A recipient of numerous accolades, Shreya Ghoshal is a global ambassador of Indian music.
If there is anyone in the Indian music industry who can be called Lata Mangeshkar's true successor, it's undoubtedly Shreya Ghoshal. Just like Mangeshkar, Shreya is often known as the "Nightingale of India". Her voice is one such marvel that touches millions of hearts, and unites people together. The Recording Academy (Grammys) has described her voice as a "honeyed soprano." Usha Uthup has hailed her as "the voice for the future," and legendary singers like Asha Bhosle, Kumar Sanu, and Kavita Krishnamurti among others have regarded her as the finest of her generation.
From Bollywood to regional cinema, from ghazals to pop, from soulful melodies to peppy dance numbers - she has lent her voice to countless unforgettable songs, showcasing her versatility. It's now safe to say that she is a global ambassador for Indian music, carrying its soul to international platforms. With five National Film Awards, six Filmfare Awards, and numerous state honors to her credit, she stands tall!
(Credit: shreyaghoshal)
Today, on the legendary singer's 41st birthday, let's learn an interesting fact about her that many don’t know.
Yes. Such is Shreya's global impact that an entire day is dedicated to her in Ohio, United States! However, while many would assume March 12, her birthday, to be the day, it is actually June 26. And there's an interesting story behind that.
On June 26, 2010, Shreya performed in Ohio, leaving audiences in awe with her mesmerizing concert. The then Governor Ted Strickland was so touched by her voice that he officially declared June 26 as "Shreya Ghoshal Day". Since then, the day has been celebrated every year, proving her immense popularity beyond India.
Well, it's definitely a rare honor for an Indian artist.
(Credit: glamsham)
Notably, in 2020, as fans marked a decade of this special recognition, Shreya expressed her gratitude on social media, saying, "It’s 10 years of Shreya Ghoshal Day. I feel too humbled by the way fans have celebrated this day every year without fail."
Shreya began learning music at the age of four and received formal classical training by six.
The singer made her Bollywood debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2002 romantic drama, 'Devdas'. However, what many don't know is that it was Bhansali’s mother, Leela Bhansali, who first spotted her talent when she participated in 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa'.
Besides the US, she is popular in numerous other countries across the world as well. She has been honored at the House of Commons in the UK for her contribution to music.
Unlike many artists in the industry, she has always maintained a strict stance against singing songs with vulgar lyrics. In her own words, "I cannot sing double-meaning songs or the songs which have vulgar lyrics."
Shreya Ghoshal is an example that music has no boundaries. So, as she turns a year wiser today, let's take a moment to appreciate her brilliance and send her our best wishes.
