Neha Bhasin: I became a social recluse over the years, now I’m coming out of my shell

Neha Bhasin/Karan Ghoda

Popular singer and song writer Neha Bhasin, speaks to mid-day.com:

Who are the women in your life that inspire you and why?
A lot of women inspire me. My mother believes in the universe, God and that everything happens for good. She has brought us up with so much integrity, love and freedom. I get inspired by my sister who is also bringing up her children in beautiful ways and juggles her work and marital life beautifully. I also feel inspired by women like Barkha Dutt who are strong yet empathetic, J Lo who is so comfortable with her sexuality, Beyonce and Adele.

What are the challenges you had to overcome in your journey as a woman singer without connections?
As a young girl the journey is tough because you are protective of yourself and the fact that people might hit on you and see you a certain way. You are protective of your image and it's not easy. Since I don't come from the industry, I can't just pick the phone and meet people for work. There is a certain sense of insecurity. There's a line you can't cross as a woman, it will give the wrong impression. I never wanted to be in an awkward position but I have been and faced it. I became a social recluse over the years, now I'm coming out of my shell after 20 years of being in the industry. I feel secure but it becomes a detrimental point in your growth at times.

A message you would give other women that you learnt through your experiences?
Love yourself because as women we look for external validity and what the society will think. Duniya ka pyaar fitrati hota hai khud se pyaar karo. Self love is most important and invest the most in the relationship with yourself. Women should support our tribe it's important to be nonjudgmental. Women are far more judgmental than men are. Men tend to sexualize but the way women demean other women is not healthy. Practicing kindness and empathy towards other women is important.

What would a perfect day off for you be?
A perfect day would be on a beach, in a bikini sipping margaritas, swimming and soaking in the sun. You can't do it in Mumbai though.

How did you find your style over the years?
By experimenting and seeing what connects to my soul. I've gone through transitions, singing English music as a child, Indian pop to Bollywood and Punjabi folk. There's no particular style its what connects to your soul, good music!