Shilpa Rao Discusses Her Singing Process at New Delhi Summit

At the recent Summit 2026 in New Delhi, renowned singer Shilpa Rao shared her insights on the importance of understanding a character's background before singing. With nearly 20 years in the industry, she discussed how emotional turmoil influences her performances and the freedom singers have to embody their characters. Known for hits like 'Khuda Jaane' and 'Chaleya,' Shilpa's journey in Bollywood has been remarkable. Her candid conversation sheds light on the intricacies of her craft and the emotional depth required in music.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 26, 2026, 20:38 IST

Shilpa Rao's Insights on Singing

Renowned vocalist Shilpa Rao recently participated in the Summit 2026 held in New Delhi on March 26. During her engaging discussion with Swati Joshi, Deputy News Editor, Shilpa emphasized the significance of understanding a character's background before performing a song. She also addressed common misconceptions about singers. Shilpa, who has made a name for herself in Hindi cinema, is approaching her 20-year milestone in the Indian music industry.

Shilpa Rao's Approach to Singing

In a heartfelt dialogue, Shilpa Rao shared that grasping the character's background is crucial for her to convey the song's emotions effectively. She expressed her enjoyment of the emotional journey that comes with singing. Shilpa stated, “The music and lyrics inspire us when we first hear the song. Understanding the character's background is essential for me. I don't focus on which actor I'm voicing, but rather the character's arc, which helps me connect with the emotions.”

The singer, known for her hit 'Chaleya,' elaborated on the various emotional nuances present in love songs. She remarked, “There are many types of love songs, and it's vital for me to understand the character's perspective and their journey in the film.” Shilpa also expressed her fascination with the freedom singers have to embody their characters, saying, “During recording, you become that character. It's astonishing to realize that you can transform into someone else. Life is indeed peculiar.” In closing, she mentioned, “Recording songs brings a lot of emotional turmoil, and I relish that experience.”

Shilpa Rao's Career Highlights

With two decades in the industry, Shilpa Rao gained recognition with her song 'Khuda Jaane' from the film 'Bachna Ae Haseeno.' She has since become a prominent figure in the music scene with hits like 'Ghungroo,' 'Bulleya,' 'Sher Khul Gaye,' 'Malang,' 'Tere Hawaale,' 'Besharam Rang,' and 'Subhanallah.' Notably, she received the Best Singer (Female) award at the National Awards 2025 for her performance in 'Chaleya.'