Latest news with #ShilpaRao
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘My National Award is for my hometown that's still my anchor', says Shilpa Rao
Days after winning the National Award for Best Female Playback Singer for Chaleya from Jawan, Shilpa Rao was in the city for a private concert. Seated by the window of her 30th-floor suite, admiring the city skyline, the singer spoke to us about her National Award win, why art shouldn't be reduced to virality, and more… On winning the National Award A still from Chaleya for which Shilpa won the National Award 'The first names that came to my mind were my parents, my guru, the people who've stood by me all these years,' said the Chuttamale singer. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'You start reminiscing where you began, the people who supported you, the ones who quietly guided you through every phase.' She recalls how her parents were overjoyed on getting the news. 'My parents were happier than I was. But that's always the case, isn't it?' she said with a smile. 'In Bengal, art is a part of life, not something extra' Shilpa Rao performs at a private event in Kolkata 'Every song has to be marinated' Whether it's a Bollywood hit or a regional composition, Shilpa approaches every song with the same intent – to find its emotional core. 'Catching the emotion of a song is the most difficult part. If you're not channeling the right emotion, it's labour lost,' she said. The Besharam Rang singer explained: 'One needs enough time before the recording just to dwell on the song. It has to marinate. It's the only way to bring out the energy the song holds.' 'Art can't be reduced to a one-minute reel' In a world obsessed with reels, views, and virality, the Tere Hawale singer prefers to take it slow. 'Every 30 seconds has to be exciting now and that's just too much. You can't acknowledge art in 15 to 30 seconds,' she said. 'You can't live your life thinking about the virality of your art. That's an exhausting way of living.' For her, the slow days, the quiet lulls, and the crash-and-burn moments matter just as much. 'Not every day has to be productive. You need time to rest and reset. We've forgotten that.' The same clarity shapes her take on AI in music . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'We have technology that makes life easier, and every new thing brings excitement. Over time, we'll figure out how to use AI in a comfortable, balanced way. But we can't stop using our minds or hearts to live life and it can't take over', she said, adding, 'At the end of the day, it's a tool. If it helps me transcribe music or shift a semitone, that's a win. But if I'm using it to create something from scratch, that's where the problem begins.' On working in Tollywood A still from Jete Dao from Madam Sengupta Her admiration for Bengal's richness goes beyond music. 'The respect Bengal gives to any art — music, painting, dance, even cooking — fascinates me,' she said. 'Art here isn't extra; it's a way of life. You need it to keep your mind healthy.' She recently sang Jete Dao for Madam Sengupta and credits Anupam Roy for guiding her. 'When the writer's present, the emotion becomes more accessible.' A fan of Bengali food and chorchori , Shilpa is excited to sing the title track of Bibi Payra (featuring Swastika Mukherjee and Paoli). Quotes: The soul of art suffers when everything is reduced to a moment of virality This win is not just my own. The National Award belongs to all those who stood by me & to Jamshedpur , my hometown that shaped me & continues to be my anchor
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Why Chaleya isn't Shilpa Rao's best, even if it won a National Award
In the recently announced National Awards for 2023, when playback singer Shilpa Rao finally won her debut National Award for Best Playback Singer (Female) for Chaleya – the Anirudh Ravichander composition from Jawaan (2023) – it reminded one of all the times that she didn't. For some of the most underrated and brilliant songs in her discography, built over almost two decades. The win for Chaleya, a breezy track produced with mass appeal that got considerable runtime on radio and television, is less a win for the song and more a belated acknowledgement for a relatively undervalued voice. We are happy to note that the jury finally noticed. Even if the song is just about ordinary. A post shared