Renowned playback singer Shreya Ghoshal recently spoke candidly on a popular podcast about some of the defining moments and difficult choices in her career. She addressed the reasons behind her refusal to sing the blockbuster track “Fevicol Se” from Dabangg 2 and responded to criticism regarding her performance of “Chikni Chameli”.
Ghoshal explained that she turned down “Fevicol Se”, a song picturised on Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor, because she found its lyrics excessively suggestive. Lines such as “Chicken bana ke kha le” made her feel highly uncomfortable. She stated that her personal values and professional ethics guided her decision to step away, despite the song’s potential for massive popularity.
When asked about “Chikni Chameli”, another chart-topping item number, Ghoshal acknowledged the criticisms on social media questioning her choice to sing a song that many considered objectifying women. She clarified that at the time of recording, she lacked the maturity and understanding to fully grasp the deeper implications of certain lyrics. Now, with greater awareness, she firmly stated that she would not agree to perform any song that reduces women to mere objects.
The singer also shared that, like fellow artist Arijit Singh, she is taking a short break from recording to carefully select future projects. She emphasised that moving forward, she will prioritise lyrics, meaning, and content, and refuse any work that conflicts with her ethical standards.
These reflections underscore the complex decisions artists face in balancing commercial success with personal integrity, particularly in an industry where lyrics and visuals can often clash with one’s values.
Overview of Song Decisions
| Song Title | Film | Reason for Decision | Current Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fevicol Se | Dabangg 2 | Lyrics felt vulgar; discomfort performing | Would not perform such songs again |
| Chikni Chameli | Agneepath | Did not fully understand implications | Avoid songs that objectify women |
Shreya Ghoshal’s candid revelations highlight her evolving perspective on content sensitivity in Bollywood music. Her openness about past decisions demonstrates the importance of ethical consideration and conscious choice in shaping a sustainable and respectful artistic career.