In a deeply inspiring tale of resilience and hope, renowned singer Tanvi Shah’s journey through one of the most challenging battles of her life has been nothing short of remarkable. Over a decade ago, Tanvi, known for her euphoric performances and being the first Indian woman to win a Grammy for AR Rahman’s globally acclaimed hit ‘Jai Ho’ from the movie Slumdog Millionaire, was at the pinnacle of her singing career. Her schedule was brimming with concerts and song recordings, making her one of the most sought-after artists in the Indian film industry.
However, it was in September of the previous year when Tanvi began feeling that something was amiss. Despite a doctor’s initial reassurance that everything was fine, a lingering feeling of unease remained. Tanvi continued with her musical engagements, traveling extensively from September 2023 to March 2024, all the while feeling that something was not right. Her collaborations with celebrated composers like Yuvan Shankar Raja and AR Rahman had made her a household name, especially in the Tamil music scene, delivering numerous hit tracks that resonated with audiences. Yet, amidst the acclaim, she couldn’t shake off the unsettling intuition about her health.
Her concerns were soon validated after consulting another doctor and undergoing multiple tests. On March 27, 2024, Tanvi received the life-altering diagnosis of breast cancer. What followed was an exhausting regimen of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation sessions. Reflecting on those initial days after her diagnosis, Tanvi described it as a time when her mind was in turmoil. The rigorous treatment affected her deeply; simple daily tasks became burdensome, and she felt physically and emotionally drained. She recounted how even the act of holding a pen was challenging, with her hands often shaking—making it impossible to journal or write songs, activities that once brought her immense joy and solace.
Photos of Tanvi Shah taken during this period showcased her struggles, with second-degree burns from radiation and significant hair loss. “For many women, our hair is not just hair; it’s a part of our identity,” she explained, highlighting the emotional impact of her hair loss. Known for her independence, she struggled with the idea of asking for help, but her experience with cancer taught her the importance of vulnerability and the realization that it was okay not to be strong at every moment.
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During these trying weeks, Tanvi found herself withdrawing and seeking solace within. Despite doctors advising her to stay socially connected, she opted for solitude, preferring not to share her burden with others or listen to anecdotal experiences of others’ battles with cancer. What she craved was tranquility and inner strength, rather than unsolicited advice.
Integral to her healing process were the regular workout sessions at Primal Patterns and participation in numerous Shambavi meditation sessions, which offered her a semblance of peace during tumultuous times. Interestingly, for nearly 45 days, the once music-centric artist could not bear to turn on any music. The Grammy Award winner admitted that she wasn’t mentally prepared to immerse herself in the realm of music, which had been her refuge for so many years.
Nevertheless, after completing three weeks of radiation, Tanvi has been gradually reclaiming her musical journey. With renewed vigor, she has resumed her Hindustani classical riyaz and is experimenting with rhythms for new songs. Recently, she felt ready to pen down her thoughts, using one of her cherished fountain pens—a significant milestone in her recovery.
In the midst of her recovery, Tanvi is being approached for future performances. Amusingly, she noted an increase in requests for her ‘Tansha’ band, which specializes in Spanish, Arabic, and world music—a development she regards with gratitude, appreciating the patience and understanding shown by her callers.
Despite the hiatus, Tanvi Shah is poised for a triumphant comeback to the musical scene. She is determined to return to recording and live performances with renewed strength and enthusiasm. She assures her fans, “I haven’t disappeared. I will come back, and when I do, I will come back super strong.” Embracing what she terms as a ‘second life,’ Tanvi Shah’s story is a testament to courage and the healing power of perseverance and music.
