A distinctly soulful voice behind foot-tapping chartbusters that held sway over the nation, Shilpa Rao believes in donning several hats at the same time – be it exploring the live stage, doing jam sessions, being part of musical collaborations, studio recordings and playback singing.
The 31-year-old talented singer, who first rose to fame after her song Khuda Jaane from the film Bachna Ae Haseeno became a huge hit and won her many awards, says the process of recording a new song from scratch and the thrill of performing live for audiences are both “challenging in their own way but completely satisfying.”
Shilpa spoke to Metroplus about her musical passion during her recent visit to the city.
The beginning of musical journey
The passion for music developed over a period of time for Shilpa.
“I didn’t dream of becoming a musician. It was my father who inspired me to take up music and learn it diligently. With time my focus on music became stronger,” says the energetic singer.
The turning point of her life came after she met singer Hariharan. “My meeting with Hariharan uncle changed everything. He gave me the faith that I can be a good musician. This coming from a man like him made me believe in myself. I was 13 years old then,” says Shilpa, who has belted out a series of hit songs in films like Jab Tak Hain Jaan (Ishq Shava) and Paa (Udi Udi) , Lootera (Manmarziyan) and Bang Bang (Meherbaan) .
But what many aren’t aware is that the singer’s first break happened for the film Anwar . Reminiscing about the experience, she says, “I had met (music director) Mithoon when I was in college. He called me for the song Tose Naina and sang it to me on a harmonium. I knew that very moment that it would turn out to be a great and timeless song. I was a new singer but Mithoon and Director Manish Jha showed so much faith in me and thanks to the audience for the love they showed for this song.”
Shilpa, who has had a successful year so far with her Bollywood and non-film music projects, recently returned from a tour in the US.
She calls the experience something that she will always cherish and is elated to have got a chance to bridge the gap between music lovers in the US and India.
“The response from my fans is always the most special thing I carry back from every show. The people in the US showed so much love and enthusiasm that I will cherish it always,” says the young singer.
The music industry in recent years has seen a lot of singing talents emerge and the competition is tough. How, according to her, can a young singing talent create a niche for himself or herself in such competitive scenario? Shilpa feels the vital point is to “keep updating yourself”. “I keep trying to look for new music, new bands, new artistes, new vocal techniques. This way with every new song I can put out something new each time for my fans,” she says.
Voice as an identity
According to her, the singer’s voice is her or his own identity. “Just like how each person has a unique face, every person should have a unique voice too. I have a vocal tutor with whom I train once a week to keep my vocals fresh and try newer textures,” adds Shilpa.
In a career spanning 10 years, Shilpa’s memorable experiences have been with music directors Pritam, Vishal – Shekhar and Mithoon. “These composers have taught me so much and I have always tried new styles of songs with them. They have given me immense freedom to be myself and bring something new to a song each time,” she says. But it was musical maestro A.R. Rahman who had a lasting impression on her. “It was a dream come true to have worked with the living legend! His outlook towards work, music and musicians is so inspiring. I had a very inspiring time working with him,” she quips.
Her take on reality shows
“It’s a great platform for new talent to be seen and heard. But after that it is their own journey to discover what they can become,” says the singer.
Shilpa is excited about her future project with the film Tigers by Danis Tanovic, an Oscar winning Bosnian film director.
“Pritam has scored the music. It’s a very nice film and I am very proud to be a part of this project,” says the young singer.
