I’m still remembered for my first song in Hyderabad: Neha Bhasin

Glamourous, talented and oh-so-sweet — that sums up Neha Bhasin for you. In town recently for a performance, she caught up with Hyderabad Times about everything she loves about the city, the people and the industry. Read on...
DEVI AND ANU ARE MY ONLY FRIENDS IN THE INDUSTRY
Devi Sri Prasad is one mad fellow! He’s a very good friend of mine — so much so that we call ourselves each others’ boyfriend.Moreover, he is an incredibly passionate and hard working guy. It’s amazing working with him. I have friends outside of the film fraternity, but he is probably my only friend in the industry, besides Anu (Anasuya Bharadwaj) She’s a sweetheart!
I HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED HYDERABAD TO ITS FULLEST
I’m a vegetarian and I don’t really enjoy spicy food. So I guess I can’t completely appreciate Hyderabadi cuisine. But I love the desserts! I also haven’t visited most places in here — I’m usually busy with work. But I’ve seen the pearl market and it is beautiful. My mother loves pearls and I shopped for her there. Besides that, I guess the airport is pretty great! (laughs)
TELUGU FANS ARE AMAZING
The fans here are so dedicated. They haven’t forgotten my first song in Telugu. I’m still remembered for Atu Nuvve Itu Nuvve from Current. I was shocked to see the devotion fans have for their heroes too, when I was here to perform live for the audio launch of Oosaravelli last time. For Janatha Garage, I wasn’t surprised anymore.
INDIE MUSIC HAS TAKERS
I haven’t really stopped working on independent music since VIVA. Film music is in its place but I make time for singles and indie albums as well. I guess that industry is definitely picking up. Pop music scene isn’t as great as earlier but with promotions I feel there are some real takers for such music out there. Its scope may be not in crores, but certainly is in lakhs.
BOLLYWOOD COULD TAKE A LEAF OUT OF TOLLYWOOD'S BOOK
The speed at which Tollywood works is alarming. I recorded Apple Beauty from Janatha Garage three days before its audio release. And the difference between Bollywood and Tollywood in terms of music style is probably that the former follows cliches. Telugu audience on the other hand are open to new things. Also Telugu folks are very friendly. It feels great to see how the industry itself comprises a bunch of friends who have a lot of fun when they work together. Bollywood could take a leaf out of their book.