Shruti Pathak, the voice behind hits like Shubhaarambh (Kai Po Che!), Mar Jaavan (Fashion) and Tujhe Bhula Diya (Anjaana Anjaani), was recently in Ahmedabad to perform at the Karnavati Literature & Film Festival. “Performing here is always exciting. It’s my home pitch and I know what the crowd here likes because I’ve been an audience member back in the day. Apne logon ke beech mein aa kar perform karna aur achha response milna is a great high,” she tells us in a chat. Excerpts:

Shruti says if the essence of the original isn’t ruined, a remix would work. “We live in an era of taste-driven music. Remixes, if done well, can be fun. Agar aap ek gaane ko leke usmein kuch behtar add nahi kar rahe ho, toh mazaa nahi aata.”

“Also, I feel remixes and recreations are just trends, and will soon pass. The core of Indian music that people love will continue in the long run,” the singer says.

Along with remixes, indie music too has found its footing in the Indian music scene now, and the singer is all for it. “This year, I have pledged to create more songs and focus on non-film music because finally the era of indie music has arrived in India. I am looking forward to more songwriting and production work too. You can say it’s my bucket list for this year!”

Shruti says that she has always believed in exploring various genres, and thankfully opportunities have come her way to try out new things. “I’ve dabbled in all kinds of songs, from classical and hip hop to folk, but music is so vast that the more you do, the more you’ll find to do. And what I don’t get to do via film music, I love to do through indie songs,” she says.

Despite having received good opportunities in her life, Shruti feels it is much easier for artistes now to get an audience. “Debutant artistes have it easier now. With so many platforms, everyone will get some form of an opportunity, no matter how big or small, to showcase their talent. When I moved to Mumbai to pursue music, there were no platforms, social media or a scene for indie music, and the only way to achieve success was through film songs. Going to studios, meeting composers, making demos, and presenting your mu-sic wasn’t easy. Now it’s totally different. You can create a video of your liking sitting in your comfort zone, upload it and it still goes viral. There are incredible audio streaming platforms too which allow easy access to artistes. It’s an amazing time for music,” the singer shares.

Social media has made it easier for music to break language barriers. She says, “The language barrier in music no longer exists. All kinds of music have listeners now. Music itself was never bound by languages I believe, but now it’s easier for listeners to access music of different languages, either through reels or streaming platforms.”

However, the singer says catching the audience’s attention in 30 seconds is tough. “Songs are all about the 30-second reels now. If you’re able to catch the audience’s attention in those 30 seconds, it’s all it takes to make a hit. Personally, I feel a song cannot be justifiably presented in 30 seconds. Audiences don’t have the patience to survive through a three-four minute song now,” she adds.

Actor Sahil Khattar, recently seen in 83 (2021), has been doing well professionally. But, all is not well in his personal life. We have learnt that Khattar and singer Shruti Pathak, who were in a relationship, have parted ways.

“Let’s not talk about that chapter,” says Khattar, when asked about the breakup. He goes on, “I wouldn’t comment on what (kind of) association it was, what is happening there, or where it will go. We’ve respected each other too much. Even now, we are going to. We both have come to a phase where it’s fine... life is beautiful and it will go on. Right now, we are headed to different places, professionally.”

While he doesn’t wish to talk about Pathak, he opens up about being single. “I don’t have a personal life, and sadly, I don’t (even) care. Professionally, I’ve been so driven that my personal life has taken a back seat. I do feel the void. I feel there should be a companion, who at least gives me a shoulder when I’m sad. I’m single and I want somebody who is sharp and intelligent,” the 30-year-old signs off.

How did Deewani Mastani happen?
When Sanjayji (Leela Bhansali) started work on Bajirao Mastani, he had called me to say that I must come and listen to these compositions which are ready for me to sing. So I went for rehearsals and heard them all, and I was blown away by how beautiful, intricate and romantic the melodies and lyrics were. Deewani Mastani was composed long back by him, we had just made a scratch composition at that time, but it had different lyrics. Siddharth-Garima have done a wonderful job in writing this song from the heart. All my three songs in the film Deewani Mastani, Pinga and Mohe Rang Do Laal - are songs which will be remembered for ages. I am so glad such a film and such music happened in these times.

What was the brief?
This song was a tough one. It has so many layers of emotion. It's Mastani singing for Bajirao, and she's proclaiming her love for him with no fear at all in her heart, absolutely drenched in her devotion for him, while keeping the slight hint of seduction. The brief was to bring 'junoon' and romance. It's a little bit like the situation of Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya from Mughal-E-Azam. And Sanjayji has shot this song like a dream. I was speechless when I saw it for the first time on screen. The grandeur is inherent in the song itself, in its composition, lyrics, arrangements. I just became one with its sound, and tried to become Mastani myself while singing. It's like falling in love, and being driven just by your heart.

How is Sanjay Leela Bhansali as a composer?
I am fortunate to have worked with him and to have known him for so many years, and with no hesitation, I can say that there is absolutely no one with that passion for music and of course, films. He is an encyclopaedia of Indian music. So when we are in the studio, I just follow him like a student. He is as brilliant a composer as he is a director-producer.

Which songs this year are you most proud of?
I am fond of my songs from Hamari Adhuri Kahani, Brothers, Piku and Wedding Pullav.

Have you become more selective with playback songs?
I have never been selective. I have been fortunate that selective work has come my way right from the beginning of my musical career. My composers have always given me songs that are made keeping my voice and skills in mind. And with every passing day, I am evolving as an artist and that has happened because of the faith of the music directors in me to experiment more with my vocals.

What do you feel about the new crop of female vocalists?
I love many of the voices and their unique timbre and styles of singing. Harshdeep Kaur, Shilpa Rao, Shruti Pathak, Anusha Mani are among them.

Is training becoming less important to new singers these days?
Not to all, some of them know very well that not all songs can be managed with the help of software. The moment a challenging song comes your way, you need to be prepared and that's where your strong foundation in vocal training comes handy. Many songs nowadays don't need much skill from a singer, so anyone can sing them and sound good. But the moment you have a song where the singer has to take the lead and express, modulate, add nuances and that extra magic, that's when your knowledge and practice helps you.

Who do you enjoy doing concerts with the most?
Most of my life, I have done solo concerts. Very rarely have I done concerts with another artiste. But I would love to some collaborative shows.

What is keeping you busy these days?
This month is going pretty crazy, with recordings for some beautiful songs and gigs back-to-back. I usually get a bit hassled when it's too hectic. So I just follow what my body and vocal chords say.

What can we expect to hear from you?
People are loving Tere Bin (Wazir) by Sonu Nigam and me, composed by Shantanu Moitra and written by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.