Neeti Mohan on the ‘90s Vibes of ‘Chori Chori’

Neeti Mohan has been drifting through Hindi film music for more than ten years, yet she never seems to settle into a single, predictable shade. From the carefree flutter of “Ishq Wala Love” to the tender whisper of “Meri Jaan”, each song feels like a new outfit she tries on, and “Chori Chori” is the latest ensemble she’s eager to showcase.

When asked about the subtle 1990s flavor in the track, Neeti smiles and says she wasn’t trying to recreate a retro template at all. “I was just feeling the lyrics, the melody, and letting the vibes come through,” she explains. The production, she adds, naturally drifts toward that nostalgic hue, but the magic, she believes, lives in staying honest to the song’s pulse.

There’s something intimate about “Chori Chori”. Unlike many playback numbers that turn private emotions into grand cinema, this piece leans into a softer, more personal space. Neeti says she didn’t consciously strip away years of playback instincts; instead, she let the Indian inflections – the gamaka, the gentle bends – guide her, treating the tune like a conversation rather than a showcase.

Speaking of love songs, Neeti reflects on how her perception of romance has matured. “When you’re younger, the voice is full of exuberant abandon. As you grow, you learn to read the song’s need, whether it’s a sleek modern production or a melody that needs room to breathe.” This evolution, she feels, is a natural by‑product of constantly learning – about music, about her own instrument, and about the stories she’s asked to tell.

The ‘90s, she notes, allowed melodies to linger longer, giving listeners a chance to soak in each phrase. Today’s pop often races ahead, yet Neeti believes every song still carries its own set of requirements. “If a track needs space, you give it space,” she says, shrugging with the ease of someone who’s heard both ends of the spectrum.

Fans have started attaching memories to her voice, a phenomenon that both surprises and delights her. She recounts strangers approaching her with anecdotes – a wedding where “Kithe Reh Gaya” played, or a mother’s favorite “Tu Hai To”. “It’s beautiful to hear that a song I sang becomes a soundtrack to someone’s life,” she muses, a soft grin evident in her tone.

When it comes to shifting the personality of her voice from one romantic ballad to another, Neeti insists she follows the song’s vibe rather than imposing a fixed identity. “I try to dissolve into the track, become the feeling it wants to convey,” she says, pausing as if to listen to a distant echo of the melody.

Beyond singing, Neeti has stepped into producing and mentoring, a full‑circle moment from waiting in the audition line for “Popstars” to sitting on a judging panel for budding singers. “Every role teaches you something new,” she reflects, hinting that the future will likely see her juggling more hats, always with the song at the centre.

In the end, “Chori Chori” isn’t just a nostalgic nod; it’s a bridge between what she loved as a teenager and what she embraces today. As she puts it, “We were just feeling it and vibing – that’s all that mattered.”