Shilpa Rao with husband Ritesh Krishnan in Lucknow

Iti Shree Misra (BOMBAY TIMES; November 26, 2024)

Since she sang her first playback song Tose Naina Lage Re in the film Anwar in 2007, Shilpa Rao has captivated music afficianados. Be it Khuda Jane from the Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone starrer Bachna Ae Haseeno, or Tere Hawale from Laal Singh Chaddha, Chaleya from the SRK starrer Jawan and Besharam Rang from Pathaan, Shilpa’s unusual voice has garnered much love and appreciation from her fans across.

Her love for Urdu poetry and ghazals is well-known and the singer has been a very successful independent artiste as well. In Lucknow recently, the singer shared thoughts on Lucknow, which also happens to be her sasural, to changes in the music industry, and more...

What are your thoughts on Lucknow? Please share some memories associated with the city.
My first memory of Lucknow is from when my dad used to visit the city for work here. He would always bring back beautiful chikankari sarees or suits for my mom. Later, when I started visiting Lucknow for my concerts, I fell in love with the food and the language. There’s a charm and beauty in Lucknow that is truly special.

Your performance of Paar Chanaa De at a global music platform showcased music’s power to unite cultures. What does that experience mean to you?
Art, in any form—whether it’s music, painting, dance, or poetry—brings people closer. That’s what I felt while working on the music platform. Music has the unique ability to cross borders and connect people, and that’s what made the experience so meaningful to me.

How do you see the Indian and Pakistani music industries promoting artistic exchange?
We listen to Pakistani compositions and songs, and they listen to our music. This exchange of music and culture has always existed and will continue, driven by a never-ending love for art and tradition.

How has the music industry changed since you started?
The industry evolves every six months. There are constant changes, phases, and trends. It’s important to keep evolving and growing with the times to stay relevant in this ever-changing industry. There was a time when female voices were scarce in the industry. Now, there are many female-driven albums, songs, and even films. This is a beautiful change to witness.

Do you think the abundance of auto-tune and tuning tools has diluted the musical process, making it harder to spot genuine talent?
Autotune is just a symptom, not the main problem. The real issue is that people aren’t taking the time to learn music properly. They’re not understanding the art and skill behind it. If people learn music well, the whole system will improve. So, the real problem is not learning music.

What’s the most surreal moment you’ve experienced in your career?
Every time I see people reacting to my songs, it feels surreal. That feeling never gets old, and it’s always magical to see how music touches lives.

As a successful female artist, what changes do you hope to see in the music industry regarding representation and opportunities for women?
It’s about creating equal opportunities for all genders. I want to see more independent, unique, and authentic voices coming forward. The more diverse voices we have, the richer our industry will be.