Shilpa Rao | |
|---|---|
| Born | Apeksha Rao (1984-04-11)11 April 1984 (age 41) |
| Occupation | Indian Playback singer |
| Instrument | Singing |
| Years active | 2003–present |
Spouse | |
Shilpa Rao (bornApeksha Rao; 11 April 1984) is an Indian singer who primarily records songs inHindi,Telugu andTamil languages. During her college days, composerMithoon offered her to record the song "Javeda Zindagi" fromAnwar (2007), marking her Hindi debut. "Abacha" fromKonchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam (2009) and "Oru Maalai Neram" fromNaan Mahaan Alla (2010) were her debut songs in Telugu and Tamil respectively.
Rao rose to widespread prominence with the release of "Woh Ajnabee" fromThe Train (2007) and "Khuda Jaane" fromBachna Ae Haseeno (2008), the latter of which earned her a nomination for theFilmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer. The following year, she collaborated withIlaiyaraaja forPaa (2009), where she performed the song "Mudi Mudi Ittefaq Se" which earned her a second Filmfare nomination in the same category. In 2012, Rao teamed up withA. R. Rahman for the song "Ishq Shava" forYash Chopra'sswan songJab Tak Hai Jaan, followed byPritam's "Malang" fromDhoom 3 (2013) andVishal–Shekhar's "Meherbaan" fromBang Bang! (2014). Rao's collaborations withAmit Trivedi were also acclaimed with songs such as "Manmarziyaan" fromLootera (2013) receiving particular praise. She was the final Indian singer to perform inCoke Studio Pakistan with the song "Paar Chanaa De" (2016) and received praise for singing the song "Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo" from the deluxe edition of theAe Dil Hai Mushkil soundtrack (2016).
"Ghungroo" fromWar (2019; Hindi), "Besharam Rang" fromPathaan (2023; Hindi), "Kaavaalaa" fromJailer (2023; Tamil), "Chaleya" fromJawan (2023; Hindi) and "Chuttamalle" fromDevara: Part 1 (2024; Telugu) were her most commercially successful songs.[2]
Rao is particularly known in the media for trying new styles in her songs and singing for different genres. Rao, who considers her father as her biggest inspiration in the music career, has supported charitable organisations for a number of causes.[citation needed]
Shilpa Rao was born on 11 April 1984 inJamshedpur, India into aTelugu family and a native ofVizianagaram,Andhra Pradesh.[3] Rao was initially named as Apeksha Rao but later changed to Shilpa Rao.[4] According to her, she relates to the name Shilpa more, since the name has "to do with art".[4] She started singing while she was a kid, tutored and instructed by her father, S Venkat Rao, who holds a degree in music.[5] He taught Rao to understand the "nuances" of different ragas: "His method of teaching was casual and at the same time very effective because it was designed to pique my interest".[citation needed] For her education, Rao went to Little Flower School andLoyola School, Jamshedpur, where she was part of the choir group in school.[6][7] In 1997, she visited to Mumbai along with her family, to do a postgraduate diploma in statistics from theUniversity of Mumbai.[6]
Rao was motivated to be a singer upon meeting withHariharan, at the age of 13, and commenced training underUstad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, insisted by Hariharan.[5] Initially, she found herself struggling in "finding references" and meeting music composers since she was not "so active" in social networking media during the time.[5] About her early days in the city, Rao said: "Jamshedpur is home for me but Mumbai with the people, the place, the pace everything has made a more patient person and a more hardworking artist I could ever be".[4] In 2001 she began performing live with Hariharan at different venues, subsequently winning a national-level talent hunt in New Delhi.[6]Shankar Mahadevan–one of the judges in the contest–asked her to settle in Mumbai.[6]
