The One & Only – Shreya Ghoshal

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Shreya Ghoshal.

I still remember the reality show SaReGaMa, when teenager Shreya Ghoshal won the season in 2000. Even as a participant she won everyone’s heart. Soon after that I bought an audio cassette with her Marathi songs. If I remember correctly, the cassette had devotional songs as well as bhavgeet (भावगीत), a popular non film genre in Marathi. I think all were cover versions. Then one fine day, I watched Bairi Piya from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas on television. I was fascinated by the sweet and expressive voice. I was pleasantly surprised that it was Shreya Ghoshal. Wow! She was now a playback singer! And then there was no looking back.

Born on 12th March 1984 in West Bengal, Shreya received formal training in Hindustani classical music from the age of 6. After she entered the Hindi film industry, success followed right from her first film and she’s one of the most respected, much loved and most versatile playback singers of Indian cinema.
According to Wikipedia, her first recorded song was a Marathi devotional song, Ganraj Rangi Nachto, a cover version.

I was planning this post for a few years, but always missed the occasion. This time I made sure that didn’t happen again. I found myself submerged in too many songs for a single post. I ruthlessly edited the list and settled for 30+ songs. She has sung in the majority of Indian languages but I couldn’t resist adding my favourite Marathi songs. I know the list is a bit too long but in my defense it’s impossible to cover a versatile and prolific singer like Shreya Ghoshal in a single post!

Let’s listen to my favourites sung by Shreya Ghoshal, arranged in chronological order. Here we go…

1. Bairi Piya Bada Bedardi – Devdas (2002) with Udit Narayan / Ismail Darbar – Nusrat Badr
It is said that the song was recorded at a single go, even without knowing Shreya that the song was being recorded. And obviously the song proved to be one of the biggest hits of the year. It fetched her the best female playback singer award at the National awards. Her perfect rendition of the song Dola Re Dola also received Filmfare award, making her perhaps the only playback singer to get National as well as Filmfare award in her first Hindi film. Her voice exudes innocence, but hits the bull’s eye. Though the song has a lighter mood, Sanjay Leela Bhansali also used it to portray the typical male ego of Devdas, by his mannerisms and behaviour with his beloved.
For me it’s one of her best Hindi film songs.
She was the voice of Aishwarya Rai in the movie, and had a chorus backed solo and as good as four duets (one each with Udit Narayan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Vinod Rathore and Jaspinder Narula) in the movie. Her duet with Vinod Rathore was mainly picturised on Jackie Shroff and Shreya sings only one line which is lip synched by Madhuri Dixit.

2. Jadu Hai Nasha Hai – Jism (2003) / M M Kreem – Nilesh Misra
M M Kreem has composed for a few Hindi films, but look at the quality of his songs. Always the best, let that be the lesser known, ‘Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin’ or the well known ‘Jism’. He was always away from the limelight of Hindi films. After singing the songs of Devdas, he chose Shreya for a couple of sensuous seductive numbers from Jism. And look at the miracle! The girl who was yet in her late teens, excels the songs with perfect expressions! Not a moment of vulgarity in her rendition. The songs were enough to showcase her versatility. And she received a Filmfare award for the best female playback singer for this song, a well deserved one! And second time in a row. We should remember that she was a newcomer then! And was yet to complete 20!

In 2003, Shreya Ghoshal sang for Anu Malik in four films, Saaya (where she made her first Hindi film on screen appearance ), Inteha, LOC Kargil and Munnabhai MBBS. I’ve chosen my favourite from the latter.

3. Chhan Chhan – Munnabhai MBBS (2003) with Vinod Rathore / Anu Malik – Rahat Indori
What a cool refreshing breeze the song is! I miss such gentle soothing melodies now. What a beautiful picturisation and such a twinkle in Shreya’s voice! Just perfect to emote the expression of a lady realising her love for someone. The song may not be popular now, but I like it a lot.

4. Suna Suna Lamha Lamha – Krishna Cottage (2004) / Anu Malik – Nilesh Misra
It was her only song for the movie, but for me it’s the best! The song emotes passionate love. It is picturised on Isha Koppikar and Sohail Khan. The song is a bit lengthier, but a delight to listen to.

Shreya Ghoshal’s duets with Sonu Nigam became very popular. He was the one to witness her journey right from SaReGaMa to a popular playback singer of Bollywood. I’ve a few of their duets on the list and it’s time now for the first on the list,

5. Dheere Jalna – Paheli (2005) with Sonu Nigam / M M Kreem – Gulzar
Amol Palekar’s Paheli was an adaptation of a Rajasthani folktale. Shreya Ghoshal was the chosen voice for Rani Mukherjee. Her soft soothing duet with Sonu Nigam was an instant hit and it was also awarded the best female playback singer award at the National awards. The song is not continuous in the film. After Sonu Nigam finishes his part, there’s a conversational scene between Rani Mukherjee and Shah Rukh Khan where he tells the truth to her and asks about her wish. Then the female part starts. The song is surely one of their best duets.

