Voice of confidence

Musician Anushka Shahaney has been winning praises for her distinct style, tone and powerful performance. This artiste is the voice behind ‘Stay a Little Longer’ and ‘Lost Without You’ from the film ‘Half Girlfriend’, which has topped the music charts.

Anushka, who was a finalist in the first season of the show ‘The Stage’, confesses that she never set out to make a career in Bollywood. It was by accident that she got the offer and now she’s enjoying herself in the new environment.

Trained in Western classical music from Trinity College, London, Anushka believes that it is the mix of Indian and Western classical music that gives an extra edge to her performances. In an interview with Nina C George, she talks about why she chose to make a career in music. 

When did you realise that music was your true calling?
I discovered the singer in me when I was studying psychology and philosophy. I performed for the first time when I went to study philosophy in Canada. I managed to stand out as a vocalist and that’s when the thought of turning a musician hit me in a big way.

What was your first big performance? 
‘The Stage’ was the first ever singing competition that I participated in. I was so nervous and stage fright was my biggest enemy but I managed to overcome it earlier than I thought I would.

What is your state of mind before a performance? 
My mantra is to breathe in confidence and breathe out fear. This is what my mother taught me as a child and I follow it even to this day.

Do your compositions reflect your experiences?
I write music that relates to a large section of people. I also draw from my personal experiences. I explore an emotion and attack it from all directions and the result is there for all to see.

You got a big break in ‘Half Girlfriend’... 
Yes and a very unexpected one. ‘Lost Without You’ wasn’t supposed to be in a movie but Mohit Suri loved the track when he heard it. We then worked on it and tweaked it to suit the movie.

How do you describe your style?
I am told that my voice is very different and has a distinct tone to it.

If there’s one thing that you would like to change about yourself, what would it be?
I think I need to be more patient because I am a really hyper person.

What is the worst thing that someone has ever said to you?
Somebody once asked me why I sing only in English, and if I wasn’t proud to be an Indian. Just because I sing in English, it doesn’t mean that I cannot sing in Hindi. If someone ever approached me to sing a Hindi song, I would be more than happy to do so.

Have your found your space in the Indian music industry?
The Indian music industry has been very kind to me. All the musicians I’ve worked with have encouraged me to grow and keep growing.