'Diva Mat Ban, Ban Tu Devi': In Conversation With Pop Icon Neha Bhasin

Neha Bhasin, an Indie music sensation, burst onto the music scene in 2002 when she made a striking appearance on the reality show Pop Stars. Since then, she has carved a niche for herself with her remarkable contributions to Bollywood and Punjabi folk music. Renowned for her remarkable prowess in delivering mesmerising Bollywood and Punjabi folk melodies, Bhasin's music resonates with a raw, bold authenticity that effortlessly reflects the depths of her soul. 

With an innate ability to speak her heart through her lyrics, she has carved out a distinctive place in the music industry, establishing herself as a formidable force as both a singer and a songwriter. Her journey in the music industry has been nothing short of extraordinary, as she has firmly established herself as a true icon and a force to be reckoned with in the world of music.

SheThePeople, through their exclusive tour series powered by Gytree, delves deep into the remarkable journey of Neha Bhasin in an interview conducted by Naisargi Shah. The discussion touches upon a wide spectrum of topics, from navigating the challenges of the music industry and confronting criticism to the celebration of culture and legacy through the tapestry of folk music. Bhasin's unapologetic stance on not conforming to industry norms, her critique of beauty standards imposed on women in the music industry, and her advocacy for mental health, make this conversation a powerful exploration of the artist's journey and her impact on the industry.

Navigating Her Way in Bollywood

Baby Neha's expectations mirrored those of her adult self - she was a dreamer, focused, and cheekily mischievous in every aspect except music. However, when she entered the music industry, she felt like her soul was being suffocated, and her youthful self began to fade into obscurity.

In a poignant letter, her mother expressed missing her wild and unrefined spirit, craving the rawness that defined her. With limited exposure to the industry, Bhasin's unwavering determination to become a pop star, or "ziddhi," as she puts it, led her to the realisation that her life at 19 was a direct manifestation of her 9-year-old self's innocent dreams. 

While her mother, a classical singer, lacked industry connections, she encouraged Bhasin with the words, "Aap khwaab dekho raaste khul jayenge." (Dream and the paths will open). Armed with her trusty boom box, she was already living her dreams.

Emerging on the scene as part of India's first reality show, Pop Stars, in 2002, she quickly etched her name in the book of records. Raised in an environment where her mother's Punjabi folk tunes resonated, Bhasin's artistic vision transcended boundaries. 

Her mantra of "Doing music that I believe in, what feels right to my heart," remained steadfast, regardless of whether she collaborated with famous actors. While Bollywood offered more exposure, Bhasin held the torch for independent music. 

Not Fitting In & Dealing with Criticisms

Dealing with criticism was an integral part of her journey. Despite delivering hits and proving her worth, Bhasin often felt like a "reject" in the industry. Her unique voice, personality, and approach made it challenging to find her place. The prevailing notion that thin voices were the voices of actresses and thick ones scarcely existed had to be challenged. Bhasin faced questions and biases, with even a renowned director of the 90s asking, "Aapko zukhaam hai kya aapki voice aisi kyu hai?" Neha's journey was about being "The change in the industry, not the industry itself." She refused to conform to the existing norms and created her own unique space, celebrating her individuality as an artist.

She candidly confronts the challenges of not fitting into societal norms and the resilience required to combat hate in the music industry.

With a resolute spirit, she declares, "I am not going to let you win anymore. I am going to piss you off more by becoming more successful."

Speaking passionately about the pressure to conform to beauty standards, she reflects on the objectification and body shaming she endured early in her career.

 "When you have tits and ass, you are either sexualised, objectified, or called fat," she laments. 

Bhasin highlights the double standards in how society perceives ageing, emphasising the disparity between the acceptance of male and female bodies in the public eye. Despite the scrutiny and criticism, she remains steadfast in her resolve, asserting, "I respect myself, and that's enough." Bhasin recognises the pervasive issue of women undermining one another, emphasising the importance of self-respect and the need for a collective shift in societal consciousness to foster genuine empowerment and solidarity among women.

Thought Behind Lyrics

In her song Kehnde Rehnde, Bhasin boldly declares, Diva Mat Ban, Ban Tu Devi, a powerful anthem that reflects her journey as a pop star in India. She challenges the prevailing perceptions that confine and limit women's choices, emphasising the importance of letting women decide their own paths. 

She passionately advocates for a society that doesn't label women based on age and reinforces that India is still not entirely ready to embrace confident women without attaching tags like "feminist" or "bossy."

Her message is clear: Women should be celebrated for who they are, not for an idealised image, and it's high time to stop dictating their worth based on societal expectations.

Watch the full interview here. 

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