“When God throws things at you, you should not disrespect it,” singer Tanvi Shah told The Hindu a decade ago. Back then, she was one of the most happening singers in the film industry; apart from being the first Indian woman to bag the prestigious Grammy for AR Rahman’s global hit ‘Jai Ho’ from Slumdog Millionaire, Tanvi also had her hands full with performances and film song recordings.
Concerts kept her on her toes even till September last year, when one day she felt something wasn’t right. Although a doctor reassured her that nothing was wrong, she couldn’t shake off the feeling. From September 2023 to March 2024, she was constantly traveling for her musical performances, all the while feeling that something was amiss. Her busy schedule included working with stalwarts like Yuvan Shankar Raja and AR Rahman, making her a well-known name in the Tamil music industry.
Eventually, she sought another opinion and underwent multiple tests. On March 27, 2024, the results came in, and her world was turned upside down. Tanvi was diagnosed with breast cancer.
What followed was a grueling battle that included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation sessions. “The process was difficult; my mind went for a toss. It was a task to even get through the day, and I felt damaged. I could not hold a pen; my hands would shiver. I couldn’t journal, I couldn’t write my songs,” she recalls.
Tanvi Shah had to face not only the emotional and physical toll of cancer treatment but also the severe side effects. She suffered from second-degree burns due to radiation and lost much of her hair, which affected her deeply. “I could not get myself to look at a mirror for three months. Believe me, for women, our hair is our ego. Also, I usually don’t like asking for help. What I’ve realized thanks to this phase is that it’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to not be strong,” she shares candidly.
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During these challenging weeks, Tanvi retreated into herself, despite doctors’ advice to talk to people. “The doctors advised me to speak to people, but I did not want to burden anyone. I did not want people telling me what to do or share experiences of someone they knew who had undergone similar experiences. All I wanted was some peace of mind and courage to push through this,” she says.
A crucial part of her support system during this time was her regular workout sessions at Primal Patterns and several Shambavi meditation sessions, which helped her find peace and inner strength. “I was at peace during those days,” she mentions.
Remarkably, for the first time in her life, Tanvi turned off the music that had always been her constant companion. For nearly 45 days, she couldn’t bring herself to switch on the shruti box. However, she gradually began her return to music, finishing three weeks of radiation treatment and resuming her riyaz for Hindustani classical music. She even started creating rhythms for new songs and picked up a pen from her beloved collection to begin writing again.
What kept her spirits high were the calls she started receiving for shows. Interestingly, requests were coming in from people who wanted her ‘Tansha’ band to perform Spanish, Arabic, and world music. “I’m blessed that the few who have called me have been patient and understanding,” she says gratefully.
Tanvi Shah is now gearing up for a significant comeback. She promises that she will soon start recording and performing at shows just like before. “I haven’t disappeared,” she asserts confidently, “I will come back, and when I do, I will come back super strong. Now, I feel like I have got a second life.”
Her story is a testament to her resilience and indomitable spirit. Despite the daunting battle with cancer, Tanvi Shah is ready to reclaim her place in the music industry, with renewed strength and optimism. She stands as an inspiration to many, proving that with courage and support, it is possible to overcome even the most challenging adversities.