And, now their second duet on today’s list,

6. Piyu Bole Piya Bole – Parineeta (2005) with Sonu Nigam / Shantanu Moitra – Swanand Kirkire
Parineeta was an adaptation of a Bangla novel by the same name. The film also marked the debut of Vidya Balan as the leading lady of the film. Shreya Ghoshal was the chosen voice for her and she sang three songs for the movie, all duets with Sonu Nigam. While all the duets are pure gold, I chose the one which was roaringly popular. Vidya Balan helps Saif Ali Khan write and compose a song, while it actually expresses their own feelings for each other. Again it’s one of my all time favourite romantic duets of Hindi cinema. It was also her first film with composer Shantanu Moitra.

7. Urzu Urzu Durkut – Yahaan (2005) / Shantanu Moitra – Gulzar
I don’t know if the song is popular now or not! But it was very popular during its release along with her duet with Shaan, Naam Ada Likhna. While I was tempted to add the latter, I finally settled for this solo. And this joyous, energetic melody was a perfect choice! Enjoy the song. The words Urzu Durkat apparently mean, live long standing on your legs firmly, that means live with your own support.

After Munnabhai MBBS, Shreya again sang for the second in the series, Lage Raho Munnabhai. She again sang for Vidya Balan, who was very much appreciated for the portrayal of a RJ. And it’s her third duet with Sonu Nigam on the list.

8. Pal Pal Har Pal – Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) with Sonu Nigam / Shantanu Moitra – Swanand Kirkire
The song’s again one of the finest duets by the singers and will continue to be my all time favourite.

9. O Sathi Re – Omkara (2006) with Vishal Bharadwaj / Vishal Bharadwaj – Gulzar
The song has a low pitch and Shreya Ghoshal’s one of the prominent Hindi film songs at a low pitch. The song portrays a soothing yet passionate love. The slow paced song was somewhat overshadowed by the other fast paced dance numbers picturised on Bipasha Basu. But the song has passed the test of times, still remembered as one of her best songs for Hindi films.

10. Leja Leja Re – Ustad and The Divas (2006) with Ustad Sultan Khan & Salim Merchant / Sandesh Shandilya – Irshad Kamil
It was one of the prominent non-film albums by Shreya Ghoshal. The contrast between Ustad Sultan Khan’s deep voice and Shreya’s tilting high pitched voice was a delight to listen to. The song had been very popular during its release and continues to be so!

11. Dhoom Tana – Om Shanti Om (2007) with Abhijit / Vishal Shekhar – Javed Akhtar
Shreya Ghoshal sang for the debutante, Deepika Padukone in the movie. She rendered two duets for the movie, and I chose this difficult to sing number. The song changes moods and styles of orchestration over the time and accordingly the style of singing also changes from a semi classical beginning to a jazzy western style inbetween.

12. Yeh Ishq Haaye – Jab We Met (2007) / Pritam – Irshad Kamil
Shreya received her third National award for the best female playback singer award for this song, which was her only song for the movie. The song is beautifully picturised on the snowy streets and the concept of picturisation is also good. Geet is going to meet Anshuman, whom she believes loves her, so she’s addressing the song to him. Shahid Kapoor on the other hand loves her, but sacrifices it for her sake. The enthusiasm of dancing to portray her joy is cute! And Shreya’s apt expressions take the song to another level. Just brilliant!

13. Mere Dholna Sun – Bhool Bhulaiya (2007) with M G Sreekumar / Pritam – Sameer
Shreya’s association with the composer Pritam reached heights of popularity with this classical based song from Bhool Bhulaiyaa. The length of the song is a bit more, but the aalaps and sargams don’t let us have a second to get distracted. The song is still performed in music reality shows and is considered one of the tough semi classical songs to sing. It’s not only a delight to listen to, but also thrilling to watch as the climax of the movie unfolds during the song.

14. Barso Re Megha – Guru (2007) / A R Rahman – Gulzar
The song won the best female playback singer Filmfare award and was acclaimed for Shreya’s rendition. Her voice sounds very different in the song. Of course the song has a good tune, good lyrics and good on screen presentation. Shreya’s fine rendition is just superb!

15. Teri Ore – Singh is King (2008) with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan / Pritam – Mayur Puri
Shreya received the best female playback singer Filmfare award for this song. A beautiful melody, very attractively crafted and sung wonderfully. Though the audio song is longer, I added the video song picturised on the background of the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx in Egypt. You can just imagine how difficult it would have been to shoot in the deserts.

By the end of the first decade of the new millenium, Shreya Ghoshal was one of the top female playback singers of Hindi cinema. I’ve a song to add from the last year of the decade.

16. Barhaan Dil Mein – Mr Singh & Mrs Mehta (2010) / Shujat Hussein Khan – Amitabh Verma
I must confess I wasn’t even aware of the film! But while I was listening to her songs randomly, I selected this one! And took an instant liking. What a soulfully rendered song, woven in a simple but soothing melody! What a ठेहराव in her singing! Amazing! And beautiful expressions!

