Shreya Ghoshal has talked honestly about the beginning of her time in Bollywood, and told people that a really good start doesn’t always mean things will pick up quickly. Her first playback singing in the film Devdas made her immediately well-known, but the time after that first success was slow, and she had to make careful choices.
Shreya Ghoshal in Devdas
Devdas gave Shreya a very impressive start as a playback singer. She sang five songs for the film – “Silsila Ye Chahat Ka”, “Bairi Piya”, “Morey Piya”, “Chalak Chalak”, and “Dola Re Dola”. These songs showed her skill in classical music, and how clearly she could show emotion.
Because the film was so well-known and had such famous actors, a lot of people paid attention to Shreya, and quickly saw how much range and skill she had. That first work put her forward as a singer who was good at classical music, with very good control, and who could show a lot of feeling.
A Wait for the Next Chance
Even though she was praised, Shreya says it took ‘a long time to get my next song’. She didn’t try to get every offer going, but instead waited for projects that were right for her voice, and for what the music needed. She explained this as thinking that music needs the correct people to be in it, and the correct timing.
Shreya made clear that starting well doesn’t remove the possibility of having gaps. She didn’t phone everybody every day asking for work. Instead, she believed that the correct chances would come to her if she was selective and stayed true to the music.
Moving On With “Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai”
Her next important chance came with “Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai” from the film Jism, which was filmed with Bipasha Basu. The composer, MM Keeravani, made a bold decision by choosing her voice for that song, and asked for something unusual and not expected.
Shreya admitted she felt like she didn’t belong with that film, and didn’t try to make herself sound sensual. At 18, she tried to sound raw and young, rather than artificial, and the song made people think of her as being able to change to fit many styles.
Sound Changing and Famous Songs
After that change, the range of Shreya’s recordings got wider, covering many moods and types of music. She made songs people remember, like “Ye Ishq Hai” from Jab We Met, “Sunn Raha Hai” from Aashiqui 2, “Deewani Mastani” from Bajirao Mastani, “Chikni Chameli” from Agneepath, and “Ve Kamleya” from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
Her work also has “Manwa Laage”, “Saathiyaa”, “Agar Tum Mil Jao”, “Teri Ore”, “Barso Re”, and other songs that became part of people’s regular music collections. These songs helped to make certain that she was a playback singer in Bollywood who could do many things.
Continuing Career Plan and Development
Shreya’s method was to combine patience with being true to her art. She let songs come to her when the people in them, and the music itself, suited her voice. This long-term plan helped her to avoid projects that didn’t fit, and to build a collection of unique, well-chosen performances.
The result is a career which is defined by variety and depth, rather than a quick, messy series of songs. Her choices show a commitment to quality, rather than quantity, in a business that is very competitive.
What She Is Remembered For, Awards, and How She Affects Others
Over the years, Shreya has won many awards from the country, including five National Film Awards. Her career has been in many languages and film industries, and she is still a person that people who want to be playback singers look up to.
Her honest thoughts are a reminder that even very good starts can need patience to turn into long-lasting success. Shreya Ghoshal’s story shows how timing, careful choice, and artistic honesty can make a career in Bollywood music that is long-lasting, and that people admire.
