Shilpa Rao hails from Jamshedpur. Her father, who holds a degree in music, was her first guru. She’s trained under Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan since she was a teenager and also considers Hariharan to be her guru. It was Shankar Mahadevan who encouraged her to be a commercial singer, giving her a break in ad jingles. Her first playback opportunity came through composer Mithoon, who gave her a chance to sing Tose naina lage from Anwar (2007). She has never looked back since. Her love for Sufi poetry and Urdu ghazals is well known. Besides singing playback, she has a flourishing career as an indie musician, both as a stage performer and on the internet, where her renditions of classical ghazals have been met with a favourable response. Excerpts from an engaging interview with the talented singer.
Chaleya and Besharam Rang were the most celebrated and popular tracks of 2023. What do you have to say about the success of the songs?
The success of Besharam Rang has been truly overwhelming and I’m immensely grateful for the love and support it has received. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in creating the song. I believe its popularity stems from the catchy tune and meaningful lyrics that convey a message of freedom, resonating with the listeners. Chaleya came about when I got a call from Shah Rukh’s manager, Pooja Dadlani and that itself was a big compliment that he wanted me to do the song and Anirudh was composing it. I was quite excited to work on such a huge project and be a part of such a beautiful song. It was my first time working with Anirudh. His musical vision and how he foresees a particular voice for the song are impeccable.
What makes Besharam rang so popular?
Besharam resonated with people because it embodies the concept of unapologetically loving oneself in all its forms and colours. It encourages you to embrace every facet of your identity without inhibition. Credit goes to Kumar for the lyrics, Vishal-Shekhar for the music and Siddharth for envisioning a song that connects with people worldwide, celebrating the essence of self-acceptance and self-celebration. Collaborating with Vishal-Shekhar was like home, given that we’ve previously worked together on the iconic Khuda jaane song. In fact, Pathaan marks my fifth project with them and each experience has been nothing short of amazing.
How would you describe your association with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone?
My association with both Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone has been truly memorable. While we are all fans of Shah Rukh Khan, working with him and getting to know him on a personal level has given me immense respect for him as a human being. His kindness and humility are qualities that we can all learn from. Deepika, on the other hand, has always shown me incredible love and warmth every time we’ve met. Her genuine nature has left a lasting impression on me. For both Shah Rukh and Deepika, I hold deep love and respect and it’s an absolute honour to have worked with them.
You have an unconventional yet stunning voice. Were you ever told to change your voice and make it more conventional?
Every artiste faces their share of criticism and naysayers, especially when their style is unconventional. However, I’ve always believed in staying true to my unique voice and style. Over time, it’s become clear that authenticity and originality are what sets an artiste apart and lead to success in the long run.
When did you realise that you wanted to do this for the rest of your life?
My realisation that I wanted to dedicate my life to music occurred when I started training under Hariharanji. His mentorship ignited a deep passion within me for singing and learning music. From that moment on, there was no turning back, and I knew that music would be a lifelong journey for me.
Who were your role models in your growing years?
My formative years were filled with the music of legends like Prabha Atre, Ustad Amir Khan, Mehdi Hassan Saab, Pandit Nikhil Banerjee, Ustad Sultan Khan, Begum Akhtar and Farida Khanum. These maestros served as constant sources of inspiration for me, shaping my musical sensibilities and nurturing my love for singing. Their timeless artistry continues to influence my work to this day.
How do you take care of your voice?
Taking care of my voice is of utmost importance. Adequate sleep is like gold for vocal health, ensuring that my voice is well-rested. Riyaz, which is a form of vocal exercise, is a daily practice. However, it’s not just a physical exercise but also a mental connection with my music. Aligning my vocals with my thoughts and emotions is crucial to maintaining and improving my singing prowess.
Take us through your creative process.
Music creation is a deeply collaborative and creative journey. When I’m brought into the process, I connect with the emotions of the song and work closely with the team to bring it to life through my vocals. It’s a harmonious effort that involves discussions, rehearsals and fine-tuning until we achieve the desired expression.
You’ve completed 17 years in the industry.
My journey in the music industry spans more than 17 years and looking back, I feel a deep sense of contentment. Interestingly, I never initially aspired to be a singer, despite my father’s background in music. It was only after meeting my Guruji, Hariharan, that I was inspired to pursue music seriously. The years that followed were dedicated to rigorous training and honing my craft. Today, I can say I’ve had a magical and fulfilling journey because, without music, I’m uncertain where life would have led me. Every day, I continue to learn and grow, with each musician I encounter leaving me with valuable lessons. I’m thankful to everyone who has supported me on this joyful ride.
What are your memories of your salad days?
