A decade ago, singer Tanvi Shah expressed a poignant sentiment to The Hindu: “When God throws things at you, you should not disrespect it.” At that time, Tanvi was at the peak of her musical career. Known as the first Indian woman to win a Grammy thanks to AR Rahman’s global hit ‘Jai Ho’ from the film Slumdog Millionaire, she enjoyed a flourishing career filled with performances and recordings. Her calendar was bustling, every date highlighted with concerts and film song recordings that demanded every ounce of her melodic prowess.
As recently as September of last year, Tanvi was still riding this wave. The digital age and a robust fanbase ensured that her schedule remained packed. However, amid this whirlwind of music and rhythm, Tanvi sensed something amiss. Despite a medical professional’s assurances that all was well, she remained uneasy. “From September 2023 to March 2024, I was constantly traveling and quite busy,” she recollects, citing collaborations with renowned names like Yuvan Shankar Raja and AR Rahman. Yet, the premonition persisted. Eventually, another visit to the doctor and several rigorous tests unveiled a defining truth: she was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 27, 2024.
The devastation was profound. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation became her new norm. The procedures overwhelmed her, physically and mentally. “The process was difficult; my mind went for a toss,” she recounts. The challenge was no longer just singing through a vibrant chorus but struggling to survive through the ordinariness of a day. Tasks as simple as holding a pen became Herculean; writing her thoughts or penning new songs felt impossible as her hands trembled uncontrollably.
Tanvi Shah also faced the heavier side-effects of treatment, suffering second-degree burns from radiation and losing a significant amount of her hair, an ordeal that impacted her deeply. “I could not get myself to look at a mirror for three months,” she admits, highlighting a struggle familiar to many women. For Tanvi, as for many, hair was more than a physical feature — it was intertwined with her self-esteem. Asking for help was not aligned with her natural disposition, yet this period taught her the value in doing just that.
. “It’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to not be strong,” she adds, sharing a revelation cultivated through hardship.
Seeking solace and strength, Tanvi turned inward, withdrawing herself from the potential burden she feared imposing on others. Despite doctors advising interactive dialogue, she sought peace in solitude rather than unsolicited counsel. Instead, she found healing strength in exercise and spiritual practices, particularly the workout sessions at Primal Patterns and Shambavi meditation. These routines provided her a semblance of peace through her tumultuous days.
During this time, music, the essence of her life and career, took a back seat. For 45 days, she did not switch on the music or even touch the shruti box. Slowly, however, music’s therapeutic touch began to return to her life. Completing three weeks of radiation, Tanvi is now diligently resuming her practice. “I am doing my riyaz for Hindustani classical. I am also trying to create rhythms for the new songs that I wish to write,” she shares optimistically. Rediscovering the joy of songwriting, she recently revisited her treasured fountain pen collection to begin writing again.
Her resilience is being noticed, and music show invitations are trickling in. Interestingly, requests are not restricted to her repertoire but call for her ‘Tansha’ band to explore Spanish, Arabic, and world music. “I’m blessed that the few who have called me have been patient and understanding,” she acknowledges, appreciating the support that comes her way as she prepares for a formidable comeback.
Tanvi Shah is more determined than ever to reclaim her space in the world of music. Promising a dynamic return, she assures, “I haven’t disappeared. I will come back and when I do, I will come back super strong. Now, I feel like I have got a second life.” Her battle with cancer has become an instrumental stanza in her life’s composition, one marked by courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her art.
