They have always been pitted against each other and it makes them “have a good laugh”. Singers Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan have sung multiple film songs in the past, including Imaan Ka Asar (Dor; 2006), Hum To Aise Hain Bhaiya (Laaga Chunari Mein Daag; 2007) and Om Shanti Om title track (Om Shanti Om; 2007), and now the “besties” have come together for an independent number for the first time.

The singers have recorded a single, titled Chhaila, for composer duo Salim-Sulaiman’s independent music initiative Bhoomi 2024, which will see them “in a different avatar”. In a tête-à-tête with HT City, Ghoshal and Chauhan talk about their bond, motherhood and all things music.

Shreya: People somehow derive pleasure from painting an image about women artistes and feeling that they are in competition or in some kind of battlefield (laughs). Sorry to disappoint everyone but Sunidhi and I are besties. I wonder how male artistes are never pitted against each other.

Sunidhi: Our choices may not be alike, but our souls are. That defines our friendship.

Sunidhi: We catch up very often over a coffee and chat endlessly. In fact, even when we are in the studio together, we have so much fun that a three-hour session turns into a six-hour one. We also give each other constructive inputs, which helps hone the final product. For instance, Chhaila will see Shreya rap for the first time, and while she was recording, I suggested her to try out a couple of things, which she did. I love Shreya.

Shreya: We always look for excuses to spend time together. Besides music, another commonality between us is that both of us are mothers to boys. I remember when I was pregnant, I would reach out to Sunidhi for anything and everything. I remember calling and asking her: ‘Which diapers should I buy for my baby?’

Sunidhi: Oh, we had a blast. We would have so much fun at the studio that Salim-Sulaiman had to wait endlessly for work to happen (laughs). It gave Shreya and me so much time together that when the song was done and the music video was shot, I started missing her from the next day. We had become so used to seeing each other daily. To feel that kind of love and to work on the song that showcases us in such a different avatar was gratifying.

Shreya: I never thought I’d rap in a song ever. But the way the rap jugalbandi unfolds between me and Sunidhi in the song is amazing. We had so much fun doing that. I’m sure it’s the kind of liberty only non-film music can offer. Both of us are also dancing and grooving in the music video. Prepping for it was so fun.

Sunidhi: Oh, I’d love to. I really hope someone conceptualizes that and reaches out to us.

Shreya: Yes, we really hope to tour together someday. I would jump at the opportunity.

Shreya: Of course, a lot of times. I often ask myself, ‘Am I doing enough?’ To say goodbye to Devyaan (her son) on days when he wants me around but I’m obligated to step out due to a professional commitment feels excruciating. But I try to balance out each role, from being true and dedicated as a musician to waking up in the morning and making breakfast for my little one before dropping him to school.

Sunidhi: I feel you, Shreya. Tegh is a little older now, but the moment he says, ‘Mumma, mat jaao’, my heart melts. I feel an inexplicable pain of being torn between both my loves — my work and my child. However, motherhood is so empowering, it teaches you a lot. I think Maa Durga helps us understand how we can multitask and fulfil all our responsibilities.

Shreya: Motherhood has helped me better my efficiency. I am able to manage my time well and deliver way more than what I used to earlier. Sometimes, I wonder, ‘What was life like before having Devyaan?’ It is unimaginable.

Sunidhi: Having Tegh has made me more grounded. I feel I used to be all over the place earlier, but now I know, no matter what I do or where I go, I need to return home to my son. In fact, as we talk, I remember I need to buy a pair of scissors and glue for his school project (laughs). I love this phase of my life and wouldn’t miss it for the world. I know everything can come around due to the circle of life, but once Tegh grows up, I’ll never have this phase again.

Shreya Ghoshal is a doting mother to two-year-old son Devyaan and she is happy that her child is growing up in a musical household. So, does she hope that her son follows in her footsteps. She says, “I started taking singing lessons when I was four years old and later started performing too. My son is two years old and I feel that it will be harsh on my part to have any kind of expectations from him. I will never force him to do anything.”

She further adds, “Yes, my son is growing up in a musical household, and I too grew up in such an environment. When I was a kid, my mother was fond of music and she used to play instruments and do riyaz. So, I subconsciously grew up learning music. I feel that someday Devyaan will come to me and suddenly sing one note in a pitch-perfect manner. As a new mom, I am excited about all these things and I take pride when he does something new. I will give him a great environment and let him decide what he wants to do in the future and hopefully, he will become a musician.”

She is currently seen on the panel of judges of Indian Idol alongside Vishal Dadlani and Kumar Sanu. “It is surely tough as a mother to juggle things, but this is the balance I have to strike and I am doing it without any regrets,” she shares.

Talking about how she manages to strike a balance between work and spending time with her son, Shreya says, “God has been very kind and has given me a family that’s supportive. Even at the slightest hiccup or difficulty, I have my family with me. So Devyaan is literally growing up with his nani when I am not around. But I am a hands-on mom; I don’t have any help and I want to be there for my kid.”

“Performing live gives me the oxygen to keep going. To be able to sing in front of large audiences means the world to me,” says Shreya Ghoshal, who will take the stage in Mumbai tonight. The singer, who became a mum during the pandemic, says motherhood has impacted her art positively.

“Being a mum has changed me as a musician. My perspective about life has changed a lot and that reflects in my life as a musician too. I feel more satisfied now,” says Ghoshal.

Does her son, Devyaan, enjoy music, too? “He is 21 months old now and it’s amazing to see him grow every day. He loves listening to music. He’s been responding to music since he was born,” shares the 38-year-old, who has given her “100% as a mum alongside work”.

Proud of being able to strike a work-life balance, Ghoshal adds, “It’s because of my family that I could travel for shows. It’s tough to stay away from my son for long. Sometimes, I take him along too.”

Though she has completed 20 years as a playback singer, she says it doesn’t feel like that long. “This is my 21st year. I started with Devdas (2002) and I feel so grateful and blessed. Though it’s a long time, it feels like yesterday. The journey has been so giving and enriching,” says the singer.

Ask about her aspirations as a musician, and Ghoshal adds, “I wish to learn more genres, collaborate with more artistes and delve more into independent music. I feel there’s no boundary between film and independent music anymore. People make good music and listeners connect to all kinds of music. I am so happy independent music is back and I too keep trying different kinds of songs.”

What: Shreya Ghoshal Live In Concert

When: February 25

Where: Inorbit Mall, Malad (W)

Timing: 7:00 pm onwards