Why do I need to be modest?, asks Neeraj Sridhar

From Woh Chali to Character Dheela, and from Sweden to India — it’s been quite a journey for singer and Bombay Vikings frontman, Neeraj Sridhar. Gearing up for his show in the city next weekend, Neeraj reminisces his association with Bangalore. “My association with the city goes back to 1999 when my first album launched. In fact, the video Kya Surat Hai was to be shot here, but eventually I couldn’t make it,” he recollects.

For someone who has lived in Sweden for close to 30 years, Bollywood was never in his scheme of things. “I never knew the film industry had so much of work. I was busy with my albums and there was an offer or two. I wasn’t sure if my voice would suit playback for films either. In the industry, a lot of talk happens and less of work but for me it has been just the opposite,” Neeraj states. But there have been certain low notes too, says the singer.

“Music director Himesh Reshammiya made me record  a song in Maine Pyar Kyu Kiya, but when the film released, my voice had been replaced by someone else. I was very upset about it. The same thing happened once again with music director Anu Malik. I was amazed at the unprofessional behaviour,” Neeraj states, adding, “But it’s not just the composers who are to be blamed.

Many a time, they do so on the behest of film-makers.” In spite of all this, Neeraj does believe that friendships exist in the industry. “But business and friendship are two different things,” he opines.
Belting out repeated hits hasn’t changed one thing for Neeraj — his love for music. “Why should I be modest about making a not-so-great number sound classy? If I’ve done something, then I’ve done it,” he says, adding, “Music is on a fast track right now and I am loving every bit of the journey.”