In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, National Award-winning singer Shashaa Tirupati opens up about her journey across multiple languages, her deep-rooted connection with music, and her collaborations with industry stalwarts like A.R. Rahman
tejal sinha
Shashaa Tirupati, an Indian-born Canadian playback singer, songwriter and music producer, has captivated audiences with her soulful voice across multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. She gained widespread recognition with Vaan from Kaatru Veliyidai, a song that won her the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer. Over the years, she has worked with celebrated composers such as A.R. Rahman and Pritam, solidifying her place in the industry.
She was part of the KOLAB HER MUSIC CAMP 2025 by Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) & Sony Music Publishing to empower female music creators.
In a candid conversation with The Pioneer, Shashaa spoke about her multilingual experiences, her long-standing association with A.R. Rahman and how she balances the commercial side of music with her artistic expression.
Having sung in over 20 languages, Shashaa believes that this diverse exposure has significantly shaped her musical style and artistic approach. She sees language as more than just a medium of expression—it is a window into different cultures.
“It opens you up to new sounds, styles and emotions. Everything you listen to, everything you consume, stays in your subconscious memory. When you’re creating your own music, those influences come through in subtle ways. Having this level of exposure has helped me bring more diversity into my music.”
Her rendition of Vaan was a career-defining moment, not just because of the acclaim it received but because of the deep emotional connection she felt while recording it.
“I got very emotional while recording Vaan—even thinking about it now makes me emotional. It’s the kind of song that happens once in a lifetime. After that song, I even thought of naming my daughter Vaan whenever I have kids. It was that special to me.”
Reflecting on the song’s success, she added, “In retrospect, I’m not surprised that the song received so much recognition. Both Rahman sir and I won National Awards for Kaatru Veliyidai and looking back, it feels like the song truly deserved it.”
She has worked closely with A.R. Rahman on multiple projects and she considers her association with him a significant learning experience. “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from him is to keep moving forward. He is in his 50s, probably my dad’s age, but the music he creates still sounds fresh, like it’s coming from a 20-year-old. He constantly upgrades himself, evolves and does things that many of his contemporaries do not. That has been a big lesson for me,” she said.
As a playback singer, Shashaa delivers songs based on a director’s vision, but her independent projects allow her to showcase a more personal, unfiltered side of her artistry.
“Bollywood is for my commercial side and independent music is where I pour out all my emotions. I’m an introvert, so I feel a lot but don’t always talk about it. My music becomes an outlet for everything I deal with—be it depression, anxiety, or heartbreaks. That’s the crux of my independent work.”
She also revealed that her ability to switch between these two worlds is aided by her ADHD.
“It actually helps me transition quickly. I can shift from playback singing to composing an independent song without feeling overwhelmed,” she shared.
She participated in Collab Music Camp 2025, a space where artists from diverse backgrounds come together to create music. She was amazed by the energy and talent at the camp.
“I did not expect this level of sound production or the way everyone bonded so well. It was unreal,” she said. “That’s the beauty of art—it brings people together. Collaboration is king, and when artists vibe with each other, it reflects in the music.”
She believes that creativity thrives in environments where artists feed off each other’s energy.
“You can walk into a room and instantly feel if the creative energy is right. The enthusiasm at Collab was infectious, and that really helped in the creative process,” she added.
With AI becoming an integral part of various creative fields, Shashaa sees both its advantages and its potential risks.
“AI can be a huge asset when it comes to songwriting, melody structuring, or production. You can use it to generate lyrics as a framework, which can then be refined by a lyricist. But AI should not become a crutch. If used wisely, it can be an incredible tool, but if misused, it could put musicians out of business.”
Being in the music industry comes with its share of pressures and expectations. Shashaa acknowledges this but believes in making the most of every opportunity.
“There are moments when I’ve missed out on opportunities simply because I was in another city for a show when a last-minute studio call came. But you just do the best you can with what comes your way.”
Among her many projects, Shashaa recalls Rasaali from Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada as a particularly special song.
“Rahman sir told me he wanted to see the real Shashaa in that song. It felt like a big responsibility but also like he saw something in me that I hadn’t yet recognised in myself,” she reflected.
For those looking to pursue both playback singing and independent music, her advice is simple: master your craft.
“Hone your art. Keep getting better at what you do. Being a great singer isn’t enough—become a better listener, learn production, try to create, and write. All of these skills will only help you grow as an artist,” she said.
Shashaa has an exciting lineup of projects in the pipeline.
“I’ve just finished recording eight to nine Tamil and Telugu film songs, which will be releasing soon. I’m also working on two independent projects—one is a multi-visual EP with Iranian multi-instrumentalist Mehdad Ramzayi and the other is a classical fusion EP with a very contemporary sound,” she revealed.
