Bollywood Playback Sensation Shruti Pathak Shares Her Musical Tale

Meet Shruti Pathak, the acclaimed Indian playback singer and lyricist nominated for the prestigious Filmfare Award. Rising to fame with her debut in the Baby Doll series with "Leke Pehla Pehla Pyaar" in 2004, Shruti's enchanting voice became a household name. The song "Mar Jawa" from Fashion (2008) solidified her popularity, earning her nominations at both Filmfare and Screen Awards.

A versatile artist, Shruti not only captivates with her vocals but also contributes as a lyricist. Notably, she lent both her voice and penned the lyrics for the song "Payaliya" from Dev.D (2009). In 2013, she further showcased her talent by writing "Shubhaaramabh" for Amit Trivedi in Kai Po Che. Join us as we celebrate the musical journey of this talented artist in the Hindi film industry.And now she is back with her new single Karmawali for this wedding season.

In an exclusive chat with loudest.in,she talks about her musical journey so far.

Here are edited excerpts:

Q1.Tell us about your music journey so far?Who was your inspiration in this journey

My greatest pillar of support, both professionally and personally, has undeniably been my father. The credit for everything I've achieved as a musician goes to him. While he wasn't a musician himself, his profound love for music became the foundation of my passion. I'd attribute my musical inclination to him, almost as if it's embedded in my genes.

Embarking on this beautiful journey as a singer, having an innate sense of musicality, a keen ear for Sur, and being blessed with the right vocal cords is indeed a remarkable feat. Unlike learning an instrument or acquiring specific techniques, the ability to perceive Sur is something you're either born with or not. I consider myself incredibly fortunate in this aspect.

My musical education began in childhood around the age of 5. Music is an expansive realm with so much to explore, from various genres to singing techniques. As an artist, the journey involves continuous learning. By the time I reached college, I was certain about choosing music as my career. Discussing this decision with my parents, who come from a family where education holds great significance, was met with genuine happiness.

From the outset, my path was clear—I was meant to pursue music. However, considering my family background of educators, fulfilling educational requirements was also expected. Consequently, I pursued a master's degree in psychology, all the while remaining steadfast in my commitment to a career in music

Q2.Tell us about your core memory when you got your first song and the creative process ?

Upon my relocation to Bombay, I was fortunate to encounter incredibly welcoming and warm individuals. Throughout my journey, I've gleaned invaluable lessons from everyone I collaborated with. The turning point in my career came with the song "Marjawwan" from the movie "Fashion," thanks to Salim Sulaiman. I owe the entirety of who I am today to "Marjawwan" and Salim-Sulaiman, as this song altered the course of my journey significantly.

I vividly recall my first meeting with Salim Merchant. He invited me to the studio to record a folk song. As I nervously embarked on the recording, attempting a variation he suggested, I mistakenly practiced it in a lower octave. Upon hearing it, he promptly deleted the entire take. With a keen ear, Salim recognized the distinct husky quality in my voice that has since become my signature, and he re-recorded the entire song in the lower octave. It was a transformative experience guided by the expertise of Salim Merchant, one that shaped the unique vocal style for which I am now known.

Q3.Your latest release ”Karmawali" is being celebrated as a unique addition to bridal music. Can you share any specific elements or emotions you aimed to capture in this song that make it stand out?

We poured our hearts into creating this song. The collaborative effort behind it involved the indie music label and the talented composer Anmol Daniel, who crafted a brilliant melody. Yangvir contributed the poignant lyrics, resulting in a seamless amalgamation of four dedicated energies on the same wavelength. The birth of 'Karamawali' was spontaneous—no elaborate thoughts or strategies, just an authentic pursuit of pure melody. Our aim was simple: to offer something that resonates with listeners, something relatable.

The timing couldn't have been better, aligning with the onset of the wedding season. 'Karamawali' is a serene portrayal of a destined love story, and we hope it becomes a musical backdrop that people not only enjoy listening to but also connect with on a personal level.

Q4.Building engagement with the audience is crucial. How do you leverage social media, digital platforms, or other marketing channels to interact with fans and build a loyal following?

I hold the belief that algorithms undergo constant changes, impacting the visibility of one's content. What I find disfavorable is referring to music as mere "content." For me, music transcends strategic considerations and the pursuit of virality. I believe a song should be experienced and felt; if it's well-crafted, it will naturally find its way to people's hearts. Authenticity and instinct guide my approach, as I trust that a genuinely good song will inherently resonate with listeners.

Q5.Tujhe Bhula Diya" and "Aas Paas Hai Khuda" from Anjaana Anjaani I remember were massive hits so how was the experience back then?

Even after 13 years, songs like "Tum Jo Aaye" and "Tujhe Bhula Diya" continue to be among the most listened to. They remain chartbusters on various audio streaming platforms, making it a truly fabulous experience to have been blessed with such incredible work. The beauty lies in the fact that even today, you cannot replicate the feeling those songs evoke.

Q6.Tell us about ur upcoming projects and what message you would like to give your fans?

For the past four to five months, we've been immersed in numerous live shows, constantly on the move. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their unwavering support and the love they have bestowed upon me. Please continue to listen, share the love, and keep the positive vibes flowing.