17. Ooh La La – The Dirty Picture (2011) with Bappi Lahiri / Vishal Shekhar – Rajat Arora
The film was based on the life of Silk Smitha, who’s unfortunate story was very well enacted by Vidya Balan. Shreya Ghoshal’s energetic and perfect expressions are a delight to listen to. The song was an instant hit and it depicts the initial success story of Silk Smitha in various South Indian movies.

18. Saibo – Shor In the City (2011) with Tochi Raina / Sachin Jigar – Sameer, Priya Panchal
What a beautiful song it is! You can just keep on listening to it in a loop. Beautiful tune and the song has a soul. Very difficult to find nowadays!

19. Aashiyan – Barfi (2012) with Nikhil Paul George / Pritam – Swanand Kirkire
Barfi is mainly remembered for the fabulous performances by Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Iliana D’Cruz. But equally popular is the Aashiyan song! The innocence in the song, the happiness it spreads, and its picturisation all are heartwarming.

20. Chikni Chameli – Agneepath (2012) / Ajay Atul – Amitabh Bhattacharya
The tune of one of the popular Marathi songs was reused by Ajay Atul for this popular dance number. And it was a surprise at least for me! It nevertheless once again underlined Shreya Ghoshal’s versatility. The song needs different types of expressions, which were very effortlessly delivered by her. Saroj Khan’s choreography added a different charm to the song.

21. Chandaniya Chup Jana Re – Rowdy Rathore (2012) / Sajid Wajid – Sameer
I don’t know how many readers actually remember this beautiful lullaby from the movie. I think it’s short part is incorporated in the movie and not the entire song. But a good song!

22. Nagada Sang Dhol Baje – Ramleela (2013) with Osman Mir / Sanjay Leela Bhansali – Siddharth, Garima
What a beautiful dance song, sung excellently! What a rhythm, what an energetic rendition!

23. Deewani Main Deewani Mastani – Bajirao Mastani (2015) / Sanjay Leela Bhansali – Siddharth, Garima
The film caught controversy, but the songs attained popularity across the nation. Right from the semi classical, Mohe Rang Do Laal to the Marathi folk based song, Pinga. And it also fetched Shreya yet another Filmfare award for the best female playback singer.

24. Ghumar Ghume Re – Padmavat (2018) with Chorus / Sanjay Leela Bhansali – Siddharth
Though controversy revolved around the film, the beautifully choreographed song again reached heights of popularity. And again Shreya won the Filmfare best female playback singer award for the song.

25. Ghar More Pardesia – Kalank (2019) with Vaishali Made / Pritam – Amitabh Bhattacharya
I’m very fond of this semi classical song from Kalank. One of my favourites by Shreya Ghoshal in recent years.

26. Jab Saiyan Aaye Shaam Ko – Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) / Sanjay Leela Bhansali – A M Turaz
I wasn’t aware of this beautiful gem until very recently. I stumbled upon it accidentally just a few weeks back and then and there, the song finalized its place on my list.

Other songs which I wanted to add, but couldn’t add to limit the number of songs. But I wish to add the song links here. Interested readers can listen to those songs.
If you want to listen to Shreya Ghoshal in typical 90s style under the baton of Nadeem Shravan. Here’s Woh Humse Khafa Hain from Tumsa Nahin Dekha (2004)
A cute duet, Ishq Hua Hi Hua from Aaja Nachle (2007)
A wonderful thumri like Mujra, Chale Aao Saiyan from Khoya Khoya Chand (2007)
A melodious duet, Chori Kiya Re Jiya from Dabangg (2010).

Marathi songs –
Shreya Ghoshal was active in Marathi films as well. Her non-film Marathi songs were the first to be released even before she entered Hindi films.
Though the list was already getting very long, I couldn’t help adding a few of her songs to the list. I hope readers wouldn’t mind listening to the songs,

27. जीव रंगला – जोगवा (२००९) सहगायक – हरिहरन / अजय अतुल – संजय पाटील
The song received a National award for best female playback singer and the song surely deserved it.

28. आत्ताच बया का बावरलं – सैराट (२०१६) / गीत आणि संगीत – अजय अतुल
Sairat was a phenomenal success at the Box office and a good proportion of it should also be credited to its songs. This one by Shreya is among her bests in Marathi films.

29. चंद्रा – चंद्रमुखी (२०२२) कोरससह / अजय अतुल – गुरू ठाकूर
The song instantly became a chartbuster and attained popularity in a very short time. The dance performance by Amruta Khanvilkar was also acclaimed.

30. बहरला हा मधुमास नवा – महाराष्ट्र शाहिर (२०२३) सहगायक – अजय गोगावले / अजय अतुल – गुरू ठाकूर
The last year saw innumerable reels and shorts on social media based on this song. The simple yet attractive dance steps and the catchy tune won a million hearts all across the globe. Shreya’s sweet voice obviously had a hand in popularising the melody.

Please add your favourite Shreya Ghoshal song.

Disclaimer –
Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, screenshots or songs posted on this site. Images on this blog are posted to make the text interesting. The images and screenshots are the copyright of their original owners. The song links are shared from YouTube, only for the listening convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs rests with the respective owners, producers and music companies