“Genuine Talent Is Almost a Blessing from God”: Neha Kakkar on Mentoring Creators on ‘I-POPSTAR Vol. 2’
Singer Neha Kakkar opens up about her return as a mentor on I-POPSTAR Vol. 2, her search for unique voice textures, and her conscious decision to step back from music.
Acclaimed playback singer Neha Kakkar is set to take on the role of mentor in the upcoming second season of I-POPSTAR Vol. 2. For the singer, the show represents a fresh format that goes beyond traditional singing competitions by encouraging young artists to write, compose, and perform their own original music rather than relying on existing cover tracks.
Reflecting on her return to television, Kakkar shared that while she has judged numerous talent shows throughout her career, I-POPSTAR Vol. 2 offers a uniquely challenging setup. She noted that watching contestants regularly write and compose original tracks forces them to push their creative boundaries, making the mentorship process especially rewarding for her.
When asked about the specific qualities she looks for in aspiring musicians, Kakkar emphasized that genuine talent is rare and described a distinctive voice texture as her primary criteria. Beyond vocal ability and stage confidence, she added that character plays a significant role in an artist's long-term success, noting that grounded and positive human beings create a better creative environment for everyone around them.
Addressing her recent break from releasing original music, Kakkar revealed that stepping back was a deliberate decision. She explained that she chose to pause her releases intentionally so she could return to the music scene with renewed energy, focus, and impact.
Now actively releasing new projects while preparing for I-POPSTAR Vol. 2, Kakkar expressed excitement for the upcoming season. She concluded that the ultimate victory for her and the show will be seeing the contestants' original songs resonate with audiences and trend across digital platforms.