by Shilpa Rao (@shilparao) While Rao's win was long overdue, since she sang her debut piece – the quietly aching Tose naina in director Manish Jha's Anwar (2007) – followed by the warm Khuda jaane in Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), the glistening Mudi mudi in Paa (2009), the hushed and introspective Manmarziyan in Lootera (2013), the impassioned Bulleya in Ae Dil Hai Mushqil – all of which could have easily won the coveted honour. Even in 2023, she sang the wonderful Rang rasiya (Safed), a brilliant thumri rendered with a lot of heart. A post shared by Shilpa Rao (@shilparao) The year for which the award has come – 2023 – was also the year when Rao's Besharam rang from Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan starrer Pathaan was caught in controversy generated by those who thought that colour saffron to be a part of their cultural legacy and how they thought that Padukone shouldn't have sported a tangerine swimsuit. Social media was rife with how even Besharam rang is better than Chhaleya. Well, just about. But there was more support for her song Tere hawaale from Lal Singh Chaddha (2022). I agree. Besides a film music career, Rao is also a popular name in the independent music scene, and travels globally for her ghazal concerts with renditions of Begum Akhtar, Ghulam Ali, Farida Khanum and Jagjit Singh ghazals. Last year, in a viral Instagram reel, Rao was also seen rehearsing her popular Telugu number Chuttamalle — also a Ravichander composition — from the Jhanvi Kapoor and NT Rama Rao Jr film Devara 1. Sheeran collaborated with her during his Bengaluru concert in February. She is also one of the two artistes to perform on Coke Studio Pakistan; the other being Sharmishtha Chatterjee who sang Kinaarey with Mekaal Hasan band. In season 9 of the show, Rao collaborated with Ali Noor and Ali Hamza of Pakistani band Noori and sang Paar channa de, disse kulli yaar di (Across Chenab, I can see my lover's hut) — an age-old Punjabi ditty where Sohni of Sohni Mahiwal is in conversation with her ghada (clay pot), one she wants to use to cross the river. Rao met Hamza and Noor in Delhi, where the Pakistani band had come for a gig. A post shared by Shilpa Rao (@shilparao) Rao, whose voice is unconventional and the result of a new idiom of filmmaking that began at the turn of the century, where the script dictated what song and how it was to be used and not because six songs had to be there in an album, was born as Apeksha Rao and grew up in Jamshedpur. Her name was changed to Shilpa later. Rao was trained in Hindustani classical music under her father. She was 13 when she visited Mumbai and met vocalist Hariharan there, who asked her to learn from Hindustani classical vocalist Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan. She won a Delhi reality show judged by composer and singer Shankar Mahadevan, who asked her to move to Mumbai and helped her with a few contacts that eventually led her to singing jingles – a route taken by many playback singers. Rao also completed her post-graduation in Applied Statistics from St Xavier's College while trying to establish a career. She was still in college when she met Mithoon, who was 22 then and trying to establish himself as a composer. He asked her to sing Tose naina in Anwar (2007). Other numbers like Wo ajnabee (The Train, 2007) and Sayiyaan re (Salaam-e-Ishq, 2007) followed, cementing her position as an unconventional voice in film playback. In an interview a few years ago with this reporter, when Rao had just returned from Pakistan after her Coke Studio stint, the characteristically low-key singer mentioned how she tried to remain away from the ways of Bollywood playback singing, where many singers are made to record one song and how there's uncertainty on whose version would be kept. 'Unlike a lot of singers, I get to sing one song a year. In that case, most composers understand what I bring to the table.' This was then. Rao is certainly a lot more in demand now, recording more with actors recommending her for their films. She, however, is still battling the trend of five singers singing a track and one voice finally brought to the finish line – the popular modus operandi in Bollywood music. The National Award for Rao for an easy-to-forget song should be seen as a representative, catch-up award for many previous significant others that continue to echo.
