India, June 25 -- Singer Neha Bhasin found fame and success early in life. She was just 19, a student of Delhi's Lady Shri Ram College, when she won Channel V's Popstars and became part of Viva, India's first girl group. Two albums and global fame followed. But after Viva ended, Neha found herself struggling to make it as an independent artist. In a conversation with Hindustan Times, the singer recalls how, back then, she felt her career had ended before it even began, wondering if she was 'history at 21'.

Viva released their debut album in 2002, followed by a hit sophomore album the following year. Neha, along with her bandmates, extensively toured India in 2002-03. But in 2004, the four women decided to pursue their solo careers. Neha ...