Check the slideshow above I have heard singers performing on stage with live orchestra but being privy to a live Hindi film playback singer sing full-throated without background music, I listened in rapt attention and so did the guests from other tables who got lucky that day. Yes I am talking about my meeting with the young, peppy flavor of the season Neha Kakkar, who has chartbusters like Secondhand Jawani (Cocktail) and Jadoo ki Jhappi (Ramaiyya Vastavaiya) to her credit. Since she is fond of international singer Rihanna to the extent of emulating her, I felt the international sports bar Manchester United Café Bar would be apt to entertain her as the restaurant observed Bollywood Nights on Fridays. It’s another thing that we met for lunch and I ended up being entertained by her rustic renditions. Smart and perky in striped legging with a green jacket over black tee, a sunny smile and dimpled cheeks, her uncanny resemblance to an equally perky Bollywood actor Preity Zinta could not be missed. As we walked past MUCB’s gorgeous buffet counter, we glanced at the dishes on offer – exotic salads, soup, exciting dips, international main course and tempting desserts. The high ceiling and signature red-dominated interiors of Manchester United Cafe, with an elevated bar and of course the waiters did not do the MUCB anthem jig which is usually performed at regular intervals in the evenings. Crooning since four when kids her age learn to mumble a few rudimentary words, the Delhiite went on to sing Mata Rani’s bhajans and with Her blessings contested Indian Idol-2 where she was among the Top 5. Remember her sprightly moves and compelling performances in Comedy Circus ka Tansen Season 2 and then came her high as Neha extols, “I dedicated a song to my fave superstar Shah Rukh Khan known as “SHAHRUKH KHAN ANTHEM” on Youtube. The great achievement for me was when the superstar himself tweeted about it later and thanked me for the beautiful song.” Did taking part in Indian Idol help her get film assignments? “Not at all,” asserts Neha, “It helped me get shows but getting into Hindi film industry was entirely my effort, talent and determination.” After doing a recce of the lavish buffet of Oriental Singapore Noodles, Schezwan Chicken, Mexican Enchiladas, Neha settled for Penne Pasta in Alfredo sauce and a glass of fresh Lime, declaring, “I am a total Italian food fan.” Besides she also likes Continental cuisine. A shopaholic, she had indulged in retail therapy, before I could arrive, in the mall where MUCB is located. Being a light eater, we went straight to the sweet finale with fresh fruits, classic Tiramisu and yummy Strawberry Mousse. Her dream is to playback for actor Madhuri Dixit for whom she says, “Actually I had recorded her item song Ghagra (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani) for Pritamda but a mature voice was required and they found my voice to be very young.” Despite Bollywood lure, this girl is grounded and still sings Mata Rani’s bhajans like she used to before. Her idol, of course, is her sister Sonu Kakkar and NO there’s no competition from the home front. We say goodbye with promises of meeting again soon. And here’s wishing the perky and petite singer many many chartbusting songs in her career! Rapid Fire Qs A singer you idolize My sis Sonu Kakkar A composer you wish to sing for… A solo for A R Rehman An actor you wish to lend your voice to… Madhuri Dixit Your fave vintage song and singer… Ehsan tera hoga mujh par…Lata Mangeshkar Fave playback Jodi… Alka Yagnik and Kumar Shanu Fave onscreen Jodi (musically)… SRK and Kajol Success to you is… Rihanna You try to emulate… Rihanna…. I mean her stage presence and style What inspires you to sing Spirituality Your most respected singer… Late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan … he was like the God of music…very mystical You wish to sing a duet with… Hold your breath…..the controversial singer Honey Singh! Are you single or dating… Single Your idea of fun… Going to amusement park with friends (laughs) One thing about you that nobody knows… Even in deep slumber, if music is played, I get up and dance to it.