Live albums seldom promise perfection, as they often capture only brief instances of precision. Most live recordings, except for a few remarkable classical performances, reveal sporadic moments of impeccably rehearsed segments, occasionally punctuated by unexpected occurrences that enhance the experience.

Shreya Ghoshal, a renowned playback singer, has consistently delivered a clarity in her live performances akin to studio recordings. Her acoustic renditions of songs like “Sun Raha Hai” from Aashiqui 2 and “Rasm-e-Ulfat,” a tribute to Lata Mangeshkar on MTV Unplugged, exemplify her ability to fuse technical expertise with the emotional essence of music. However, the unpredictability of live concerts, especially in large venues, can challenge even the most experienced artists. Ghoshal’s decision to release a nine-track album from her recent ‘The All Hearts Tour’ is a bold move, marking her as the first female playback singer to do so in nearly thirty years. This is particularly significant, as live performances expose the shortcomings that meticulous studio production often conceals, especially for many popular yet lesser-skilled artists.

What stands out is Ghoshal’s interpretation of her popular tracks—such as “Saibo,” “O Saathi Re,” “O Rangrez,” and “Samjhavaan.” She infuses these songs with her unique flair, stretching notes and adding improvisational elements that diverge from their original renditions. This creative approach allows her to transform familiar melodies into something fresh and extraordinary.

Many of the songs she performs are originally duets, characterized by the interplay of two voices. Yet, Ghoshal takes on both roles, effectively creating a dialogue through her singular voice. Her recent comments on gender disparity within the film industry resonate with this context, reflecting a sentiment shared by other female artists who have felt overshadowed in collaborative projects in recent decades, unlike the era dominated by the Mangeshkar sisters.

From the outset of the album, the line between live and studio recordings blurs. While slower tracks soar effortlessly, high-energy songs like “Nagada” and “Chikni Chameli,” despite being well-executed, do not achieve the same level of stability. One can perceive the exertion in her breath, which becomes more functional than fluid. An exception is “Radha” from Student of the Year, where Ghoshal’s interaction with the chorus allows her to harness collective energy while maintaining clarity in her rapid delivery. Ultimately, Ghoshal approaches the stage not as a test, but as a space of enjoyment that showcases her artistry. She incorporates live piano performances into her concerts, creating an intimate atmosphere as if she is inviting the audience into her personal rehearsal space. This representation is refreshing for a contemporary Indian film music singer. Despite the ongoing challenges she faces in a male-dominated industry, Ghoshal confidently claims the stage on her own terms, delivering an impressive performance.

ARTIST: Shreya Ghoshal
LABEL: Sony Music
Rating: Four stars

Suanshu Khurana is an acclaimed journalist and music critic, currently positioned as a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express. She is recognized for her insightful writing on Indian culture, particularly in the realms of classical music, cinema, and the arts.

Expertise & Focus Areas
Khurana specializes in the intersection of culture and society. Her reporting involves in-depth coverage of:

• Indian Classical Music: She is known for her authoritative voice in documenting the lineages and evolution of Hindustani classical music.
• Cinema & Theatre: Her critiques go beyond mere reviews to explore the socio-political narratives within Indian cinema and theater.
• Cultural Heritage: She frequently highlights legendary artists and uncovers stories about India’s cultural heritage.

Professional Experience
At The Indian Express, Khurana curates and writes features for the Arts and Culture sections. Her work is characterized by long-form journalism that offers in-depth portraits of artists and thorough analysis of cultural trends, helping to bring both established and emerging artists into mainstream media.

Find all stories by Suanshu Khurana here.

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