This song was like her blessing: Shashaa Tirupati

Not many artistes get a chance to be recognised and mentored by the Mozart of Madras, AR Rahman himself. But Shashaa Tirupati is one of those lucky few and she can’t thank her stars enough for that.

“He’s pulled out performances from me which I did not know I was capable of,” says the singer behind songs such as The Humma Song (OK Jaanu), Phir Bhi Tumko Chahoonga (Half Girlfriend), Kaanha (Shubh Mangal Saavdhaan) and the recently released Hawa Hawai from the upcoming Vidya Balan-starrer Tumhari Sulu. Here, she talks about her musical journey so far...

You seem to have lived the life of a gypsy. Tell us a bit about your background and how all the travelling has added to your life as an artiste and a musician?

I’ve been very lucky to be able to grow up in various environments, some times vastly different! From being with family in Canada to studying in Allahabad and then living alone in Mumbai, it’s been an extremely rewarding experience and has made me how I am as a person and as a musician. I have learnt to see and hear things from various points of view, which for an artiste is extremely important.

You were discovered by none other than AR Rahman. How did that happen? Also, how does being mentored by him make it so special and different?

I was asked to audition for the choir in AR sir’s Coke Studio episode. I wasn’t singing at the time for almost three years since I had turned my focus to composition and production but I resumed my riyaaz, went for the audition and cleared it. During the Coke Studio session, on interacting with sir, I found that he had taken a liking to my voice and a month later, was at this studio in Chennai, recording for him. Just his presence is so pure and hugely inspirational. He’s pulled out performances from me which I did not know I was capable of. His music, presence and guidance have made me who I am today — spiritually, professionally and as a musician.

You’ve had quite a year, with a number of hit songs to your credit. Does it feel like too much, too soon?

I’m so blessed to have sung such beautiful songs and extremely grateful that the audiences have appreciated my performances. The experience of the struggle has helped me grow as a musician and as a person, who is able to not let success or failure get to my head to the point that it drastically affects me. I’m much more grounded. All the struggle led to these beautiful moments, it’s all part of the journey. I gladly embrace it all.

Now, you’ve got Hawa Hawai. Tell us about the experience of recreating Sridevi’s hit number? Were you nervous before singing it? Were you a fan of the original song?

I have been a huge fan of the expression in this song by two artists: Kavitaji in vocal expression and Srideviji in her facial expressions. Both true artistes in every sense! So the onus of delivering was massive when, one, the brief given to me was to sing exactly like Kavitaji and two, I was told that we’ll both be on the same track! Her being one of my favourite singers of yesteryears, I already tried to imbibe a lot of her singing technique in my own singing while growing up. This song was like her blessing.