Neil Nitin Mukesh recalls how grandfather Mukesh’s name sparked frenzy at Russian hotel
Neil Nitin Mukesh recently shared a fun story from his Bollywood days that highlights the lasting fame of his grandfather, the legendary singer Mukesh. During a lively chat on Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa’s podcast, the actor opened up about his industry struggles, breaking stereotypes, and the pride he feels in carrying forward his family’s musical legacy.
Neil kicked off by talking about how he once thought his fair complexion would open doors in Bollywood. "I figured being light-skinned would give me an edge," he said with a laugh. "People even told me I look rich, so they’d cast me in fancy roles. But trends change—now even actors who don’t scream ‘poor’ are playing kings!" He tried switching things up by portraying a chawl guy in his 2010 film Lafangey Parindey, a romantic drama. Critics poked fun at his looks back then, but Neil stays unfazed. "I’m Indian through and through—heart, body, and mind. If God made me this way, that’s on Him. I blend right in wherever I go, from India to abroad."
The highlight? A wild fan encounter while shooting his 2012 action thriller Players in Russia’s chilly Murmansk. Neil was there with his father, Nitin Mukesh, who had joined him after his own shows. As they rode in a taxi to the hotel, the driver noticed their Indian vibe and started humming the classic "Mera Joota Hai Japani" from Raj Kapoor’s films.
Things got even better when Nitin started singing along. The driver lit up and said, "Your voice sounds just like Mukesh, the singer!" That’s when Nitin dropped the bombshell: "I’m Mukesh’s son, and this is his grandson, Neil Nitin Mukesh." The driver couldn’t believe it—turns out, Mukesh’s songs are huge in Russia, thanks to Raj Kapoor’s influence.
By the time they reached the hotel after the shoot, a mob of excited fans had gathered. "It was chaos! We could barely step inside," Neil recalled, grinning. "Mukeshji’s fans went nuts. Even after almost 50 years since he passed, his voice still touches hearts worldwide. Last year, we celebrated his centenary—his 100th birth anniversary—with special shows, and the love poured in."
Neil feels immense pride in his grandfather’s legacy. "I’m working hard to keep it alive, one step at a time," he added. From Bollywood actors sharing personal stories to the timeless appeal of Mukesh’s music, Neil’s tales remind us why family legacies in Indian cinema stay unforgettable.
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