In 2004, she shifted to Mumbai and completed Post Graduation in Applied Statistics fromSt. Xavier's College, Mumbai.[citation needed] Mahadevan gave Rao few contacts of people who helped her in getting to sing jingles.[8] Rao mentioned that singing jingles was "perhaps the best way" to start in Mumbai as it helped her making the best contacts in the studios.[6] She worked as a jingle singer for three years and established a life of her own.[9] She sang songs for products such as Cadbury's Munch,Sunsilk, Anchor Gel and No Marks.[6]
While Rao was studying at college, she met withMithoon, who called her for recording of the song "Tose Naina" fromAnwar (2007).[10] Considering the song as her "most innocent rendition" she had done,[11] Rao said, "This song is extremely close to my heart and has taught me what thrill and gratitude of music is and can be".[12] Though Rao credits "Tose Naina" as her career debut song, the soundtrack of the filmEk Ajnabee (2005) has a semi-instrumental track titled "Stranger On The Prowl" which has Rao'salap incorporated within it.[13] She collaborated with Mithoon in two other projects during the year;Aggar andThe Train. Though "Sehra" from the former met with negative reactions from music critics, both "Woh Ajnabee" and "Teri Tamanna" from the latter were well received; Raja Sen fromRediff.com praising Rao's "strong vocals" in particular.[14] While shooting forSalaam-e-Ishq, music composerShankar Mahadevan from the trioShankar–Ehsaan–Loy suggested Rao's name to directorNikhil Advani, thus landing the song "Saiyaan Re".[15][16] Sukanya Verma who praised Rao's "perfectly impish delivery" of the song wrote: "Despite Mahadevan's dynamic presence, [Rao], to watch out for, is never once intimidated".[17] She again teamed up with Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy for the Hindi version of the track "All For One" from thesoundtrack ofHigh School Musical 2.[18]
Rao's first release of 2008 came withRaghav Sachar-composed remix version of "Gup Chup" fromOne Two Three, followed by "Ek Lau" fromAamir, composed byAmit Trivedi.[19] According to Rao, "Ek Lau" was a song of "hope for many people for the26/11 Mumbai attacks".[11] She affirmed that the song will inspire people and picked "Ek Lau" as one of the "few compositions" that is "close" to her.[11] Apart from rendering "Main Sajda" forAnu Malik inGood Luck!, she was heard in a "faint alaap" at the beginning of the song "Koi Na Jaane" fromHijack, along withKK.[20] The duo also collaborated during the year, inVishal–Shekhar's "Khuda Jaane" fromBachna Ae Haseeno. Rao, calling the song a "timeless classic", felt it was beautifully composed and written.[11] She mentioned that she feels "fortunate to be a part" of the song.[11] "Khuda Jaane" earned Rao her first nomination for theFilmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer.[citation needed]
Rao, a friend of music composerAmit Trivedi, introduced him toAnurag Kashyap, director of the filmDev.D (2009) who was searching for a new composer with a "distinct vision" for his film.[21] The song, "Dhol Yaara Dhol" from the soundtrack of the film was recorded three years ago, "free of cost".[7] She was next heard inPiyush Mishra-composedGulaal, where she performed the track "Aisi Sazaa".[22] Sen from Rediff.com credited Rao's "distinctively dulcet tones" for making the song a memorable track.[22] After recording "Manzaraat" fromSikandar, Rao performed the track "Mudi Mudi Ittefaq Se" forIlaiyaraaja'sPaa. She described the song as the "most difficult experience" and believed that lyrics and "musical bounces" in the song was a "test" in proving her versatility.[23] The song garnered positive response from critics; Chandrima Pal from Rediff.com picked the track as the "most significant song of the album".[24] The soundtrack album had another track titled "Udi Udi Ittefaq Se" by Rao, with slight variations in the arrangements and lyrics.[24] "Mudi Mudi Ittefaq Se" garnered her second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer.[25]In 2010, Rao collaborated withPritam for the first time, and performed "Ittefaq Tu Nahin" forMallika and "Dil Le Jaa" forToh Baat Pakki!.[26] She again teamed up with Trivedi forAdmissions Open and Vishal–Shekhar forAnjaana Anjaani.