In a story of resilience and sheer determination, acclaimed singer Tanvi Shah has emerged from a challenging phase of her life that saw her battling breast cancer. This story, first reported by The Hindu, paints a vivid picture of how she is finding her new rhythm back in the music industry, essentially embracing what she calls her ‘second life.’
A decade ago, Tanvi Shah’s career was at its zenith as she told The Hindu, “When God throws things at you, you should not disrespect it.” These words still resonate deeply with her as she navigates her recent health journey. Known for being the first Indian woman to win the prestigious Grammy Award for AR Rahman’s global hit ‘Jai Ho’ from the film ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ Tanvi Shah was constantly on the go. Her calendar was filled with performances and recordings, keeping her in the spotlight.
The whirlwind of concerts and music commitments continued up until September last year when Tanvi began feeling unwell. Although a doctor’s initial reassurance offered some comfort, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. “From September 2023 to March 2024, I was constantly travelling and quite busy, but I kept thinking that something was not right,” she recollects, recalling her work with music maestros like Yuvan Shankar Raja and AR Rahman.
Following her instincts, she sought a second opinion and underwent several medical tests. March 27, 2024, is a date etched in her memory—the day she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnosis marked the beginning of a tough journey that would test her limits physically and emotionally.
Tanvi underwent surgery followed by grueling sessions of chemotherapy and radiation. Describing those times, she shares, “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.” The multifaceted singer who thrived on creating music faced a period where her passion seemed distant.
Moreover, the side effects of radiation resulted in second-degree burns and significant hair loss, which took a toll on her self-esteem. “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 realised thanks to this phase is that it’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to not be strong.”
During what became a transformational period, Tanvi chose to cocoon herself from the outside world. She recalls, “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.” Her solace came through consistent workouts at Primal Patterns and participating in Shambhavi meditation sessions, which provided her a sense of inner peace amidst the storm.
The love for music, which has been the cornerstone of her life, took a brief pause. Tanvi confesses, “I did not switch on music, which my life has largely revolved around all these years, for nearly 45 days. Mentally, I was not okay to switch on the shruti box.” However, post her radiation sessions, there is a revival on the horizon. “I am doing my riyaz for Hindustani classical. I am also trying to create rhythms for the new songs that I wish to write. I took out a pen from my fountain pen collection to write only recently.”
Tanvi Shah is already receiving calls to perform, with requests pouring in for her ‘Tansha’ band to play Spanish, Arabic, and world music. “Funnily, people are requesting for my ‘Tansha’ band to sing Spanish, Arabic and world music. I’m blessed that the few who have called me have been patient and understanding.”
Looking forward with optimism, Tanvi Shah promises a strong return to the stage. “I haven’t disappeared,” she assures her fans, adding, “I will come back and when I do, I will come back super strong. Now, I feel like I have got a second life.” This assures not only her return but a renewed commitment to her art and her audience, a testament to her undying spirit and passion for music.
