Today marks a milestone for the distinguished singer Shreya Ghoshal as she observes her birthday, whilst also reflecting on a remarkable 22-year tenure in the Hindi film industry. Since her debut, Ghoshal has flourished from an emerging talent to one of the most commanding and hypnotic figures in Indian music. Her ability to enhance the on-screen stories of the actors she voices is not merely a testament to her expertise, but also to the essential harmony that must exist between the thespian and the vocalist. Ghoshal appears to hold an intrinsic ability to draw her audience into a performance, bustling with as much vibrancy and emotion as the actors themselves.
Her enchanting voice, inspired by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, consistently brings an element often missing in contemporary music – a timeless melody that endures. Ghoshal’s versatile repertoire spans across multiple languages, showcasing a career punctuated by numerous high notes with even more anticipated to come. As we celebrate her birth anniversary, we’ve curated a selection of Ghoshal’s songs that, while challenging to narrow down, represent a fraction of her captivating work.
1. Silsila Ye Chahat Ka – Devdas (2002)
Ghoshal’s performance in the grand spectacle of Devdas has cemented her standing as a steadfast figure in music. Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, akin to the way he has harnessed Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s on-screen presence, has managed to draw out a similar fervor and intensity from Ghoshal’s vocal prowess. Ismail Darbar’s composition took over two years to perfect, contributing to the monumental success of the film. The song “Silsila Ye Chahat Ka” became an anthem for unfulfilled love, symbolized by an ever-burning lamp, intertwined exquisitely with Rai’s stirring act and Ghoshal’s heartfelt rendition.
2. Agar Tum Mil Jao – Zeher (2005)
In the suspenseful ambiance of Zeher, Ghoshal lent her voice to a track resonating with a woman’s yearning – a recurring theme she interprets with immaculate grace. The Mohit Suri-directed film may have ventured into bold territories visually, but it was Ghoshal’s voice that transformed this erotically charged number into a romantic ballad meriting wider acclaim.
3. Teri Ore – Singh Is Kinng (2008)
Defying the trends where comedy films seldom garner accolades for music, “Teri Ore” from Singh Is Kinng captured hearts and won Ghoshal the Best Singer award. Shot in the picturesque landscapes of Egypt, the song combined Anees Bazmee’s flair for cinematic spectacle with deep poetic verses set to Pritam’s diverse musical composition, creating an enchanting love song that became the year’s sensation.
4. Aashiyan – Barfi! (2012)
Anurag Basu’s Barfi! with its heartwarming narrative presented a canvas for Pritam’s appealing melodies, with “Aashiyan” standing out for portraying the innocent rapport between Barfi and Jhilmil, portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. While the song wasn’t delivered by Jhilmil, Ghoshal’s tender vocals blended seamlessly with the film’s sweet montages, leaving the audience enamored with the film’s wholesomeness.
5. Deewani Mastani – Bajirao Mastani (2015)
When Bhansali and Ghoshal collaborate, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. “Deewani Mastani”, a central piece of the Bajirao Mastani soundtrack, played a pivotal role in the narrative, capturing the moment Bajirao is transfixed by Mastani’s elegance. With Ghoshal’s majestic voice channeling the song’s hypnotic rhythm, the audience found themselves captivated by the music and the mesmerizing visuals.
Shreya Ghoshal’s journey as a vocalist continues to be celebrated, as her birthday ushers in medleys of her music that resonate with the hearts of millions. As she enters another year of life and music, we look back with appreciation and look forward with eager anticipation for the next chapters of her illustrious career. Her soulful melodies, just like her talent, are timeless.