[27][28] Though her previous releases during the year received mixed response from critics, "I Feel Good" and "Anjaana Anjaani" from the latter were positively received; Joginder Tuteja fromBollywood Hungama ascribed the "beauty of the songs" to Rao for holding fort and giving "good company" to her co-singers.[29] She did playback forBappi Lahiri in "Ankhiya Na Maar" ofApartment and performed two tracks forLahore; Piyush Mishra'sSufi song "O Re Bande" andM.M. Kreem'sPunjabi flavored "Rang De".[30]The Times of India appraised the work of Rao inLahore, since she tried performing different tracks within the same album.[30] In the year, Rao made her Tamil music debut with the song "Oru Maalai Neram" fromYuvan Shankar Raja-composedNaan Mahaan Alla along withJaved Ali.[31]
Rao's third collaboration with Pritam came along with the song "Allah Maaf Kare" fromDesi Boyz (2011).[32] She lent her voice for Trivedi in "Yeh Pal" fromNo One Killed Jessica, whereNDTV noted that the song is "effectively voiced" by Rao.[33] The year marks her first collaboration withSalim–Sulaiman, by recording "Jazba" fromLadies vs Ricky Bahl.[citation needed] During the year, she teamed up withRaghu Dixit as the composer andAsh King as the co-singer in "Uh-Oh Uh-Oh" fromMujhse Fraaandship Karoge.[citation needed] Rao collaborated with lyricist Neelesh Misra and composer Amartya Rahut and formed theBand Called Nine, which works for the traditional Indian craft of storytelling.[34] During the year, they released their debut album,Rewind, consisting of songs and storytelling, put together with a narrative.[35] Besides, Rao appeared in several TV series includingMTV Unplugged andThe Dewarists, where she performed acoustic versions for some of her previously released songs for the former and the song "I Believe" withParikrama andAgnee for the latter.[36] Rao consideredMTV Unplugged "very challenging" to do since she had to create a totally different version of songs and "present it to people, who have heard it earlier and liked it".[36]
AfterLadies vs Ricky Bahl, Rao worked again with Salim–Sulaiman for "Jab Main Tumhare Saath Hun" fromJodi Breakers (2012).[37] Tuteja reviewing the song from Bollywood Hungama perceived that she "deserves to be heard much more often".[38] Apart from rendering "Yaariyaan" fromCocktail,[39] Rao teamed up with Trivedi in two other films,Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu andEnglish Vinglish.[40] She received praise for her vocals in both films, particularly for "Aahatein" from the former, and the title track and "Gustakh Dil" from the latter; Jaspreet Pandohar fromBBC Online regarded the title track as a "likeable listen" for Rao's "warm Hinglish" vocals.[41] Tuteja complimenting the "charisma of her voice" in the song "Gustakh Dil" wrote: "Her voice carries a certain depth and edge to it that always makes one wonder why she isn't brought behind the mike far more often".[42] The year concluded with Rao's collaboration withA. R. Rahman, by recording the track "Ishq Shava" fromJab Tak Hai Jaan, which was a fusion of Arabic and techno sounds.[43] Shivi from Koimoi declared that the song proves Rao's versatility as a singer.[citation needed]
AfterAnwar andThe Train, she collaborated once again with Mithoon for3G (2013), where she performed "Khalbali" alongsideArijit Singh.[citation needed] She was part of the song "Apna Bombay Talkies" fromBombay Talkies which celebrated the 100th year ofIndian cinema and the beginning of a new era in modern cinema.[44] In the song, the singers recorded for actors whom they generally do the playback singing for, and Rao dubbed forSonam Kapoor andDeepika Padukone.[45] She next featured along withSreeram Chandra for Pritam-composed "Subhanallah" fromYeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.[citation needed] Her next release, "Manmarziyaan" from Trivedi'sLootera was widely acclaimed by critics; whileFilmfare's Devesh Sharma complimented Rao's "wistful rendering" in the song, Mohar Basu from Koimoi mentioned that she is "flawless" in her part.[46] Her last release of the year was Pritam's "Malang" fromDhoom 3 along withSiddharth Mahadevan.[47] According to Rao, "Malang" is unique and sets itself apart from other tracks because of the blend of "high energy and a Sufi touch".[48]
