‘PEOPLE NEVER TRIED TO CHANGE HOW I SOUND’
Shilpa Rao talks to HT Café about her association with the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, and how independent music is flourishing in India
Shilpa Rao (right) has delivered several hits such as ‘Khuda jaane’ (Bachna Ae Haseeno; 2008), ‘Mudi mudi’ (Paa; 2009) and ‘Ishq shava’ (Jab Tak Hai Jaan; 2012), among others, and has also bagged numerous awards. The singer, who is performing at the Kala Ghoda Arts festival on February 11, talks to HT Café about her current projects and the independent music scene of the country.
How has your association with Kala Ghoda been?
The first time I performed at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival was in 2009. ‘Khuda jaane’ (Bachna Ae Haseeno; 2008) was just out and had become popular with the masses. Since then, I have performed [in the festival] a couple of times. It is one of the best festivals Mumbai has, and it’s nice to be a part of it. With such an unconventional voice, was it difficult for you to establish yourself in Bollywood? It’s not always easy [to establish yourself] with something that’s new and unconventional. However, I have been fortunate. People who called me for songs, never tried to change me or changec how I sound.
IsI there any genre that you wanted to explore but haven’t been able to?
I keep doing different things with every song that I sing. I try to bring something fresh for the audiences. Every song demands something [new] as it’s different from the others.
What do you think about the independent music scene of our country?c
There was a time when nobody could think there could be any kind of music a apart from Hindi film music. However, right now the music industry is growing. There area so many festivals happening all over. It’s just going to get better for people who are making music and who are listening to them. Audiences are hearing new musicm every day, which is much more accessible with a phone in your hand. Times are changing. It’s a great time for someone who is making music right now.
What projects are you currently busy with?
I had released an album last year, and I hope I can come up with another album this year. I don’t know when, but I will try to do it. In Bollywood, you don’t know what song you are singing for whom, or which film it is for. You never know much about it [the songs], till the film is releasing. Only then you get clarity from the production house.