Music – Shreya Ghoshal Reflects on Balancing Singing and Composing Roles
Music – The journey of a playback singer often goes beyond voice alone, as Shreya Ghoshal explains how creativity shapes every performance.
Renowned playback singer Shreya Ghoshal has opened up about the creative instincts that guide her work, noting that every singer naturally carries the mindset of a composer. According to her, understanding composition is essential for delivering depth and authenticity to any song.
A Creative Process Beyond Singing
Speaking during her international concert tour, Ghoshal shared that singing is rarely limited to following instructions. She explained that when performers step up to the microphone, they instinctively think about how they can enhance a piece. This often leads them to add subtle variations, emotional nuances, or creative touches that elevate the overall impact of the track.
She described this process as fluid and ever-evolving. Rather than sticking rigidly to a composition, singers often contribute ideas that bring fresh life to the music. For Ghoshal, this blend of singing and composing happens naturally, without a clear boundary separating the two roles.
The Temptation to Compose
When asked whether she feels drawn toward composing more actively, Ghoshal admitted that the temptation is constant. She revealed that she has already explored this side of her artistry by creating a few independent singles, some of which were composed in collaboration with her younger brother.
Despite these experiences, she acknowledged that balancing both roles can be challenging. The desire to compose more frequently exists, but time constraints often limit her ability to pursue it fully. Touring, recording, and other professional commitments leave little room for deeper exploration of composition.
Differences Between Film and Independent Music
Ghoshal also highlighted the contrast between film music and independent projects. She noted that film songs often come with specific guidelines, leaving limited space for experimentation. In contrast, independent music offers greater creative freedom, allowing artists to shape a song from start to finish.
However, she pointed out that even within structured environments, singers still find ways to bring their individuality into a performance. Whether through vocal expression or emotional interpretation, the creative contribution of a singer remains significant.
Respect for Established Composers
While discussing her hesitation to fully embrace composing, Ghoshal spoke about the immense respect she holds for established composers. She explained that comparing herself to masters of the craft often makes her feel that she still has much to learn in that area.
Drawing parallels with her admiration for legendary singers, she said that just as she looks up to iconic vocalists for inspiration, she also views renowned composers as benchmarks of excellence. This sense of humility keeps her focused primarily on refining her singing.
A Focused Yet Evolving Journey
For now, Ghoshal remains committed to her primary path as a singer. She believes that dedicating herself to perfecting her vocal skills is her current priority. At the same time, she does not rule out the possibility of exploring composition more seriously in the future.
She hinted that her audience may hear more of her original compositions when the time feels right. Until then, she continues to balance her creative instincts with her professional responsibilities, shaping each performance with a thoughtful and artistic approach.
In her words, the journey of a singer is never static. It is a continuous process of learning, experimenting, and evolving—one where the lines between singing and composing often blur.