Rao's first release of 2014 wasSoumik Sen-composed "Gulaabi" fromGulaab Gang,[49] followed by Vishal–Shekhar's "Meherbaan" fromBang Bang!.[50] 2015, started with "Thode Se Hum" fromBadmashiyaan, composed by Bobby–Imran.[51] According toThe Times of India, Rao rendered a "quieter female version" of the song with as much "soulfulness" asMohit Chauhan does in his version.[52] Similar was the case in her next release, the reprise version of "Le Chal Mujhe" fromNH10, where she tried a "low octave" kind of voice texture for the song.[23] Initially recorded to be a duet between Chauhan, it was later released as a solo by the two, and received positive reviews from critics for separate versions.[51] Rucha Sharma fromDaily News and Analysis affirmed that, Rao in her version "managed to outshine two most sought after singers, Chauhan and Singh".[53] In 2016, Rao became the second Indian singer after Sharmistha Chatterjee who appeared withMekaal Hasan Band, to have the honour of singing in the critically acclaimed musical showCoke Studio Pakistan.[54][55] Rao made her debut with the folk-song "Paar Chanaa De", that aired in the fourth episode of theninth season.[56] Composed by the bandNoori, the song narrates the story of a folk-taleSohni Mahiwal.[57] Rao described the song as "a theatrical saga because the song has emotion, anxiousness, longing to meet your loved one and hope. It's a folk song and the words are very hard hitting."[58] Upon release, "Paar Chanaa De" received positive reviews. Srikanth Prabhu ofThe Express Tribune said that the song is "very different and gracing perfection in its own way."[59] Sharing the experience, she said that "Coke Studio Pakistan is a place where all the musicians are in an environment where they have their instruments, their space and the freedom to choose anything and convey it to the people in their own style; it's very powerful."[57][60]
Rao relates, singer's voice as his or her "own identity".[10]The Times of India described her voice as "somber" yet "soulful".[4]Deccan Herald mentioned that Rao has "enhanced" her reputation by modulating and experimenting with her voice. Rao often changes her vocal texture to express and relate the "way she wants to". In the song "Le Chal Mujhe" she tried a "low pitched" voice though "Malang" and "Meherbaan" represented an "open voice" of Rao.[23]Bollywood Hungama's Rajiv Vijayakar in a review of "Malang" said: "Siddharth and Shilpa are made to sing in a welcome full-throated manner, and that is indeed a good change from Shilpa's trademark "closed" vocals".[61] Rao believes, upbeat and classical-based beats are best suited for her kind of vocals.[62]
As a kid, Rao dedicated most of her time in voice training.[citation needed] When her father comes back from work, they sit with the harmonium andtanpura and do their training together. According to Rao, her father follows a systematic training where the main focus is not on "just practicing the vocals", but about precision.[citation needed] As she grew up, she learnt how to place the vocals and how to protect the vocal chords from damage that might be caused by singing in the wrong pitch or by overusing.[citation needed] She works to maintain her vocal texture. She has a vocal tutor with whom she trains once a week to keep her vocals "fresh" and also try "newer textures".[10]
Rao has not restricted herself to any particular genre while performing to music. She mentioned that she always tries a newer style in her song and has been open to all kinds of music.[citation needed] Rao grew up toghazals, had a different taste of music while being on the choir group, subsequently moving intoRock music while in teens. "As you grow older, your taste in music changes. Now, I listen to everything; anything that makes me smile".[62] She credited her music influences and training for the shaping of her voice and style of singing; "I have attempted diverse genres and have always tried to put out something new for audiences with every song".[48]Mid-Day noted that though she has rendered a number of songs in various genres, it is difficult to "categorise" her voice.[63]
