Singing all the way to the top

India’s melody queen Shreya Ghoshal has sung several songs for Bollywood and other Indian film industries. Besides Hindi, she performs in Assamese, Bengali,Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi,and Tamil songs. Ghoshal is one of the most awarded playback singers in recent times, with four National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards to her credit.

She is a great fan of Vani Jayaram. Shreya caught the attention of film director Sanjay Leela Bhansali when she participated in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa for a second time, this time as an adult. In 2000, he offered her the opportunity to be the voice of Paro, the lead female character of his film Devdas, who was portrayed by Aishwarya Rai. Shreya sang five songs under the musical direction of Ismail Darbar in the film. Her performance won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer, as well as Filmfare’s RD Burman Award for New Music Talent, given to upcoming talents in music. She also won a National Film Award for the song “Bairi Piya“.

Her songs “Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai” from Jism, “Mera Dholna” from Bhool Bhulaiyaa, “Teri Ore from Singh Is King”, “Yeh Ishq Haaye” from Jab We Met and “Barso Re” from Guru are all smashing hits you can’t ever forget.

Rohit Revo interviewed Shreya Ghoshal on the eve of her tour to Australia.

You are the only singer to get four national awards at the age of 26 in the Hindi film industry. How does it feel to achieve so much at such a young age?
Well, frankly I have never sung for awards.. I am blessed that I have received so much love and respect from my audiences and jury all throughout. I would say, this is just my beginning, there is a lot to do. I am still evolving as an artist.

June 26th, 2010 has been declared as “SHREYA GHOSHAL DAY” in the state of Ohio in US in recognition of your musical contribution? What was your reaction when you heard this?
This is a big honour and completely unexpected. It was a surprise kept for me when I arrived at Ohio for my concert.. The Governor’s wife presented me this honour. I was too overwhelmed!

From Devdas to Guru and peppy Latto in Ghajini. ….you have had a great going. Where is Shreya Ghoshal heading in the future?
Hmmm! Absolutely no idea where I am headed.. The only forces which drive me in life is a hunger for excellence and the need to do different things. So that will decide how my life shapes up in the future..

Do you think reality TV contests are the right mediu mto attract new music talent to the film industry?
Ans- This question has been asked to me just too many times. Let’s talk something more interesting.

Did you like your experience of being a judge in TV musical contest?
Was fun.. Different kind of experience!

You have sung in many genres. Is there any particular type of song you love to sing?
Indian folk has always attracted me. I would like to experiment more in this genre. And Jazz, which is a very difficult music form, would like to learn it.

DNA INDIA ranked you as #41 in its list of INDIA’s TOP 50 POWER WOMEN. Your reactions please.
Wow. I feel awesome:) but to know that I am powerful is actually intimidating, because with power comes responsibility .So, I got to be very careful with every step I take in life, as everyone’s looking here:)

You had a very successful show in Sydney Opera House last time? What is the best part about performing in Sydney?
The last concert I had in Sydney was simply mind-blowing. One of the best I can say .The audience was simply awesome! And the venue was really prestigious. I love the Sydney spirit…Ekdam mast ..Very lively responsive audience. Big music lovers. Can’t wait too see them again .

You sing so many songs. But what songs do you listen to when you are free?
Hmmm. Lots. From Indian classical to Jazz to old Hindi film to new ones to a little bit of rock.

What is your advice to young singers aspiring to make it big in the film industry?
Before u decide to take the plunge into taking up a career in this industry, you must learn music, make your art really perfect. And be unique, don’t blindly copy someone’s style.

You have such a pretty face and many of your fans want to see you acting as well. Do you have any plans of acting.
I can’t act.. I am a drama queen only at home.

If I ever do an album I will feature in the video (Laughs)

Can you give us a peep into what your fans can expect to see and hear in your upcoming concert in Sydney?
Come to the concert. I am sure I will be able to touch all music lover’s hearts somewhere
There will be songs from all my films, and if requested may be some old Hindi songs, a few of my regional hits.
Its all up to the audience’s mood .So be ready to make some noise! And make your requests heard

What message do you want to give to your fans in Australia?
Excitement is building up, can’t wait to see you guys. Australian fans know how to show their love for the artists and I want to give them that back too.