I still ask Anirudh why he thought of me for 'Kaavalaa': Shilpa Rao

It’s better to be known for your work. Just keep doing stuff that you love and leave it there,” opines singer Shilpa Rao. Over the years, she has lent her voice to several popular songs, like Kaavaalaa (Jailer), Besharam Rang (Pathaan), Chaleya (Jawan) and more. In a chat with us, the singer opens up about pushing boundaries, her relationship with Chennai, the songs that surprised her and much more…
‘ANIRUDH HAD FAITH IN ME WHEN I DIDN’T’
When I first heard Khuda Jaane (Bachna Ae Haseeno), I couldn’t picture myself in it.But thanks to Vishal-Sheykhar and Siddharth Anand for being very open-minded and welcoming. I had also not thought I could sing Bulleya (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil) and Kaavaalaa (Jailer). I still ask Anirudh why he thought of me for the song. I never thought of myself like that, but he did, and I had faith in his vision.
‘IT GIVES PEOPLE COMFORT TO PUT SOMEONE IN A BOX’
Even when you have peaked, you can be asked a question the next day that really surprises you. But that’s the whole point of human nature. They want to label people, as it gives them comfort to put someone in a box. I feel people need to be in a place where they can be open to being surprised and inspired. If you don’t have an open mind and an open heart, then you’ll miss that inspiration.
‘ARTISTES NEED TO PUSH THEIR BOUNDARIES AND NOT RESTRICT THEMSELVES’
When you are a singer, you are either slotted as romantic singer or dance singer. It’s as if you only know black and white, but there are so many colours in the middle. More than the colours, there are so many shades. As an artiste, you have to take on stuff you never thought you could fit into. Be it Rahman sir, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Pritam or Vishal-Sheykhar, I always tell them that they might not even think I can sing something, but I will at least give it a try. I’ve found so many versions of myself through the songs I sing. Artistes need to push their boundaries and not restrict themselves.
ON HER WISH TO SING FOR TABU...
Tabu is a powerful actor and a powerful woman. I would love to sing for her. She’s always been my favourite.
On singing in multiple languages…
I have to give credit to all the composers who I’ve worked with. Even with Kaavaalaa, Anirudh helped me with every syllable, every word and every intonation.