‘ANY GIRL FROM DELHI HAS TO BE DHAAKAD’

Bollywood singer Neeti Mohan talks about her time in Delhi that taught her to live fearlessly

Singer Neeti Mohan, an alumna of Delhi University’s Miranda House, says growing up in the Capital made her fearless and strong. “I used to travel in the University special buses when studying in Miranda House. I feel any girl from Delhi has to be strong and dhaakad because of the pressure they feel here,” says Neeti.

The 38-year-old was recently in the Capital for a concert, and credited the city and DU for shaping her life. “A city like Delhi prepares you. I travel around the world with unknown people, but never feel scared. My mother also played a crucial role in the same. She taught me never to turn my back, and to hit hard if somebody tried to touch me inappropriately,” she recalls.

Known for chartbusters like Jiya Re from Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012), and Mohabbat Buri Bimari from Bombay Velvet (2015), the singer never thought she would make it big in the film industry. “I used to do a lot of stage shows in college, but I never thought it would turn into a career. It was a far-fetched dream, and I thought I will go into advertising, as writing and creativity was my thing,” she adds.

Neeti shares she was a part of various societies, and would participate actively in music, stage shows and street theatre. “I was president of the choreography society. We used to stay back in the campus after classes, and practice for competitions.”

She adds, “North Campus is very close to my heart. The environment is competitive, and that’s why it’s full of talented people, academically and otherwise. The time spent there, forms the best years of my life.”