Renowned singer Shreya Ghoshal, who has been enchanting audiences for over 20 years, opened up about her experiences as a mother, mentor, and artist. Currently judging Indian Idol 15, Shreya shared her thoughts on how the music world is evolving with the rise of AI, social media, and young talents.
Speaking about her three-year-old son, Devyaan, Shreya revealed that he already shows a natural inclination toward music. “He’s very playful and active, but when music plays, he sings along. Since our house is always filled with music, it has become part of his world naturally,” she said.
Shreya’s Special Bond with Sunidhi Chauhan
In recent years, Shreya collaborated with fellow singer Sunidhi Chauhan for the song Chaila. On working with Sunidhi, Shreya said, “When women come together, it’s magical. There’s no competition between us; we both love music and enjoy working together. Society often tries to pit women against each other, but that’s not the case with us—we empower and support each other.”
Shreya reflected on how they enjoyed the creative process while working on independent music, adding that collaborations with like-minded artists bring fresh energy to their music.
Mentoring Young Talent on Indian Idol
Shreya, who began her career through a singing reality show, now mentors young artists as a judge on Indian Idol 15. She observed that today’s generation of singers has a lot more exposure thanks to social media, but it also brings its own challenges. “Some contestants come with the idea that social media fame means they’ve already made it, but when they face criticism from judges, they feel disheartened.”
She emphasized that real artistry requires focus and hard work, not just social media likes. “Being an influencer is one thing, but becoming an artist demands practice and dedication. Social media can complement your journey, but it’s not a shortcut to success.”
AI and Music: Shreya’s Take on Technology
When asked about the impact of AI in the music industry, Shreya acknowledged that it’s still too early to predict how it will affect musicians. “AI will never replace the emotional essence of human singing, even though it can replicate textures of voices. We should learn to use AI wisely, just as we adapted to previous technological shifts like electronic music and digital recordings.”
She mentioned that AI has both potential and ethical concerns, but artists need to evolve with changing technology while staying rooted in their craft.
Shreya’s Stand on Social Issues
Shreya also spoke about her recent decision to cancel a concert in Kolkata following a reported case of harassment against a trainee doctor. She expressed how deeply the incident affected her. “As an artist, it didn’t feel right to perform and celebrate in a city where something so disturbing had happened. I believe in speaking up when my voice can make a difference, even though it’s hard in today’s world where people are quick to judge.”
She further explained that music serves as an emotional refuge amid life’s challenges. “Music has the power to heal and bring joy, even in tough times. Being part of Indian Idol allows me to listen to talented singers whose voices make you forget all the negativity and stress of the day.”
Shreya Ghoshal’s journey—from a young reality show winner to a celebrated playback singer and now a judge and mentor—continues to inspire fans and aspiring artists alike. As she juggles motherhood and a successful career, her insights reflect both the joy of making music and the challenges of evolving with the times.
