Born as Apeksha Rao in Jamshedpur, the singer later adopted the name Shilpa Rao as she pursued a career in music. Her story reflects years of persistence, professional training and a willingness to begin with small opportunities before establishing herself in the competitive world of Bollywood.
A career-defining success with ‘Chaleya’
One of the most significant milestones in Rao’s career came with Chaleya, the romantic song from Shah Rukh Khan’s film Jawan. Her expressive vocals and understated delivery helped make the track popular among listeners, further strengthening her position in the Hindi film music industry.
Rao received the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 2025 for the song. The recognition marked a major achievement in a career built on versatility and consistent work across different musical styles.
Her repertoire also includes Ghungroo, Besharam Rang and songs associated with films such as Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. These performances have demonstrated her ability to adapt her voice to different arrangements, from contemporary dance tracks to emotionally driven romantic numbers.
Rather than relying on a single vocal style, Rao has developed a distinctive approach that allows her to move between genres. This versatility has helped her remain relevant in an industry where musical trends and audience preferences frequently change.
International recognition through a Grammy-nominated album
Rao’s musical work extends beyond Bollywood. She contributed vocals to Love Letters, an album by acclaimed sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar. The album received a Grammy nomination in 2021, bringing international attention to the project and highlighting Rao’s involvement in music beyond Indian cinema.
The recognition was significant because it connected her with a broader musical landscape, beyond the commercial reach of Hindi films. Collaborations with artists working in different musical traditions can also provide singers with opportunities to explore new arrangements and approaches to vocal performance.
Although the Grammy nomination was for the album rather than an individual award for Rao, her contribution formed part of a project recognised by the international music industry.
Performance interrupted at a Mumbai event
Rao recently found herself at the centre of controversy following an incident at a music event in Mumbai. During the tenth anniversary celebration of the Bollywood Music Project, she reportedly faced an uncomfortable situation while performing on stage.
According to reports, her microphone was switched off while she was singing. The stage lights were also reportedly turned off, bringing her performance to an abrupt halt. The interruption prompted a commotion and sparked discussion on social media.
Rao subsequently shared a post expressing her disappointment over the incident. Her husband also reacted to the controversy, describing what had happened to her as deeply upsetting and embarrassing.
The circumstances surrounding the interruption have not been fully established in the information available. It is therefore unclear why the microphone and stage lighting were switched off or who was responsible for the decision.
The incident has nevertheless drawn attention to the treatment of performers during live events. A successful stage performance depends not only on an artist’s preparation and ability but also on the coordination of sound, lighting and event management. An unexpected interruption can leave both the performer and the audience confused, particularly when no clear explanation is provided.
Three years of recording advertising jingles
Long before she became a familiar name in Bollywood, Rao spent around three years recording jingles for advertisements. Her voice featured in commercials for brands including Cadbury Munch, Sunsilk and Anchor Gel.
Although these assignments helped her gain professional experience, they did not initially bring her the public recognition associated with film songs. Many listeners may have heard her voice in advertisements without knowing the identity of the singer behind them.
The work, however, offered valuable training. Recording advertising jingles requires singers to deliver a melody within a short time, follow precise musical directions and produce the desired expression with considerable accuracy. Repeated studio sessions also help performers understand microphone technique, timing and the demands of professional recording.
For Rao, this period provided an opportunity to refine her vocal control and become familiar with the technical aspects of studio work. The experience would later prove useful as she moved into film playback singing, where performers must adapt quickly to the requirements of different composers and productions.
Composer and musician Shankar Mahadevan also played an important role in her early musical journey. Working under his guidance gave Rao an opportunity to develop her skills and gain experience without waiting for a major film opportunity to arrive.
She has described the early phase of her career as an important period of learning. Rather than dismissing smaller assignments, she used them to strengthen her technique and prepare for more demanding work.
Rejection did not define her career
Rao’s early struggles also involved rejection because of the distinctive character of her voice. In an industry where singers are often selected according to a composer’s specific requirements, a voice that does not immediately fit conventional expectations can present a challenge.
Playback singing requires more than technical ability. Singers must interpret a song’s emotional demands, work within a composition and deliver a performance that complements the actors and the film’s atmosphere. Competition for opportunities can be intense, making it difficult for emerging artists to establish a recognisable identity.
Rao continued despite those setbacks. Over time, the qualities that had reportedly contributed to her early difficulties became part of her musical identity. Her voice offered a recognisable texture, allowing her to stand apart from other performers.
Her subsequent success illustrates how persistence and the development of an individual style can help an artist find opportunities in a demanding industry. Her career has progressed from advertising recordings to major Bollywood soundtracks and projects recognised internationally.
Why she changed her name from Apeksha to Shilpa
One of the lesser-known details of Rao’s life concerns her name. Born Apeksha Rao in Jamshedpur, she adopted the name Shilpa Rao before establishing herself as a playback singer.
Explaining the decision, she has said that the name Shilpa felt more closely connected to her artistic identity. The word shilpa is associated with art, craftsmanship and creative skill, making it meaningful to her as a musician.
The change was a personal choice rather than a substitute for the years of work required to build a career. Her eventual success rested on developing her abilities, gaining recording experience and continuing to pursue opportunities despite setbacks.
Rao’s journey also highlights the less visible stages of a singer’s professional life. Advertising jingles, studio practice and early collaborations may not attract the same attention as a hit film song, but they can provide the foundation for a lasting career.
Today, her work spans popular Hindi cinema and collaborations with internationally recognised musicians. Her National Film Award for Chaleya and her contribution to a Grammy-nominated album represent different forms of recognition for an artist whose career has developed across several musical settings.
The recent controversy at the Mumbai event has brought her back into the headlines, but her professional journey extends well beyond a single incident. From early rejection to widespread recognition, Rao’s experience demonstrates the importance of perseverance, technical preparation and confidence in one’s own artistic identity.
