Glam    June 1, 2013 02:03:26 AM | By Lipika Varma

Shreya’s musical journey

Shreya’s musical journey

The singer confides how her music has been a mirror of her personal growth

Shreya Ghosal is going to be one of the judges for ‘Nations First Indian Idol Junior’ and in her long musical journey she has been a witness to the changing trends. She shares her insights as well and how she has evolved as a human being.

“Having begun my musical stint in 2002, I have learnt to trust people and in turn have earned the faith of music composers. With every song I have felt that I need to be able to give my best and constantly improve,” she says and feels that her quest for excellence has stood her in good stead.

Music is the backbone of any Bollywood movie. “Good music pushes a film to do well. Every song that I have sung I have definitely tried to be different,” says the singer. When it comes to item numbers, Shreya has been picky and shares her reasons, “In the recent times I have sung a few item numbers but also opted out of some due to the lewd and double meaning lyrics. Somehow my sensibilities rebel against giving to vulgar,” she quips.

Talking about the ups and down in the industry, Shreya says, “Many of my songs have not released, while some may have flopped miserably. But at the end of the day, there have been songs that have touched the hearts of the audiences,” she says. Divulging the secret ‘mantra’ of a hit track and her success she says that any number which resonates with the composer, lyricist and brings out the emotions of the scene will make a hit. Also, her ability to take all the professional and personal changes in positive stride have gone a long way.

Talking about the changing times and need to put up appearances, she says, “In today’s times our culture has changed. Hence, I have to wear designer clothes. Also, experience brings in a change in every person. I was shy initially but slowly and gradually I have gained confidence.”

Variety is the key and Shreya has in turn given voice to many emotions. “I have sung numbers with touching numbers and while singing them tears have rolled down my cheeks. Even certain melodramatic numbers have melted my heart I am sure my feelings have translated into the hearts of the listeners too,” she says.

Shreya talks about walking the tightrope between training and being spontaneous while singing. “Voice needs to be trained as well a spontaneous. Today’s times we do not look for voice like Lata Mangeshkar or Kishore Kumar. But, I am sure times will change and the golden era of music will come back once again,” rues the singer. Shreya feels that today’s singers need to be trained under efficient Gurus as mentors.  “I feel kids need to be given the right direction. We need to allow them to sing as well correct them. Technically musical instruments and chords have improved music technique but it is the responsibility of mentors to guide them. Singers should try to come up to the level of Lataji,” she adds.

Shreya believes in doing ‘riyaz’ regularly and even while travelling. “Whenever I am free, I feel like practicing and then I do it while travelling too. I am blessed with a good voice and I definitely have to preserve it. I shall never get bored of singing,” she concludes while living the lesson that practice makes a man perfect.