Shilpa Rao: Voice of Substance and Soul
Born Apeksha Rao on April 11, 1984, in Jamshedpur, into a Telugu family originally from Andhra Pradesh, she transformed into Shilpa Rao—a name she felt resonated more deeply with her artistic sensibilities . Her musical journey began early, guided by her father, S. Venkat Rao (a music graduate), who taught her the nuances of ragas amid the lush landscapes of Jamshedpur—a childhood intertwined with nature and melody . A chance meeting with renowned singer Hariharan at age 13 proved pivotal—he encouraged her to pursue Hindustani classical training under Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, setting the tone for her future trajectory
Transition to Mumbai & Rising Confidence
After winning a national talent hunt while performing with Hariharan, she received encouragement from Shankar Mahadevan, who urged her to move to Mumbai. Making the leap in 2004, Shilpa completed a postgraduate diploma in statistics, but the real work of her musical ascent began in studios—singing jingles for brands like Cadbury, Sunsilk, and Anchor Gel. These early recordings were her stepping stones into Bollywood’s music world
Playback Debut & Iconic Songs
Her first Bollywood break was with “Tose Naina” for Anwar (2007), composed by Mithoon—a moment she recalls as affirming of her destiny in music. Following this debut, she delivered unforgettable melodies:
“Woh Ajnabee” (The Train, 2007)
“Khuda Jaane” (Bachna Ae Haseeno, 2008), earning Filmfare recognition
“Mudi Mudi” in Paa, collaborating with Ilaiyaraaja (2009)
“Ishq Shava” (Jab Tak Hai Jaan, 2012) with A. R. Rahman
“Manmarziyaan” (Lootera, 2013) with Amit Trivedi
“Malang” (Dhoom 3) and “Meherbaan” (Bang Bang!, 2014)
Global Collaborations & Cross-Cultural Presence
Shilpa holds the unique distinction of being the final Indian artist featured on Coke Studio Pakistan, delivering a powerful rendition of “Paar Chanaa De” (2016). She’s also known for cross-country musical exchanges, including working with Anoushka Shankar on the Grammy-nominated Those Words project
Artistic Philosophy & Voice
In interviews, Shilpa emphasizes lyrical integrity and emotional connection. She enters the studio with openness, avoiding overthinking and focusing on feeling the music, describing herself as a “tourist in music”—curious, receptive, and driven by heartfelt expression . She also addresses gender dynamics in the industry, advocating for equal representation and pay, stating that fairness should be measured by work and not gender . Concerned about the rise of AI in music, she has stressed that emotion—rooted in life experience—is irreplaceable by technology.
Honors & Accolades
Her excellence is reflected in numerous awards:
Filmfare Awards:
Best Female Playback Singer for “Ghungroo” (War, 2020) and “Besharam Rang” (Pathaan, 2024)
Nominations for “Mudi Mudi” (Paa), “Chaleya” (Jawan), “Tere Hawaale” (Laal Singh Chaddha)
IIFA Awards: Winner in 2024 for “Chaleya” (Jawan)
Zee Cine Awards: Jury’s Choice (2024) for Pathaan
Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Best Female Playback Singer for Pathaan
Multiple recognitions from Mirchi Music Awards, Screen Awards, and more
Artistic Legacy & Impact
From a musically enriched childhood to carving her space in the Bollywood music hierarchy, Shilpa Rao’s journey resonates with perseverance, emotional depth, and soulful richness. Whether rendering a poignant ballad or a chart-topping dance number, her voice is one of sincerity, versatility, and grounded artistry.