Bombay Vikings' 'Kya surat hai 'track introduced Hinglish lyrics to the Indian music scenario. The song was on every youngster's lips for a while, but not surprisingly, the artiste was panned by critics and the music industry alike. That did not stop Vikings ( otherwise known as Neeraj Shridhar) from cutting four remix albums one after another, shortly thereafter. But it took Neeraj Shridhar almost a decade to gain instant recognition - this time, through a hit track called 'Hare Ram, Hare Krishna' from Bhool Bhulaiya.

In conversation with Radioandmusic.com's Shabana Ali, the singer speaks about his journey from being 'Bombay Vikings' to Neeraj Shridhar…

Excerpts:

That was quite a comeback you staged in the music industry/ What was the turning point?

It happened a year ago, when Vishal and Shekhar asked me to sing 'halke halke' for Honeymoon Travels. It was a while before I got my next offer from Shankar Ehsaan and Loy for Jhoom Barabar Jhoom's 'Ticket to Hollywood'. Before the song was released, T-series introduced me to Pritam and then I sung for him for Bhagam Bhag, and the next project with him was Bhool Bhulaiya. 'Hare Krishna hare ram' became an overnight hit. From then on, there was never any looking back.

Why did you take a long gap after your fourth album?

My fourth album 'Zara nazron se kehdo' did not do that well. And I wanted to do something different. My film career started two years after my last album. In those two years, I was writing one minute songs for European ads.

Do you feel you have been recognised a trifle late in life?

Well, everything takes its own time. When I brought the Hinglish lingo into the music industry, I was criticised by everyone. But, gradually even the Hindi film music industry caught up with this kind of music and things changed for me.

Earlier, the film music industry was dominated by melodies. Now, the scene is charged with pop. People always wanted a playback singer to be soft and melodious and they all feared experimenting with different types of vocals.

Your singing career started with remix albums. Was it difficult to get into playback singing?

At first yes, people kept a certain distance. Directors thought my voice would not suit the actors. But the music scenario has changed a lot. Now, the actors are expected to mould their attitudes according to the vocalists. The music industry is now into remixes and pop and hence I have a place in this industry now.

We always hear you singing westernised tracks. Don't you want to experiment with different genres?

I have an attitude and the Hinglish lyrics were initiated by me. So, there is a typical mindset invoved, which my music directors want me to deliver through my singing. I want to try my hand at different genres. In fact, I have sung some classical numbers in Telugu films and I am very happy doing regional stuff. Recently, I have sung a ballet number with Pritam for Aashayein. This was very different from what you have been hearing from me.

Most of your songs are with T-series and Pritam. Is there any specific reason for that?

Vinod Bhanushali (President - Marketing Media Publishing (TV), T-Series) has always stood by me. It was only because of him that I happened to try my hand at playback singing. I never believed I could ever be a playback singer with such a voice. When I heard singers like Sonu and Shaan, I though I would never succeed. T-series has been very supportive so my next album is also with T-series.

As for Pritam, it's just that I have been noticed in his popular numbers. I have worked with Vishal-Shekhar, Shankar Mahadevan and many regional directors.

It's only that Pritam's music is always a hit and it gets noticed.

Do you ever feel, you could get typecast with the kind of songs you are singing nowadays?

I have an attitude, a style and a way of singing. Composers approach me for such song and expect me to bring some Hinglish style to the lyrics. But, now many lyricists do it very well too, and I am here to deliver. Apart from Aashayein, I have sung songs of some different genres for Telugu films also. So, it's not that I haven't experimented with my voice, it's just that the experiments have not become known.

You changed your name from Bombay Vikings to Neeraj Shridhar. Why?

My first album was launched in 1999 and it was very different in its own right. With western tracks and western music, my name Neeraj Shridhar did not suit the brand. So, the moniker of Bombay Vikings was more a branding activity. Everybody started knowing me as Bombay Vikings and addressed me with the same name. I had had enough of it. I wanted to be known by my own name, so I requested all the labels and music directors to write my original name.

In fact, it acted as a plus for me, because 'Bombay Vikings' would have never been considered as a playback singer. But, a 'Neeraj Shridhar' sounds more like a playback singer!

You have always composed songs for your albums. Will you ever try composing songs for Hindi films too?

I am composing songs for my upcoming album now. I would love to compose for Hindi films, but now is not the right time. I am not yet equipped with the know how for that. Melody is a very difficult part for me. With some exposure to playback, I have learnt some tricks of the trade but it's just not the right time for me to try it.

In the future, when I am well established, I would love to get into production. We have a lot of talent in India but they are not projected well. I want to provide a platform to all western music lovers.

Are you doing stage shows and live performances?

Yes, I love doing it. I enjoy the direct interaction with my audience. On the other hand, I miss carrying a guitar on my shoulders. I am a guitarist and very often, wish I could sit and play the guitar on stage. But, I really enjoy singing for my audience. It is also fun to jump around the stage and entertain the audience!