The early days in the music industry are often marked by struggles that musicians have to endure. It was no different for me. Transitioning from being a voice recognised for its novelty to establishing a consistent presence was challenging. I vividly remember the advice given to me by Shankar Mahadevan sir when I was 23, urging me to focus on building my solo identity as a performer. The journey in Bollywood demands patience and persistence, as it can take years to land that first opportunity. The key, I’ve learnt, is to maintain your unique style and authenticity. To sustain yourself in any field of music or art, continuous learning and improvement are essential.
What changes have you perceived in the music from the time you started until now?
Over the years, the music industry has undergone significant evolution, mainly due to the introduction of new formats and emerging talents. The digital age has transformed how we create, share and consume music. It has opened up opportunities for fresh voices and diverse genres to flourish. This diversity has enriched the music scene, offering listeners a wide range of experiences. It’s an exciting time for the industry, with room for both traditional and contemporary styles to coexist.
Is there anything that you don’t like about the Indian music industry or want to change about it?
One aspect I’d like to highlight, especially regarding female artistes, is the positive change we’ve witnessed in recent years. More female-driven albums, films, and stories are emerging and it’s heartening to see female artistes finding their voices, both literally and metaphorically. This shift is something I’m proud of and inspired by, and I hope it continues to flourish.
What would be your advice to aspiring singers?
To all the aspiring singers out there, my message is simple: Take formal training in the form of music you love. Learning and honing your craft is essential. Be patient, stay true to your unique style and never stop evolving as an artiste. Hard work, dedication and authenticity are the keys to success in the music industry.
Has music been commercialised in India?
Music, like many other forms of art, has experienced commercialization in India. While this has opened up opportunities for artistes, it has also led to a shift in priorities, with commercial success sometimes overshadowing artistic integrity. Nevertheless, there is still room for diverse musical expressions and artistes continue to create meaningful and authentic music.
What’s the best compliment you’ve received so far? And a criticism that was hard to take?
The best compliment I’ve received is when someone tells me that my music has touched their heart or brought them joy. As for criticism, it can be tough to accept, but I’ve learnt to view it as an opportunity for growth. Constructive criticism, when given with the intention of helping me improve, is something I value and appreciate.
You have sung for Coke Studio Pakistan as well.
Collaborations hold a special place in my heart and I’ve always enjoyed working on new music with different artistes. It’s a thrilling experience to join forces with someone from a different part of the world because it brings diverse perspectives into one song. Being a part of Coke Studio Pakistan was a unique opportunity that I’m incredibly grateful for. The love and support I’ve received from fans has been overwhelming and I cherish this experience as a significant milestone in my career.
An actor you’d love to sing playback for?
I would absolutely love to sing for Tabu. I have immense admiration for her and I believe our collaboration would result in something truly special.
What do you love besides singing?
Besides singing, I find happiness in simple pleasures like spending time with my loved ones, reading, gardening, and exploring different cultures through travel.
Chaleya and Besharam Rang were the most celebrated and popular tracks of 2023. What do you have to say about the success of the songs?
The success of Besharam Rang has been truly overwhelming and I’m immensely grateful for the love and support it has received. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in creating the song. I believe its popularity stems from the catchy tune and meaningful lyrics that convey a message of freedom, resonating with the listeners. Chaleya came about when I got a call from Shah Rukh’s manager, Pooja Dadlani and that itself was a big compliment that he wanted me to do the song and Anirudh was composing it. I was quite excited to work on such a huge project and be a part of such a beautiful song. It was my first time working with Anirudh. His musical vision and how he foresees a particular voice for the song are impeccable.
What makes Besharam rang so popular?
Besharam resonated with people because it embodies the concept of unapologetically loving oneself in all its forms and colours. It encourages you to embrace every facet of your identity without inhibition. Credit goes to Kumar for the lyrics, Vishal-Shekhar for the music and Siddharth for envisioning a song that connects with people worldwide, celebrating the essence of self-acceptance and self-celebration. Collaborating with Vishal-Shekhar was like home, given that we’ve previously worked together on the iconic Khuda jaane song. In fact, Pathaan marks my fifth project with them and each experience has been nothing short of amazing.
How would you describe your association with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone?
My association with both Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone has been truly memorable. While we are all fans of Shah Rukh Khan, working with him and getting to know him on a personal level has given me immense respect for him as a human being. His kindness and humility are qualities that we can all learn from. Deepika, on the other hand, has always shown me incredible love and warmth every time we’ve met. Her genuine nature has left a lasting impression on me. For both Shah Rukh and Deepika, I hold deep love and respect and it’s an absolute honour to have worked with them.
You have an unconventional yet stunning voice. Were you ever told to change your voice and make it more conventional?
Every artiste faces their share of criticism and naysayers, especially when their style is unconventional. However, I’ve always believed in staying true to my unique voice and style. Over time, it’s become clear that authenticity and originality are what sets an artiste apart and lead to success in the long run.
When did you realise that you wanted to do this for the rest of your life?
