Shilpa Rao On Failures And Resilience In Music

Celebrated playback singer Shilpa Rao has candidly reflected on the challenges of sustaining a career in the Indian music industry. Despite lending her voice to chartbusters such as Besharam Rang from Pathaan, Kalank, Ghungroo from War, and Malang, Rao admitted that eight of her songs did not work last year. Speaking in interviews with India Today and Mid-Day, she emphasized that success in playback singing is never permanent and that perseverance is the true measure of an artist’s journey.  

Rao recalled her unconventional debut with Tose Naina Lage from Anwar, composed by Mithoon, which set the tone for a career marked by experimentation and versatility. She highlighted that even iconic singers like Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar faced setbacks, underscoring that failures are part of the creative process. For her, the focus remains on consistency, adaptability, and staying true to her craft rather than chasing instant recognition.  

Key Highlights  

• Eight of Shilpa Rao’s songs failed to gain traction in 2024  
• She stressed that success in playback singing is unpredictable and never permanent  
• Her debut song Tose Naina Lage was considered unconventional at the time  
• Rao pointed to legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar as examples of resilience  
• She continues to experiment, recently lending her voice to Telugu film Devara: Part 1 with the track Chuttamalle  
• Persistence, adaptability, and authenticity remain central to her artistic philosophy  

Shilpa Rao’s reflections resonate with the broader reality of the entertainment industry, where even established artists face phases of uncertainty. Her openness about setbacks offers a reminder that resilience and passion are essential for longevity in music. As she continues to explore diverse projects, Rao’s journey illustrates the balance between vulnerability and strength that defines true artistry.  

Sources: India Today, Times of India, NewsBytes