A decade ago, when singer Tanvi Shah famously said, “When God throws things at you, you should not disrespect it,” to The Hindu, she was soaring to new heights in the music industry. As the first Indian woman to win a Grammy Award for AR Rahman’s global hit “Jai Ho” from the film Slumdog Millionaire, Tanvi seemed unstoppable, juggling concert performances and film song recordings with ease. Her soulful voice had enchanted millions, making her a popular figure in both the regional and international music scenes.
That nonstop whirlwind of concerts and recordings kept Tanvi on her toes until September of last year. But a nagging feeling of unease settled over her, hinting that things were not quite right. Despite a doctor assuring her that she was fine, the intuitive singer couldn’t shake the feeling. “From September 2023 to March 2024, I was constantly traveling and incredibly busy, yet I kept thinking that something was amiss,” says Tanvi, who is well-known for her collaboration with musical stalwarts like Yuvan Shankar Raja and AR Rahman.
Her persistent worry led her to consult another doctor, which was followed by a series of tests. On March 27, 2024, Tanvi’s world came to a standstill when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a revelation that changed everything.
The fight against the illness was daunting, involving 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,” Tanvi recalls. Once able to bring poetry to life through lyrics, she found herself unable to hold a pen due to trembling hands, a side effect of her treatments.
Moreover, the radiation led to second-degree burns and significant hair loss. “I couldn’t bring myself to look in the mirror for three months. Believe me, for women, our hair is our ego. 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,” Tanvi confides.
During this challenging period, Tanvi sought solace and strength by turning inward.
. Despite her doctors advising her to stay connected and talk to people, she chose a path of introspection instead. “I did not want to burden anyone or receive advice from others who had gone through similar experiences. All I wanted was some peace of mind and courage to push through this.”
She found a measure of tranquility in regular workouts at Primal Patterns and sessions of Shambavi meditation. These pursuits became her refuge, providing inner peace amidst the turmoil.
Interestingly, during this challenging period, Tanvi distanced herself from the very thing she had always gravitated toward—music. For nearly 45 days, she did not play a note. “Mentally, I was not okay to switch on the shruti box,” she admits.
However, after completing three weeks of radiation, Tanvi is now determined to reclaim her vibrant musical life. She has resumed her Hindustani classical training, an essential part of her daily routine, and is eager to create new rhythms for upcoming songs. “I took out a pen from my fountain pen collection to write only recently,” she adds, reflecting her readiness to compose once more.
Despite the hiatus, Tanvi’s musical journey is far from over. She is receiving requests for shows, and intriguingly, there are invitations for her band ‘Tansha’ to perform songs in Spanish, Arabic, and other world music genres. Her fans’ patience and understanding have fueled her determination to return to the stage.
“I haven’t disappeared,” she assures, resolute in her determination. “I will come back, and when I do, I will come back super strong. Now, I feel like I have got a second life.”
Tanvi Shah’s tale is one of resilience and spirit, a testament to her undying love for music and life’s ability to offer second chances. As she prepares for her grand comeback, Tanvi serves as an inspiration to many, embodying the courage to face adversity and emerge stronger than ever.
