On World Music Day, as the world comes together to celebrate the universal language of music, India proudly shines the spotlight on a voice that has defined generations — Shreya Ghoshal. With over decades of excellence, millions of fans across the globe, and a catalogue that spans genres and geographies, she remains India’s undisputed No. 1 singer and one of the most awarded vocalists in Indian music history.While her chart-toppers are plenty, what truly cements her legacy is a rare and powerful achievement — five National Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer — spanning different Indian languages. It’s not just a mark of talent, but a testament to how deeply her voice is woven into the fabric of Indian music, across cultures, states, and sounds.Here’s a look at the milestones that have made her a national treasure:
1.2002 – “Bairi Piya” (Devdas) | Hindi
At just 16, Shreya made a historic debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas. Her effortless command over classical nuances and emotive throw took audiences by storm. That unforgettable “Ishhh” became iconic, and the performance earned her first National Award.
2. 2005 – “Dheere Jalna” (Paheli) | Hindi
In this mystically romantic track, her voice played like a slow-burning candle — elegant, haunting, and intense. Composed by M. M. Keeravani, the song stood out for its layered composition, but it was Shreya’s vocals that gave it lasting depth
3.2007 – “Yeh Ishq Haaye” (Jab We Met) | Hindi
A major shift from classical to contemporary, this vibrant, high-energy folk-meets-Sufi track showed her unmatched range. Her infectious vocals matched the spirit of Geet (Kareena Kapoor), turning the song into a cultural rage and earning her third National Award.
4.2008 – “Pherari Mon” (Antaheen) | Bengali
Moving to her roots, this Bengali track from Antaheen was sheer poetry. Her voice floated gently through the arrangement, conveying loneliness, longing, and fragile love — all in a whisper. A masterpiece in minimalism.
5.2008 – “Jeev Rangla” (Jogwa) | Marathi
An emotionally charged track rooted in socio-cultural themes, this Marathi song proved her versatility once again. Her command over diction, depth of expression, and flawless modulation showed that language was never a barrier.
6.2021 – “Mayava Chayava” (Iravin Nizhal) | Tamil
Her fifth win came from a deeply experimental Tamil track composed by A. R. Rahman. Shreya’s ethereal vocals layered with cinematic complexity gave the song an otherworldly texture. It marked her artistic evolution and affirmed her pan-India status.
From her classical debut to breaking genre and language boundaries, Shreya Ghoshal continues to remain the gold standard of playback singing in India. With hundreds of awards, iconic songs in over a dozen languages, and an unshakable place in the hearts of fans, her journey is nothing short of legendary.
As the world celebrates World Music Day, India celebrates its most divine voice, the pride of the nation — Shreya Ghoshal, the voice that unites us all.
