Shipla Rao's latest release Bulleya from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is already climbing charts. Though a high-energy track, it is inherently Sufi and soulful in its nature - which is one of the primary reasons for its widespread appeal. Shilpa's sombre, full-throated, yet expressive voice has a distinct charm and what makes her stand apart is that she modulates and experiments with her vocal texture to belt out numbers that make it to not just the charts, but also people's hearts. Her earlier releases include Meherbaan from Bang Bang, Subhanallah from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Khuda Jaane from Bachna Ae Haseeno, Malang from Dhoom 3, Mudi Mudi Ittefaq Se from Paa and Ishq Shaava from Jab Tak Hai Jaan. In a quick chat, the singer talks to us about Bulleya and more...

How did Bulleya happen?
Bulleya is Pritam's USP - the way he has composed it. He asked me to come and try out the lines and we did the song. Amitabh has written some beautiful lyrics and definitely, my inspiration comes from that and he way Pritam has put a tune to them. The combination of Amitabh-Pritam is fabulous and that's how Bulleya came together.

Your last Bollywood song was in 2014. What took you so long to come back?
Meherbaan for Bang Bang was my last. We keep doing songs, it's just that the release dates are not in our hands - sometimes a song releases in a month and sometimes, a year later. What is important is the newness that you bring to a song. And that is what I always try and do, so that the audiences have a new perspective and a fresh sound from me each and every time.

You don't have a conventional playback singer's voice. Has that worked for you? Or do you think, over the years, you have lost out on some songs because of that?
As far as Bollywood singing is concerned, I don't think this exists anymore, because each singer has his own way of singing. And I think every composer is actually welcoming that. I have been really fortunate that every composer I have worked with, has let me be myself and has let me express the song in my own way.

There are too many talented and young singers in the industry. Does that affect you?
I think it's a great thing. Film music is diverse these days and to cater to that I think you need a variety of singers bringing their own ideas and uniqueness into a song. What each singer can do is unique. Somebody else could do a similar thing, but in their own manner. So, I think it's a great time for musicians, lyricists, composers and singers these days. And each one has a unique way of expressing himself or herself.

What do you have to say about the kind of lyrics that are being written these days?
Well, every form of art is actually a reflection of the society, so, as the society keeps changing, our music, films, lyrics and art work also keeps changing accordingly. And, I think every time has its own highs and lows. I guess it also holds true for music. Some great work has come out this year and I really hope every composer is trying to put out his best work. It's always a pleasure to hear something great from people like Pritam, Vishal-Shekhar, Mithoon. I really hope music keeps reflecting our times.

How important are music and lyrics for a singer? Do these affect your work too?
Music and lyrics both are very important for a singer, because that's where our inspiration feeds off. So, when I go to sing a song the lyrics and the tune, actually inspire me to express myself in a certain manner. When I work with a composer or with a lyricist, it is really important for me to feel connected with the song and to feel inspired by it.