My realisation that I wanted to dedicate my life to music occurred when I started training under Hariharanji. His mentorship ignited a deep passion within me for singing and learning music. From that moment on, there was no turning back, and I knew that music would be a lifelong journey for me.
Who were your role models in your growing years?
My formative years were filled with the music of legends like Prabha Atre, Ustad Amir Khan, Mehdi Hassan Saab, Pandit Nikhil Banerjee, Ustad Sultan Khan, Begum Akhtar and Farida Khanum. These maestros served as constant sources of inspiration for me, shaping my musical sensibilities and nurturing my love for singing. Their timeless artistry continues to influence my work to this day.
How do you take care of your voice?
Taking care of my voice is of utmost importance. Adequate sleep is like gold for vocal health, ensuring that my voice is well-rested. Riyaz, which is a form of vocal exercise, is a daily practice. However, it’s not just a physical exercise but also a mental connection with my music. Aligning my vocals with my thoughts and emotions is crucial to maintaining and improving my singing prowess.
Take us through your creative process.
Music creation is a deeply collaborative and creative journey. When I’m brought into the process, I connect with the emotions of the song and work closely with the team to bring it to life through my vocals. It’s a harmonious effort that involves discussions, rehearsals and fine-tuning until we achieve the desired expression.
You’ve completed 17 years in the industry.
My journey in the music industry spans more than 17 years and looking back, I feel a deep sense of contentment. Interestingly, I never initially aspired to be a singer, despite my father’s background in music. It was only after meeting my Guruji, Hariharan, that I was inspired to pursue music seriously. The years that followed were dedicated to rigorous training and honing my craft. Today, I can say I’ve had a magical and fulfilling journey because, without music, I’m uncertain where life would have led me. Every day, I continue to learn and grow, with each musician I encounter leaving me with valuable lessons. I’m thankful to everyone who has supported me on this joyful ride.
What are your memories of your salad days?
The early days in the music industry are often marked by struggles that musicians have to endure. It was no different for me. Transitioning from being a voice recognised for its novelty to establishing a consistent presence was challenging. I vividly remember the advice given to me by Shankar Mahadevan sir when I was 23, urging me to focus on building my solo identity as a performer. The journey in Bollywood demands patience and persistence, as it can take years to land that first opportunity. The key, I’ve learnt, is to maintain your unique style and authenticity. To sustain yourself in any field of music or art, continuous learning and improvement are essential.
What changes have you perceived in the music from the time you started until now?
Over the years, the music industry has undergone significant evolution, mainly due to the introduction of new formats and emerging talents. The digital age has transformed how we create, share and consume music. It has opened up opportunities for fresh voices and diverse genres to flourish. This diversity has enriched the music scene, offering listeners a wide range of experiences. It’s an exciting time for the industry, with room for both traditional and contemporary styles to coexist.
Is there anything that you don’t like about the Indian music industry or want to change about it?
One aspect I’d like to highlight, especially regarding female artistes, is the positive change we’ve witnessed in recent years. More female-driven albums, films, and stories are emerging and it’s heartening to see female artistes finding their voices, both literally and metaphorically. This shift is something I’m proud of and inspired by, and I hope it continues to flourish.
What would be your advice to aspiring singers?
To all the aspiring singers out there, my message is simple: Take formal training in the form of music you love. Learning and honing your craft is essential. Be patient, stay true to your unique style and never stop evolving as an artiste. Hard work, dedication and authenticity are the keys to success in the music industry.
Has music been commercialised in India?
Music, like many other forms of art, has experienced commercialization in India. While this has opened up opportunities for artistes, it has also led to a shift in priorities, with commercial success sometimes overshadowing artistic integrity. Nevertheless, there is still room for diverse musical expressions and artistes continue to create meaningful and authentic music.
What’s the best compliment you’ve received so far? And a criticism that was hard to take?
The best compliment I’ve received is when someone tells me that my music has touched their heart or brought them joy. As for criticism, it can be tough to accept, but I’ve learnt to view it as an opportunity for growth. Constructive criticism, when given with the intention of helping me improve, is something I value and appreciate.
You have sung for Coke Studio Pakistan as well.
Collaborations hold a special place in my heart and I’ve always enjoyed working on new music with different artistes. It’s a thrilling experience to join forces with someone from a different part of the world because it brings diverse perspectives into one song. Being a part of Coke Studio Pakistan was a unique opportunity that I’m incredibly grateful for. The love and support I’ve received from fans has been overwhelming and I cherish this experience as a significant milestone in my career.
An actor you’d love to sing playback for?
I would absolutely love to sing for Tabu. I have immense admiration for her and I believe our collaboration would result in something truly special.
What do you love besides singing?
Besides singing, I find happiness in simple pleasures like spending time with my loved ones, reading, gardening, and exploring different cultures through travel.
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