Rao considered her father as her biggest inspiration since he has "exposed" her to good music, taught her to have "good judgement" and to "analyse what is good and what is not".[citation needed] While she was a kid, her father used to play songs ofUstad Amir Khan,Mehdi Hassan andNusrat Fateh Ali Khan.[citation needed] It was then, Rao learned to appreciate Hassan's "perfect interpretation" of emotion and inspiring to learn his "effortless style" of singing.[citation needed] After moving to Mumbai, Rao was succoured byHariharan andShankar Mahadevan whom she considers her as "constant source of inspiration".[5] Rao perceived that Hariharan has the perfect voice, training and vocal styling; further complimenting the work ofBombay Jayashri.[7] After working withPritam andVishal–Shekhar, she considered them as fantastic composers who are influential to her in taking good music and found the work ofKK delightful.[citation needed] AKishore Kumar admirer, Rao learnt from him that "singing is more than music and lyrics"; should come "straight from heart".[64] Rao has also been influenced by many artists outside the country. She considers artistes likeSade,Sting andEddie Vedder as constant influences for her.[48] Rao mentioned that she wants to lend her voice forTabu the most and looks forward to working withVishal Bhardwaj andSachin–Jigar; "Bhardwaj is someone I really admire. I respect the work he has done so far and the new wave in music that he has brought about".[65]
Describing herself as a "movie buff", she watches films from all over the world. She does not consider language as an issue. "If the plot clicks my fancy, I can watch anything".[23] She considersShruti Pathak andMeiyang Chang as her closest industry friends.[66] Giving prior importance to hygiene, Rao avoids dusty places since she is allergic to dust.[citation needed] Maintaining a healthy diet, Rao restricts too much sweet, and "strong smelling fruits" since she is "very sensitive" to odors.[citation needed] Rao gives importance to be fit by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, "eating right" foods and "sleeping well".[citation needed]
In 2021, Rao married photographer Ritesh Krishnan in a registered wedding at her home.[67] In an interview withBombay Times about her wedding, Rao said, "We met three years ago on (music composer) Pritam's USA tour. Ritesh seemed to be an affectionate person, and we started hanging out together. On the first day that I met him, I felt that he was a chilled-out guy, which was very attractive for me. We started traveling together in 2018, and did many shows across India."[68]
In addition to singing for films, Rao has supported charitable organisations for a number of causes. In March 2010, she appeared onNDTV's Greenathon, an initiative to support eco-friendliness and investigate poor electricity supplies in rural villages, to lend her support.[69] In October 2011, Rao performed the track "Haseen Zindagi" along with Teesha Nigam,Shruti Pathak,Neha Bhasin,Shefali Alvares andAkriti Kakkar, composed bySonu Nigam for the project in aid of breast cancer awareness.[70] She performed in Delhi at the "100 Pipers Play for a Cause" which is a musical extravaganza dedicated to raising funds for people affected by theNepal earthquake.[23] On 2 March 2012, celebrated as Seagram's Fuel Music Day, Rao performed live along with 50 other artistes, on a digital platform ArtistAloud.com, to show their support for independent music in India.[71]
In February 2013, Rao contributed inCoca-Cola NDTV "Support My School" which is a 12-hour telethon which raised funds and pledges for the revitalization of 272 schools.[72] In May 2013, Rao performed in an event focused to create awareness about the effects and influence of tobacco and to raise funds for cancer patients.[73] In October 2014, Rao took part in the musical concert held in New Delhi for raising funds for the flood affected people ofAssam.[74] In July 2015, Rao started "I am 100% Bihar" campaign for the state's clean energy project, through various social media.[75]
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