Shilpa Rao On Khudaya Ishq & Arijit Singh: ‘Our Voices Understand Each Other'

News18

03-05-2025

In this exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, Shilpa opens up about the subtlety behind singing love, the evolving collaboration with Arijit, and what it means to make music that resists noise and honors stillness. She talks about legacy without posturing, intention without ego, and how even in an industry chasing algorithms, there's still room for soul.
Here are the excerpts:
'Khudaya Ishq" is drenched in romance and longing—how did you emotionally prepare to voice that kind of vulnerability, especially in duet with Arijit Singh?
It's always interesting to sing a romantic song because love comes with so many shades and emotions. With every new romantic track, we explore a new phase of love. I think that's the fun part—understanding and expressing those feelings. With Khudaya Ishq, it's not a young or playful kind of love—it's mature and deep. But love is still love; you're fully involved with the other person, and that's what this song is about.
I think we become different with every song we do—be it Amit, Arijit or myself. We all evolve with every new track, and that's a good thing. Some changes are accepted easily, and some are not. But that shouldn't stop us from evolving. Change is a constant process for all of us.
The song has this unique quality of a love that transcends boundaries. What was your first emotional reaction when you heard the composition for the first time?
My first emotional reaction was that it's such a beautiful combination. It's rare to find lyrics and music that blend so well together—it felt like they were falling in love with each other, just like two people do. I instantly fell in love with the song the very first time I heard it, and that exact feeling stayed with me while I was singing it.
There's a softness and ache in your portions of the song. Was there a particular word, phrase, or musical note in Khudaya Ishq that hit home for you on a personal level?
Yes, I think the whole percussiveness of 'Hotte Hotte Hogaya' is beautiful. It has such a rhythmic playfulness to it, and I found that part of the song really cute.
The tagline of the film is 'Bringing love back"—do you think music can be a form of emotional resistance in polarised times?
Of course. Music has always come to the rescue, especially in difficult times—when things feel hopeless or overwhelming. Music brings back hope, it brings back love. Currently, the younger generation is leading the way. I feel that when people see love, there's often fear or doubt. But when it comes to your heart, don't hold back. Embrace love fully—it can bring beautiful changes into your life. That's what I hope people take away from this song and film
Given the conversations around Fawad Khan's return, do you feel artists—especially singers—are often caught in crossfires that have nothing to do with art itself?
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One thing I always say—and will keep saying—is that any artist, from anywhere in the world, has one purpose: to spread love through their art. There's nothing else behind it. That's our only intention.
What does it mean for you to be part of a film like Abir Gulaal that is trying to reintroduce a sense of softness, romance, and unity in a world brimming with noise and division?
I think when the skies are stormy and dark, and suddenly the sun breaks through the clouds, it brings a sense of hope and warmth. That's what this film and its songs represent. No matter how chaotic the times are or how low we feel, I want the song to make people feel loved and comforted. That's the purpose behind it.
The Shilpa Rao and Arijit Singh combo has always been a hit. Whether it is Kalank, Chaleya, Tere Hawale and other countless tracks. How has your equation with him evolved over time and if you can recall an interesting anecdote about one of your recordings with him?
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Honestly, it's always been so seamless working with Arijit. We've grown with each track, and I feel our musical chemistry has matured over the years. I remember when we recorded Tere Hawale, we actually met and hung out after the session. We had great conversations, shared lots of laughs, and ended up ordering a ton of food and ice cream. That memory really stayed with me—it felt like friends reconnecting after a long time. Even when we aren't recording in the same room, there's a beautiful sync between us that somehow always comes through in the song.
From Coke Studio Pakistan to Tamil hits like 'Kaavaalaa," you've blurred the lines between cultures and languages. What excites you about regional collaborations that Bollywood sometimes misses?
I feel extremely lucky to have worked across such diverse musical spaces—with incredible artists like Anirudh, Pritam, Shekhar, Anoushka Shankar, and even Ed Sheeran. Being in the studio with such artists has always been a special experience. And with each of them, the common goal is to spread love through our music.
'Roz Roz" became an anthem for urban solitude and heartbreak. How different is your mindset when creating indie versus film music? Does your inner voice change depending on the platform?
Never I think it shouldn't be. Music is music; a song is a song. Let's sync with that conviction. You should stop thinking about whether it is indie or film; I don't think anyone should think like that.
You've been called the queen of restraint — a singer who knows how to under-sing and let silence speak. How conscious is that decision while recording?
That's the only real effort I make while singing—to keep it simple and focused so that the song shines. That's always been my approach.
Do you ever feel a responsibility to carry forward a certain kind of 'emotional realism" in music when the industry is leaning towards viral trends and auto-tuned perfection?
Everyone has their own way of getting where they need to be. There's no right or wrong—it's a mix of everything. What I've learnt from my guru is to let the music speak for itself. Don't overthink it. Don't add too many techniques. Keep it soulful and full of heart. That's what I try to bring to every song.
Looking back from 'Javeda Zindagi" to 'Khudaya Ishq," how would you describe the woman you were then versus the artist you are now?
I'm someone who's still learning—and I always will be. That hasn't changed. The more I work, the more I learn from the people around me. I feel fortunate to keep growing this way.
You've often spoken about the importance of staying authentic. In an era of filters and curated identities, what keeps you grounded creatively?
Music itself keeps me grounded. It's beautiful to see how simple music can transform lives. I draw all my inspiration from that, and it's what keeps me authentic.
You've seen the industry through CDs, downloads, streaming, and now reels. What scares you the most about where music consumption is headed? What gives you hope?
Honestly, I don't like the word consumption. That mindset is something we're struggling with—not just in music, but in food, entertainment, and everything.
Constant consumption often leads to unhappiness or even depression. But when you shift your focus to creation, that's when you feel truly fulfilled. Whether it's making music, drawing, or doing pottery—creating something from your heart and mind brings joy. That's what I hope people start doing more of—creating, not just consuming.