“When God throws things at you, you should not disrespect it,” were the profound words shared by acclaimed singer Tanvi Shah with The Hindu over a decade ago. These words resonate deeply as we explore the poignant journey of one of India’s distinguished musical talents who, at the peak of her career, encountered a life-altering challenge. Known for her vocal contribution to the global hit ‘Jai Ho’ from the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, Tanvi Shah holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to receive a Grammy Award. Her illustrious career was bustling with performances and film song recordings, keeping her constantly in the limelight.
Last September, Tanvi’s life pivoted when she sensed something amiss despite her whirlwind schedule that had her performing around the globe. Despite medical reassurances that all was well, an unsettling intuition persisted during her busy months from September 2023 to March 2024. Known for her significant contributions to Tamil cinema alongside icons AR Rahman and Yuvan Shankar Raja, Tanvi’s world came to a screeching halt on March 27, 2024. This was the day she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Facing this formidable diagnosis, Tanvi embarked on an arduous path of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The process was grueling, affecting both her physical and mental well-being. “It was a challenge to get through each day,” she recalls, highlighting the impact the treatment had—from trembling hands that prevented her from songwriting to a profound sense of vulnerability. “I felt damaged,” she admits, reflecting on the toll it took.
In addition to the physical strain, Tanvi endured second-degree burns from radiation, a common but distressing side effect. Perhaps more poignantly, she lost much of her hair, a reality that left her avoiding mirrors for three months. “For women, our hair is our ego,” Tanvi mentions, pointing to the psychological impact of her transformation. Through this experience, she learned the vital importance of asking for help, a humbling lesson for someone who traditionally valued self-reliance and strength.
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During this challenging period, Tanvi entered a cocoon of introspection. While advised by doctors to engage with others, she chose solitude, seeking peace of mind and personal courage over external advice and empathy that might come with unintended burdens. Her sanctuary came through regular workouts at Primal Patterns and dedicated sessions of Shambhavi meditation, offering a rare glimpse of tranquility in a tumultuous time.
Remarkably, music—a constant in Tanvi’s life—was notably absent for about 45 days during this period. “Mentally, I was not okay to switch on the shruti box,” she confesses, highlighting how disconnected she felt from her passion. Now, having completed three weeks of radiation, Tanvi steps back into her musical world with rejuvenated spirit. “I am doing my riyaz for Hindustani classical. I am also trying to create rhythms for new songs that I wish to write,” she shares, expressing hope as she picks up a pen once more.
In an encouraging twist, Tanvi reports receiving requests for performances from her renowned ‘Tansha’ band, featuring Spanish, Arabic, and world music. Grateful for the patience and understanding shown by her supporters, she eagerly anticipates a grand return to the stage and studio. Promising a comeback, Tanvi reassures her admirers, “I haven’t disappeared. I will come back and when I do, I will come back super strong.”
In a candid disclosure, Tanvi reflects on her journey as a second life, a profound transformation marked by resilience and renewed purpose. From grappling with a daunting health battle to embracing the vitality of her passion once again, Tanvi Shah’s tale serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the healing power of art. Comeback assured, this Grammy-winning artist is set to inspire yet again through both her music and her remarkable story of survival, celebration, and a quest for peace.
