Music in India has always been celebrated for its enchanting melodies. Yet sometimes, it is the silence between the notes that speaks the loudest. In a recent podcast, renowned playback singer Shreya Ghoshal went beyond discussing music, shedding light on deeper social and cultural issues within the Indian music industry. She posed a provocative question: why are female voices virtually disappearing from India’s music charts, even as women dominate stages and charts across the world?
Speaking with podcaster Raj Shamani, Shreya highlighted the evolving landscape of Indian music. Her candid observations have sparked a wide discussion on gender equality within the industry.
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Women’s Dominance Globally
Shreya pointed out that internationally, female artists are now at the forefront of the music industry. Stars such as Taylor Swift and Rihanna dominate charts, sell out stadium tours, and consistently top streaming platforms.
“This success is no accident,” she remarked. Artists like Swift have reached these heights through years of rigorous work, creativity, and perseverance. In many countries, female performers shape not only the songs they sing but also the entire direction of the music industry. India, she emphasised, tells a different story.
“India Remains Patriarchal”
Shreya bluntly described the Indian music industry as still deeply patriarchal. The limited presence of women on the charts starkly illustrates this inequality. Currently, only six to seven out of the top fifty songs in India feature female vocalists—a pattern that persists even beyond the top ten.
| Category | Total Songs in Top 50 | Female Vocalists | Male Vocalists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Scenario | 50 | 6–7 | 43–44 |
A Golden Era of Female Influence
Shreya recalled a time when women held unparalleled influence in Indian music. Legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle not only participated in music—they defined it. Their voices shaped the soundscape of films and set benchmarks for generations.
A Decade of Crisis
According to Shreya, the decline of women’s presence is a recent phenomenon. Over the past decade, the industry has entered a phase of experimentation, with mixed genres, new styles, and rapidly shifting trends creating uncertainty. Yet she remains optimistic. “Once the era of fusion and confusion settles, female voices will reclaim their rightful place at the core of Indian music,” she said.
In essence, Shreya Ghoshal’s remarks extend beyond melodies and rhythms—they constitute a powerful call for gender parity and the recognition of women’s rightful influence in India’s cultural and musical landscape.