Shreya Ghoshal: We have already moved away from remixes

Is there a genre that Shreya Ghoshal can’t do justice to? Apparently not, if the last two decades are any indication. The singer has enchanted listeners with her romantic ballads, dance numbers, classical gems, and now devotional tracks. Her latest single, O Kanha Re, is a heartfelt offering to Lord Krishna during the Janmashtami season. In a chat with mid-day, Ghoshal reflects on the song’s inspiration, and her joy to see the Hindi film industry trading remixes for original music.

Excerpts from the interview.
 
O Kanha Re blends devotion, folk music, and modern charm. What inspired you to voice this song?
It was composed by Shreyas Puranik and written by Saveri Varma. Shreyas came to me with the mukhda and composition. The moment I heard it, I wanted to do it. I could not have had a better way to celebrate Lord Krishna and Maa Radha.

You have always brought depth to your singing. For a devotional track like this, how did you convey both longing and love?
For me, devotion and love are closely linked. Spirituality is not only about reverence for God, there is also prem bhavna. There is the rasa of love, longing, and beauty in Radha-Krishna’s relationship. It is a metaphor for life, where there is moh, maya, and deep connection. There is also a Meera bai verse in the song that shifts your perspective of Krishna bhakti. In songs like this, purity is the key. I don’t follow a technical routine for such tracks; the song takes you into a space of surrender. 

You received immense love this year with the song, Saiyaara (Reprise). Do you think there is a renewed appreciation for soulful, original music in Hindi cinema?
Saiyaara (Reprise) is a beautiful melody, full of soul and pain. I was in the US when it released and did not even know it was getting so much love. It arrives in the end credits, yet people sit and watch it, which is rare. Then Bas Ek Dhadak got equal love. It feels like the season of melodies. Hits are happening naturally, without formula. I think our industry and audiences are healing together. 

The industry is moving away from remixes towards fresh compositions. How do you view this trend?
We have already moved away from remixes. This year, original songs are all doing well. Saiyaara, Bas Ek Dhadak, O Mama Tetema, my collaboration with AP Dhillon on Thodi Si Daaru, and Bheegi Saree are each unique. The audience is done with predictability. Earlier, when one remix worked, everyone thought, ‘Let’s repeat it’. Now, the ecosystem of composers, producers, and singers is shifting to originality. It is a creator’s world now, with catchy songs that still have depth and fun [being preferred]. 

You mentioned that O Kanha Re is also a way of sharing Krishna’s stories with your child. How has motherhood influenced your music?
Motherhood has matured me as an artiste and opened me to new emotions of love. As you grow and relationships evolve, your empathy deepens for people, animals, and life itself. Since becoming a mother, I feel more capable of giving love, and better at nurturing relationships. My son Devyaan was not meant to be in the video of O Kanha Re. He came to visit during the shoot, and I thought, why not dress him as little Krishna? He usually does not like costumes, but that day he agreed. When he came on set, it felt like Krishna had arrived in the form of a child.

You have sung for over two decades, yet your voice feels as fresh and emotive as ever. What is one habit you swear by to keep that magic alive?
The mantra is simple — be happy. When your heart is joyful and your life is free from negativity, it reflects in your lifestyle, songs, and expression.