India’s Music Charts Lack Female Dominance: Shreya Ghoshal

The music industry thrives on melody, yet sometimes the most telling stories lie in the silences between the notes. Recently, acclaimed playback singer Shreya Ghoshal spoke candidly about one such silence—the diminishing presence of female voices on India’s music charts.

In a revealing discussion with podcaster Raj Shamani, Ghoshal delved beyond her own career to examine the broader state of Indian music. “Why are women missing from the top charts in India when globally, female artists are dominating?” she asked, highlighting a growing disparity in representation. Her comments have sparked a wider conversation about gender, power, and musical trends in Bollywood.

Women Rule Globally, But Not Locally

Shreya emphasised that on the international stage, women are not just participating—they are leading. Artists such as Taylor Swift and Rihanna consistently dominate global charts, arena tours, and streaming platforms. Their success, Ghoshal noted, is no accident; it stems from years of relentless hard work, innovation, and mastery of craft.

“Globally, women are shaping the industry itself, not merely contributing to it,” she explained. “In India, it’s a different story.”

India Remains Patriarchal

According to Ghoshal, the imbalance becomes starkly evident when examining Indian music charts. Male singers overwhelmingly occupy top positions, leaving only a handful of female voices in the Top 50.

“These numbers aren’t a reflection of talent,” Ghoshal clarified. “They show the systemic biases that persist in the industry.”

A Contrast with the Past

This imbalance is striking given India’s musical history. Legendary playback singers such as Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle once ruled the industry, commanding respect and shaping the very sound of Indian cinema. Female singers were often the defining voices of entire eras, recording hundreds of songs each year and eclipsing many of their male contemporaries.

The Last Decade of “Confusion”

Ghoshal attributes the current disparity to a decade of experimentation and uncertainty in the Indian music industry. “Genres are merging, styles are blending, and trends shift rapidly,” she explained. This phase, which she describes as one of “fusion and confusion,” has temporarily diminished the dominance of female voices.

Yet Ghoshal remains hopeful. She believes that as the industry matures, clarity will return—and with it, a renewed prominence for women in mainstream Indian music.