ashley Lobo’s supervision. While studying dance, she worked as an instructor teaching children.
She graduated in philosophy from Miranda House, University of Delhi. This academic foundation complemented her artistic development during those formative years.
Rising to Fame: The Journey of Neeti Mohan
The year 2003 marked a seismic shift. A national reality television competition became the launchpad for a new voice.
Neeti Mohan triumphed on Channel V’s Popstars. This victory was more than a title. It was a direct entry into the professional world.
Winning Popstars and Joining Aasma
The win placed her in the pop group Aasma with other contestants. This period offered crucial early experience.
- Live performances shaped her stage presence.
- She gained insight into music production.
- A chance to perform with Bryan Adams arose, arranged by A.R. Rahman’s tour manager.
Years later, she returned to television. She competed on Music Ka Maha Muqqabla in 2009. Her team, Shankar’s Rockstars, won the reality show contest.
How A.R. Rahman Discovered Her Talent
A pivotal moment came through a family connection. Her sister, Shakti Mohan, danced at an A.R. Rahman concert on New Year’s Eve 2006.
The singer expressed a bold wish to perform with him one day. That prediction materialized just six months later.
Fate intervened in 2007. She accidentally met Rahman’s manager outside a cinema. He mentioned auditions for a major US tour.
She quickly recorded a vocal tape. It featured “Maya Maya” from the film Guru. Her classical training and range were clear.
Three weeks passed. The call came. Rahman liked her voice and selected her for the tour. This discovery opened the door to Bollywood.
Breakthrough Success in Bollywood
Bollywood’s doors opened wide with the dual impact of a Vishal-Shekhar composition and an A.R. Rahman track. The year 2012 announced a formidable new talent in the playback singing arena.
Hit Songs and Chart-Topping Debuts
Her first recorded Hindi song was “Jiya Re” for the film Jab Tak Hai Jaan. A.R. Rahman selected her for the peppy track, recalling her spirited energy from their live tours.
Though recorded later, “Ishq Wala Love” from Student of the Year released first. This soft ballad, sung with Salim Merchant and Shekhar Ravjiani, became an instant favorite.
Both songs soared up the charts, capturing listeners nationwide. They showcased a versatile singer capable of both youthful energy and romantic depth.
This momentum continued with hits like “Nazar Laaye” from Raanjhanaa and the energetic “Tune Maari Entriyaan” from Gunday. The latter track earned a spot in the Radio Mirchi Top 10 songs of 2014.
Recognition, Awards, and Industry Accolades
The industry quickly took notice of this fresh voice. Her work on those debut songs earned the prestigious Filmfare R.D. Burman Award for New Music Talent.
This award recognized her unique contribution to the film music landscape. She also received her first nomination for Best Female Playback Singer for “Jiya Re.”
Collaborations with composers like Himesh Reshammiya followed. Tracks like “Tu Hi Tu” from Kick were praised for their breezy, yearning quality. By 2014, she was firmly established as a leading singer.
Versatility in Music: From Jazz to Filmi
When Bombay Velvet demanded authentic jazz vocals, composer Amit Trivedi found his answer in an unexpected place. He needed a voice blending Asha Bhosle’s texture with Nina Simone’s depth for Anushka Sharma’s character.
Signature Bollywood Hits and Crossover Tracks
Beyond the jazz experiment, 2015 showcased her range across multiple languages. She collaborated with A.R. Rahman for the Tamil song “Mersalaayitten” in I.
Her work on “Neeyum Nannum” earned a Filmfare nomination for Best Female Playback Singer in Tamil. She also recorded tracks with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Ankit Tiwari.
Experimenting with Jazz and Traditional Styles
For Bombay Velvet, she recorded six jazz tracks with immersive methods. She read the script first to understand Rosie’s emotional journey.
During sessions, she dressed like a jazz singer with people cheering her on. In “Mohabbat Buri Bimari,” her extemporization added authentic spontaneity.
The song “Dhadaam Dhadaam” required channeling breakup pain so intensely she ran a fever afterward. This dedication showed her commitment to genre authenticity beyond typical playback singing.
Recent Work and Career Milestones (2015-Present)
Her career entered a new phase after 2015, expanding beyond playback singing into mentoring and voice acting. This period shows remarkable balance between cinematic work and guiding new talent across various platforms.
Cinematic Collaborations and Notable Singles
In 2016, she earned her second Filmfare nomination for “Sau Aasmaan” from Baar Baar Dekho. The following years brought successful collaborations across major films.
She recorded for web series like T-Series’ Mixtape while maintaining film presence. Notable tracks include “First Class” from Kalank and “Meri Jaan” from Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Voice acting became another dimension of her work. She voiced Rapunzel in Tangled: Before Ever After and Queen Poppy in Trolls World Tour.
Roles as a Coach and Mentor on Music Reality Shows
Her coaching journey began with The Voice India Kids in 2016. She joined Shaan and Shekhar Ravjiani in mentoring young contestants.
This led to coaching on The Voice India’s second season. She later judged Rising Star and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs.
These shows allowed her to shape the next generation of singers. Her television work extended to Yeh Hai Aashiqui as a musical narrator.
Personal milestones included marrying actor Nihaar Pandya in 2019. They welcomed their son two years later, adding family life to her busy career.
Artistry and Influence: Voice, Style, and Inspirations
Behind every distinctive voice lies a complex tapestry of musical heritage and personal discovery. Neeti Mohan’s artistry reflects this blend of rigorous training and diverse influences.
Distinct Vocal Style and Musical Techniques
The singer possesses a high-pitched, raw vocal structure that sets her apart. Lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya noted her voice carries “the right kind of jazz sensibilities with a certain Hindustaniyat.”
Her classical training taught her to approach songs in different octaves with precision. Time with pop group Aasma helped explore voice texture and harmony beyond classical frameworks.
Though she performs across genres, she loves singing melodies most. Critics praise her ability to adapt her voice to character and mood while maintaining distinctive quality.
Influence of Legendary Icons and Global Inspirations
From childhood, she drew inspiration from legendary singers Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, and Kishore Kumar. She considers Mangeshkar her “greatest teacher for playback.”
A.R. Rahman pushed her to sustain high standards in both recording and live performance. Beyond Indian music, she admires John Mayer for his lyric-writing style.
John Lennon’s “Imagine” inspired her to pursue dreams with dedication. This blend of influences shapes her unique approach to music across many years.
Final Reflections on Neeti Mohan’s Enduring Legacy
Beyond the recording studio, her voice became a tool for social change. Neeti Mohan performed charity concerts for flood relief in Kashmir and Assam. She partnered with the United Nations to combat human trafficking.
Her single “Udne De” empowered women globally. This playback singer balances artistry with advocacy. She mentors young girls on television shows like The Voice India.
Her discography spans hits like “Ishq Wala Love” and “Man Marziyan.” Each song showcases her ability to edit her style across genres. News of her work keeps fans engaged year after year.
Neeti Mohan’s legacy rests on technical excellence and social conscience. She continues to inspire through both music and meaningful action.