News18
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Shilpa Rao Is ‘Overwhelmed, Grateful' After National Award Glory For Jawan's Chaleya
Last Updated: Elated by the recognition, Shilpa Rao shared an emotional note on Instagram and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India, the jury and the entire Jawan team. The winners of the 71st National Film Awards were announced at the National Media Centre in New Delhi on August 1. The spotlight shone on Shah Rukh Khan's blockbuster Jawan as the film bagged two prestigious honours. The superstar won the Best Actor award and this marks his first-ever National Award in a career spanning 33 years. Shah Rukh's performance in the film, directed by Atlee, was lauded for its depth and charisma. Singer Shilpa Rao, who lent her voice to Jawan's romantic track Chaleya, took home the award for Best Female Playback Singer. Elated by the recognition, Shilpa shared an emotional note on Instagram and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India, the jury and the entire Jawan team. Shilpa Rao's Special Note She penned, 'Today is an extremely special day. Thank you to the Government of India, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and the National Award jury for this incredible honour. I'm truly humbled and grateful." 'A huge thank you to @iamsrk Sir, @anirudhofficial, @atlee47, #Bhushan Sir, @kumaarofficial Paji, @ @redchilliesent, @poojadadlani02, and the entire Jawaan team," she added. She also talked about how her family's love has been her backbone throughout. She expressed, 'My parents, my brother @anuragnaidu_music, my husband @riteshkrishnan, and my family and friends, your love is my backbone. To all my gurus and ustads who taught me music. Everyone in the film fraternity who worked with me and has been a guide, my gratitude." She also expressed that she feels overwhelmed and grateful to the audiences who love her songs. 'To the audiences who carry my music in their hearts, this is yours as much as mine. Thank you for being there for me every day. Feeling overwhelmed, grateful, and like a giant ball of love today. Thank you," she concluded. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shilpa Rao (@shilparao) Shilpa Rao's Overwhelming Happiness In an interview with News18 Showsha, Shilpa shared her disbelief and joy. She stated that she's rather overwhelmed about winning her first National Award. 'It hasn't hit me yet. Big news like this hits me much later (laughs). Right now, I'm just very grateful. I'm very grateful to the people I've worked with and to the lovers of my music, she tells us," she said. National Film Awards Winners As for the other music winners at the 71st National Film Awards, PVN S Rohit bagged the Best Male Playback Singer award for Premisthunna from the Telugu film, Baby. The Best Lyrics award was given to Shyam Kasarla for Ooru Palleturu from the Telugu film, Balagam. The Best Music Direction (Song) award has been awarded to GV Prakash Kumar for the Tamil film, Vaathi, and Harshavardhan Rameshwar won the Best Music Direction (Background Score) award for Ranbir Kapoor's Animal. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Shilpa Rao thanks Shah Rukh Khan, Anirudh as she wins National Award for Chaleya
Singer Shilpa Rao sounded in disbelief as we told her about winning the Best Playback Singer at the 71st National Award. "I am super excited," she exclusively told India Today. The honour was bestowed on her for the popular romantic song 'Chaleya' from 'Jawan' (2023).Thanking the team of the Atlee-directorial, Rao further added, "I mean, it's a lot of gratitude for so many people. Firstly, to Shah Rukh Khan, because it all started with his phone call asking me to be a part of Jawan. And then, of course, Anirudh Ravichander (composer). It goes without saying, but I have so much gratitude towards the whole team. I mean, even just the simple gesture of... we were working for the first time, but then the level of comfort, the level of energy, focus on recording the song, to be a part of it, matters a lot. It was so memorable."advertisementShe also went on to thank her fans, who showed so much love to the song. The singer admitted that she had yet to call her parents and let them know about the big news. And when we informed her that Shah Rukh Khan had even bagged the big honour of Best Actor at the National Awards, Shilpa Rao exclaimed, "Oh my God, this is massive then. Then cheers to all of us (laughs)." The 71st National Film Awards ceremony, celebrating achievements in Indian cinema, announced its winners today in New Delhi. The event, which recognises outstanding contributions across various categories such as acting, direction, music, and production, was held at the National Media year's Best Actor accolade was jointly awarded to Shah Rukh Khan for his performance in 'Jawan' and Vikrant Massey for '12th Fail'. Rani Mukerji received the Best Actress award for her role in 'Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway'.While '12th Fail' also bagged the Best Feature Film honour, the Best Film award in the Hindi category was given to 'Kathal'.- EndsTrending Reel
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
From Papon to Anuv Jain: Musicians recall their first concert ever!
