From the soulful 'Chaleya' to the sultry 'Besharam Rang' and the energetic 'Kaavaalaa', Shilpa Rao's versatile voice has dominated Indian playlists. In a revealing conversation, the acclaimed singer pulls back the curtain on the relentless work behind the glamour, addresses the persistent gender bias in the industry, and shares her personal definition of success.
The Unseen Studio Grind Behind Every Chartbuster
Shilpa Rao points out that while the public sees the awards and hit songs, the journey is filled with unseen effort. She recalls a time when she would attend award functions, receive accolades, and head straight back to the studio to record more. Not every recording session leads to a hit; she reveals that eight of her songs were shelved at one point, and even in 2025, two projects she worked on did not materialize.
"People only see the songs that do well and top the charts," she states. For Rao, true success isn't just chart performance. Since her debut in 2005, she has learned to value the creative process itself. "That moment when you find the exact right zone for a song and it just clicks. That's real success for me," she explains. This profound connection to the craft is what fuels her passion and commitment to music every single day.
Navigating Gender Bias: Making Every Line Count
Addressing the long-standing issue of gender disparity in the music industry, Rao acknowledges the reality she and many female vocalists faced. There were years when opportunities for female voices were scarce, often limited to singing just a line or a chorus in a song dominated by male playback singers.
However, she credits every female artist who stood her ground. "Even if it was just two lines, I'd sing them as if it was the whole song," Rao emphasizes. She believes the impact matters more than the quantity. She cites the song 'Bulleya' as an example, where composer Pritam gave her the space to express her unique artistry in the 'antara' section during the song's second half, proving that quality can overshadow limited screen time.
Finding Fulfillment Beyond the Spotlight
While actors bask in the limelight, playback singers often remain in the background. Rao admits to having felt overlooked at times, a sentiment she believes is common in the field. Yet, her focus remains unwavering. "What truly matters to me is that they love my voice," she asserts. For her, the ultimate recognition is when listeners can identify and connect with her voice, a reward that surpasses awards.
She shares a light-hearted anecdote about friends joking that no one at a party recognizes her when her songs play. They suggest she wear a T-shirt proclaiming, "I look like Shilpa Rao." This, in a way, encapsulates the unique reality of a playback singer's fame—ubiquitous in sound, often anonymous in person, yet deeply impactful through the art she creates in the studio.
