Known for her soulful “Subhanallah” (”Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani”) to pleasing “Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo” (”Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”) to melodic “Manmarziyan” (”Lootera”), singer Shilpa Rao knows how to reinvent herself with every song. The Jamshedpur born singer is back with “Phir Kya Hai Gham” in Rani Mukerji-starrer “Hichki” . Here she talks about surviving in a competitive environment, her voice texture and the need for new avenues for singers.
Excerpts:
Tell us about “Phir Kya Hai Gham”in “Hichki”
Jasleen was doing the song and she asked me that if I want to give it a try. It was inspirational but not in a very preachy way and it was more motivational than anything else. I think these kind of songs never go out of style, no matter what time of day or which time of your life you are in. It happens to everyone as there are some people in life who keep telling you that you cannot achieve things in life. But you have to keep working and reach a point. Faith in yourself will lead you to places.
How can one find a niche in this competitive environment?
Nothing comes easy. The rejections which you face on daily basis as an independent artist actually boost your confidence. Many people say that singing is very glamorous profession but it is not easy. Every day is a new challenge and a battle in itself as you have to search work. You have to reconfigure yourself every day and forget what happened yesterday. This song reminds me of surviving in a highly unpredictable profession and keeping yourself unique is the only way.
You have a unique texture to your voice. Does it help?
Everybody has his or her own voice and that is how it is supposed to be. Everyone has a unique vocal styling which makes the person important and special. As far as my texture of voice is concerned, I believe it helps. It is similar to having a unique face which makes you a star. My father is also a music expert and he always pushes me to have an aesthetic approach towards music. In an era when technology is changing, the whole experience of listening music cannot replace the soul which comes from within, and that is what gives a shape to it.
What do you do to keep yourself fresh every time?
You have to pay attention to what is happening around you and make an effort to go and watch the concerts. You have to keep learning new things which add to your already existing knowledge. I started my Urdu lessons recently which I think will help me in getting my pronunciation and diction right. I am doing concerts where I am singing ghazals. I performed at Jashn-e-Rekhta and Jaipur Literature Festival. It is always essential to have a newer approach to your form and that is what keeps you motivated all the time. My first song was in 2007 and it's been ten years. I have to sound new every time, else people will not listen to me
As someone who has performed in Coke Studio in Pakistan, how do you see the independent platforms for singers?
Coke Studio Pakistan was a dream come true and a great learning experience. I think the lines and boundaries are fading these days as people do not fear to try something new even if it is not a film song. Avenues are opening where people are accepting the music for the music’s sake. It does not really matter whether it is emanating from Bollywood or not. Newer spaces and avenues actually simulate you and challenge you, which is important for an artist.