For every artist performing sold-out arenas and headlining music festivals today, there was once a first time—an unglamorous stage, modest crowds, nervous anticipation, and that unforgettable rush of being heard. From intimate café gigs and school festivals to chaotic underground rap shows, these first performances left an indelible mark on their journeys. We asked a range of Indian musicians—indie darlings, playback stars, and producers—about their very first concert. What they shared was a mix of nostalgia, vulnerability, and joy. Here's a peek into the raw, unfiltered beginnings of artists you've streamed, sung along with, and cheered for. Papon, Shilpa Rao and Anuv Jain among other musicians recall their first concert ever! Before his romantic ballads took over playlists, Stebin Ben was nervously setting foot in a small Bhopal café. 'It was a small setup, maybe 40-50 people, but the vibe was amazing,' he says. 'I was nervous, but once I started singing, the energy shifted.' What stayed with him even more than the ₹ 5,000 fee was the validation: 'A few people actually came up to me after the show and said they liked it—and that meant everything.' He would go on to save ₹ 20,000 from similar café shows and make the move to Mumbai. 'That's how it all began.' Shalmali Kholgade Around 2012, fresh off the release of her breakout song Pareshaan, Shalmali found herself performing at a Times of India event on Worli Seaface. 'I did it by myself, on tracks,' she recalls. 'I remember being excited but also clueless as to how it would go.' Despite the early jitters, she held her own and even earned a decent paycheck. 'I vaguely remember getting paid 50,000 or so for it,' she says. That first solo performance marked the start of her evolution from playback singer to a live performer who now commands massive festival crowds. Shilpa Rao For Shilpa Rao, her first concert memory is more a family story than her own. 'I have a very faint memory of it, actually,' she says, laughing. 'My parents have told me more about it than I remember myself.' She was just five when she joined her father on stage in Jamshedpur. 'He had taught me a few songs, expecting I'd sing just one and then sit quietly. But once I started singing, I didn't stop—I kept going!' She earned ₹ 101 that day, but what stayed with her was the pride on her father's face. 'That joy and pride my parents felt—that was priceless.' Papon Though known today for his deeply emotive songs and Assamese folk-electronic blend, Papon didn't leap into live shows right away. 'My first proper concert was in 2007, three years after my album launch,' he shares. 'I wanted the music to get popular first. Nobody knew me till then.' Encouraged by a friend, he finally agreed. 'Ronji, from the dhaba, he organised it. It cost 35K. We called my friends, some guitar players, and put together a proper show.' The response? 'Full house. That was the big concert. That's where it all started.' Akshat Acharya Before his breakout hit Naadaniyan struck a chord with indie music lovers, Akshat Acharya was just hoping his first concert wouldn't fall flat. 'I was really nervous—it was the first time we were performing our set in a full band format,' he shares. 'When you take pop songs and adapt them for a live band, it takes a lot of reworking.' To add to the pressure, the audience wasn't full of strangers. 'There were friends and people I work with—people I really respect. That definitely added pressure.' But once the band hit their stride, things changed. 'I had an absolute blast. For a first performance, we did pretty well. Looking back now, there's such a stark difference—it really helped shape who we are today.' Anuv Jain Before he was packing venues across India, Anuv Jain played his first-ever gig in 2019 in Chandigarh. 'There were about 100-150 people. It was a sit-down concert—very meditation-y, yoga sort of vibe,' he recalls. It was also the first time he performed a set of his own songs. 'I was paid around 10 grand—which was a huge amount for me back then.' But it wasn't just the money that changed things. 'That's when I thought—maybe I can become a musician.' Akanksha Bhandari In 2019, Akanksha Bhandari performed her first gig singing all covers. 'I made my own set for the show,' she says. 'It was a beautiful show.' Even though she wasn't paid, the impact was lasting. 'A lot of fans from that show still text me saying they saw me perform there and loved it.' Was she disappointed about not getting paid? Not at all. 'It was a new space, but getting that opportunity was brilliant. I won't ever complain about it.' OAFF Long before scoring Gehraiyaan, OAFF performed at CEPT University in Ahmedabad with his friend longtime collaborator Savera, in the early 2000s. 'We were the only school kids performing there while all the other bands were much, much older,' he remembers. 'It was a community thing—everyone played for free. At least we weren't paid!' Despite their age, the duo held their ground. 'It was really, really cool. Definitely a first gig to remember.' Chaar Diwari Rapper Chaar Diwaari's debut show was as chaotic as it was unforgettable. 'It was a show featuring some of the best underground Delhi rappers—Arpit Bala, Faizan, J Block,' he says. 'I held the mic as Chaar Diwari for the first time. I was jumping around—I didn't even look good doing it!' He used regular earphones as makeshift in-ear monitors and tried to perform his freshly composed song Bhul Ja, but the DJ couldn't play it. Still, he got a warm welcome and stayed for the afterparty. 'I didn't get paid—actually, I gave money because I had to buy a ticket. But it was totally worth it. One of my core memories as a musician.'
