Indi-pop Hits: Do you miss 'Viva'? This is what India's very own 'Spice Girls' are up to these days

Viva La Viva!

In the early days of 2002, Channel [V] India embarked on an extensive 45-day quest scouring the nation's length and breadth in search of remarkable talent to assemble an all-girl Indian pop group. The climax of this exhaustive search unfolded on April 11, 2002, as Channel [V] proudly revealed the "chosen 5" who would become the core of India's pioneering girl group - 'Viva,' a remarkable desi counterpart to the likes of the Spice Girls or Destiny's Child.

This quintet, comprised of Pratichee Mohapatra, Neha Bhasin, Mahua Kamat, Anushka Manchanda, and Seema Ramchandani, emerged as the winners of Channel [V]'s 'Coke V Popstar,' which was the Indian adaptation of the loved British reality TV show 'Popstars.' These talented young women were cherry picked by the discerning judges of the show.

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For the early 90s kids who had recently transitioned into the 2000s or the "new millennium", this group marked their initial encounter with reality music shows that offered a behind-the-scenes look at auditions and contestant interviews.

Every member of the band brought their unique musical background and training to the table, which enabled them to handle the challenging auditions and secure their place in the group. An 18-year-old Anushka Manchanda, the youngest of the bunch, had put her studies on hold to pursue a music career. Mahua Kamat, aged 20 at the time, had formal training in Hindustani classical music and a keen interest in R&B and hip-hop, setting her apart as one of Viva's 'pop' members. Neha Bhasin, aged 19, was pursuing a degree in Sociology and was portrayed as the more mature member of the group. Seema Ramchandani hailed from a musically inclined family and had big dreams of a career in the industry. The eldest of the group, Pratichee Mohapatra, had six years of training in Classical music and was known for her carefree and fun-loving personality.

After their selection, all members underwent grooming under the guidance of music director Sandeep Chowta, singer Shubha Mudgal, model Sushma Reddy, and fashion designer Manish Malhotra. Over eight episodes, these young women underwent rigorous musical training and received makeovers to fit the image of pop stars.

Viva's debut album, titled 'Viva!,' was released in the same year under the Times Music label. This album featured compositions by eight different music directors, including names like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Jatin-Lalit, with lyrics penned by Javed Akhtar. Their debut track, 'Hum Naye Geet Sunaye,' became their signature song, a tune that continued to be associated with them long after they disbanded.

Their first concert in Mumbai in April 2002 set a new Limca Record with a staggering 50,000 attendees. At the turn of the century, these women became iconic figures in India's pop culture scene. They fearlessly embraced bold fashion choices, from metallic eyeshadows to halter tops, and were celebrated for their outspokenness. They were unapologetic about their behavior and made waves for all the right reasons. The group sang about smashing the patriarchy and the significance of having a 'girl tribe.' Their song 'Jaago Zara' was a call to reclaim one's life and decisions, urging individuals to fight oppression and challenge societal norms.

While their message was great and was truly a breath of fresh air, internal fissures within the group soon became apparent. Just six months into their rise to stardom, Seema Ramchandani chose to depart. Although the reasons for her exit remained a mystery, their manager, Lydia Fernandes, suggested it was to pursue an Art of Living course, a passion she held close to her heart. Following her departure, the band continued as a four-member group.

Viva released a second album, 'VIVA-Reloaded,' but by 2003, their journey came to an end as they disbanded. For the longest time, there was no official statement explaining why they had chosen to part ways. However, in a 2014 interview, they revealed that they disbanded because they felt pressured to meet unattainable beauty standards and experienced constant body-shaming and scrutiny.

In 2020, fans witnessed a mini-reunion as the four remaining members came together to perform 'Jaago Zara' on Instagram.

Today, the members of Viva have pursued different careers. Anushka Manchanda has become a singer and actor, with appearances in films like 'Angry Indian Goddesses' and a continued dedication to creating music. Neha Bhasin has established herself as a popular Bollywood playback singer, contributing hits such as 'Asaalam-e-Ishqum' in Gunday and 'Dhunki' in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. Mahua Kamat, also a singer, has lent her voice to films like Dev and Force and is frequently seen posting covers on Instagram. Pratichee Mohapatra has enjoyed a successful playback career in Bollywood and ventured into acting.