Shilpa Rao (born Apeksha Rao; 11 April 1984) is a Grammy-nominated only Indian singer, who was born and raised in Jamshedpur. She earned a postgraduate degree in applied statistics from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai before working as a jingle singer for three years.
During her college days, Mithoon offered her the opportunity to record the song “Javeda Zindagi” from Anwar (2007), which marked her Bollywood debut. “Javeda Zindagi” was one of the year’s most popular songs.
Shilpa Rao became well-known after the release of Woh Ajnabi from “The Train” in 2007 and “Khuda Jaane” from Bachna Ae Haseeno.
She was nominated for Best Female Playback Singer at the 54th Filmfare Awards for the song. The following year, she worked with Ilaiyaraaja on Paa (2009), where she sang “Udi Udi Ittefaq Se,” for which she received another nomination in the same category at the 55th Filmfare Awards ceremony.
Rao performed at a musical concert in New Delhi in October 2014 to raise funds for flood victims in Assam.
Shilpa Rao is well-known in the media for experimenting with new musical styles and singing in a variety of genres. Rao credits her father as her greatest musical inspiration.
Here is a brief interview between Shilpa Rao and Empire Weekly
1. As you are one of the most well-known singers Tell us about your experience in the music industry?
Despite the fact that my father is a singer, I never wanted to be a singer until I met my Guruji Hariharan and was inspired to learn music. That is when my journey toward singing began, and I began training for many years until I got my first opportunity.
It has been a journey of 15 years in this industry now and I feel quite content about it. Looking back, I can say I had a great and magical time because if not for music I’m not sure what I would be doing in life.
I’m still learning every day, and every musician you meet plants a new seed of knowledge. So, yes, it’s been a fun ride, and I’m grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way.
2. How much you have enjoyed it?
I had a fantastic time at GoaFest 2022.
3. Tell us about Ghungroo, one of the most amazing songs you’ve ever sung?
First and foremost, I want to thank all of my fans and Ghungroo listeners for taking this song to new heights; it’s a special song to me.
It was thrilling to accept the Filmfare award, which is such an honorable and prestigious award for this song.
I’d like to express my gratitude to Vishal, Shekhar, Sidharth Anand, and YRF for this incredible opportunity.
