Velvet voice. Boyish charm. Easy-going demeanour. From soulful ballads to energetic pop hits, Shaan has enraptured millions with his heartwarming songs and charisma for over three decades. His versatility has made him one of India’s most beloved vocalists, helping him deliver hits that linger long after the lights are turned off and the music fades… Here’s to him singing, inspiring and evolving on his musical journey continuously. 

By Andrea CostaBir

You come from a musical family, what with your father being a famous music director. How did this environment influence your early interest in music?

With my father being a composer, there was always music in the house – right from watching him compose, to getting lyrics written, to the arrangements. I would often get to attend his recordings too. My mother sang too. So it sure had a strong influence on me. Music was all we had. 

Can you tell us in brief about your early struggles/ journey in the music industry and how you managed to break through?

No early struggles, honestly. I wasn’t too keen on becoming a professional singer since I saw the struggles and frustrations of not achieving success through my father. But as fate would have it, music chose me. I was offered the opportunity to sing and before I knew it, I started singing for ad films and Indipop… and my journey as a singer just took off from there!

You’ve given us timeless hits like ‘Tanha Dil’ and ‘Bhool Ja’. Many of your songs from the early 2000s such as ‘Chand Sifarish’ from ‘Fanaa’, ‘Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh’ from ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Dus Bahane’ from ‘Dus’, ‘Woh Ladki Hai Kahan’ from ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ and ‘Jab Se Tere Naina’ from ‘Saawariya’ are still loved today. Did you expect your songs to resonate with millions of people?

Not at all. I just go with the flow. Never expected the love and adoration. In fact, I’m terrible at forecasting what is a potential hit and what is not. 

You’ve worked with some of the most iconic music directors, from AR Rahman to Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Vishal-Shekhar. Which collaborations stand out for you, and why?

SEL, Vishal-Shekhar, Pritam, Himesh Reshammiya, Shantanu Moitra, Sajid Wajid… since we started out around the same time, we had a very easy vibe in the studios… friends first. But honestly, I’ve had a great rapport with all my composers – right from seniors like Bappida, Ravindra Jain and Rajesh Roshan… to Jatin-Lalit, Nadeem Shravan, Anand-Milind, Anand Raaj Anand and of course Anu Malik. Unfortunately, I haven’t worked much with the new crop of composers, though I would love to. 

Film playback singing or Independent music? Which do you enjoy more?

As a singer, film playback has that added challenge of singing for a character or situation. Otherwise, a good song is what I enjoy singing more. It doesn’t matter what the outcome is. 

Is there any genre or artiste you haven’t worked with yet that you’d love to collaborate with in the future?

Except for Indian classical music or opera, I have pretty much explored all genres of music – but yes, all very superficially. There’s still so much to explore. I don’t think I’ve even got my ankles wet in the sea of music.

The music industry has changed significantly over the years, with streaming platforms and digital music. How have you adapted to these changes?

I have my own music label through which I release my songs from time-to-time. This experience has made me very aware of the current music business trends and developments.

You’ve hosted and judged reality TV shows like ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ and ‘The Voice India’. How do you view your role as a mentor for upcoming talent?

I have tried to stay in touch with many singers post the shows too. I am always there if they need any guidance or support. Happy to help 🙂 …many haven’t acknowledged my timely help and support but that’s alright. I always wish them well. 

What are the key attributes that make you a great singer?

I don’t think I have reached my full potential yet. So I really cannot answer that question. 

Balancing a successful career and personal life can be tough. How do you find that balance, especially when touring and performing live?

I have an extremely supportive and caring wife. And that has made it so easy for me to find work and home harmony. 

What can fans expect from you in the coming years? 

Abhi toh party shuru hui hai. I’m busier than ever with my live shows and have many exciting plans in the pipeline. This is the first time I have proactively pushed my career; post-50.  

Any exciting projects you’re currently working on?

There is a ghazal project that I’m very excited about. Also some film songs that I hope will help me make a comeback. Generally, I am looking forward to this next phase of growth – professionally and personally. 

Looking back at your musical journey, what would you say is your greatest achievement till date?

Surely, it is yet to come. But till now, if I look back, the love and adulation that I have gotten from my audience for almost 30 years now, consistently and increasingly, is not an achievement but surely a blessing that I treasure very dearly and am very grateful for.