Indo-Canadian singer Shweta Subram has entered the Bollywood music scene with a bang! After performing with Salim–Sulaiman at the IFFA Awards in Toronto and recording a song for the film Azaan, she has now been selected as a winner of Shankar Mahadevan Academy’s’ global online singing competition. Out of thousands of contestants Shankar Mahadevan personally chose Shweta as a winner (by singing the song Kuhu Kuhu Bole Koyaliya). She will now receive personal training from Shankar himself, a certificate from the Shankar Mahadevan Academy and promotions across their websites. We spoke to Shweta about her experience and singing in Bollywood!
Team MissMalini: How did it feel to win this competition and now be taken under the wings of Shankar Mahadevan?
SS: I felt like I was on top of the world. Firstly, there were so many talented entries from around the globe. Secondly, to be judged by a legendary singer like Shankar Mahadevan and his academy is nerve-wrecking. But now that I have won this competition, I look forward to his training and hope to start my Bollywood career under the Shankar Mahadevan camp.
Team MissMalini: Did you always know you wanted to be a singer?
SS: As a kid I never dreamt of making a career out of singing. It was a hobby which later turned into passion and now a profession. When I was working my 9-5 job, I felt a lack of fulfillment. Since I started focusing on my music, I feel I’ve found my calling.
Team MissMalini: Who are your musical influences?
SS: A.R. Rehman, Asha Bhosle, and Beyonce
Team MissMalini: How did Azaan happen?
SS: Salim and Sulaiman were in Toronto for IIFA and heard of me through their international manager. Three days prior to IIFA, I was called in for an audition. Salim and Sulaiman gave me the nod, and before I knew it, I was on the IIFA platform, singing the song Khuda Ke Liye from Aazaan in front of the Bollywood film fraternity.
Team MissMalini: What was it like performing at IFFA?
SS: It was an ecstatic experience performing at IIFA. Even on the day of the performance, it felt so surreal. I have a soft corner for Shahrukh Khan and my knees were trembling performing in front of it. At the end of the day, it was a great experience and was very well received by the audience and the media. I continue receiving phone calls and e-mails praising my performance at IIFA.
Team MissMalini: What are your top 3 favorite Bollywood songs?
SS: It’s hard to choose just 3, but my all-time favourites would have to be: Lambi Judai from Hero in the wonderful voice of Reshma, Kehna Hi Kya from Bombay, and Bole Re Papi Hara from Guddi.