The name Neha Bhasin is immediately connected to India’s first all girl pop band Viva, the band that made an entry in the Limca book of records. For those who were around that time (2002) and remember the four member band, that consisted of Anushka Manchanda, Pratichee Mohapatra, Mahua Kamat and Seema Ramchandani, the first all-girls band group of India came into being when Channel V as part of reality show Coke [V] Popstars decide to host a reality show.

Young, talented and passionate, Neha Bhasin has come a long way since the days of Viva which split up within a few years. Neha moved on making a career in the music on her own making a career in playback singing. She has delivered hits such as Kuch Khass Hai and Dhunki, she also took the Southern film industry by storm giving blockbusters one after the other. Neha has always been perceived as the sensuous, sassy girl but she wanted to break away from that image and show her fans a glimpse of who she really is.

After the success of her first album ‘Tabaah’, the Scorpio born Neha believes that the music scene in India needs simple and melodious love songs and this is her way of bringing love back into fashion.

As we put this interview for this fortnight, we got to know that the 33 year old Neha recently tied the knot to her old friend and music composer Sameer Uddin in Tuscany, Italy. Bhasin met him during the recording of the romantic single Tera Mera, a song composed by Uddin.

The two, who have known each other for over four years, and were married on October 23 in the presence of family and friends.

Here’s an exclusive interview with the extremely talented and stellar, Neha Bhasin who never told us about her big day, even though we asked.

You were part of India’s first girl band. How did you make the transition from a reality show star to a national icon?

I have worked very hard and patiently to achieve every little thing in my life. I have constantly evolved as an artiste and a person. 

You were known as the Viva Girl for the longest time, how did you shed that ‘pop stars’ image?

Phew it wasn’t easy but as I kept proving my mettle with each song and making a mark with my singles things started changing.

What went wrong with the band Viva that led to its split?

Exactly what goes wrong in a marriage or a partnership. We were too young to famous and managed badly.

What did you learn from being in the band Viva. Has this helped you in your career?

Viva taught me a lot of right and wrong but today am very grateful for everything. No grudges no regrets.

How did playback singing happen for you?

Salim and Suleiman gave me my first big song in Bollywood. Kuch khaas hai from the Hindi film ‘Fashion’. It's amazing to know in today’s fleeting times its still on people's favorite playlist.

You recently released a single Laungwacha. How did this song come about?

Sameer Uddin the ace music producer had called me to sing this version 30 src for an ad and it went viral. And upon popular demand we did the whole version and added this gem to our folk collection.

What is the story behind Laungwacha?

It’s a relaxed, sensuous lounge mix. My sound and videos are often unique.

Are you planning on releasing an album in the near future?

Maybe a few singles.

You have also done work for several Tamil Blockbusters, as a singer, how difficult is it to adapt to a language you don’t know?

I love it. Not easy but fun.

You did the female version of Jag Ghoomeya from the Salman Khan starrer ‘Sultan’, how did this come about?

Director Ali and Vishal Shekhar wanted Sameer Uddin to produce my version like our folk renditions which was a genius idea. I am very proud of Jag ghoomeya which has a romantic touch to it. You will hear a little bit of folk in the song, I mean it’s not a folk song, but the composition is a little bit like that... It has a Rajasthani touch. I have also done a track for ‘Aankhen 2’ like a typical film (song)... It will be the title track.

There was a controversy surrounding the song, but what response did you get for it.

I’m very happy with the way people are talking about the version I have sung. I think Vishal Shekar (music composers Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani) wanted the sound to be like a folk song, something very close to the earth and they love what I have done in the folk genre for my YouTube page, too. I am happy it came out so well.

You are also a trained dancer and have given performances across the globe, what comes first for you, dancing or singing?

Singing for sure, but I am a natural dancer and my aim for 2017 is to produce dance music

Whom do you feel is responsible for your success?

I believe I am God’s child. So it is him who I feel is the one for my success.

Do you play any musical instruments?

Not very well.

Many singers are now becoming actors and vice versa. Do you have such plans?

No

What are your upcoming projects, music and Bollywood?

In this December, I release an original single feature a rap artiste from the UK. Do keep a watch out for it.

Is anyone in your family into music?

My mother and my nani. Everyone in my family is musical.

On that note, we also wish Neha a Happy Birthday in advance for the 18^th November. Cheers.

-- Interviewed by Verus Ferreira