Cinema VinesShreya Ghoshal, the celebrated playback singer who burst onto the Bollywood scene with her debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas at just 16, has spoken candidly about the evolution of song selection in the industry. In a recent interview with The Male Feminist Podcast, she revealed that she once declined several popular tracks because she found their lyrics “sleazy” or the overall presentation uncomfortable. Ghoshal explained that while the words of a song are important, the musical arrangement and vocal style also play a critical role in her decision‑making process.
She noted that the landscape of film music has shifted dramatically. In the past, many songs that resonated with audiences were tailored specifically for female voices, often with objectifying or overly sexual themes. Today, she observes a more balanced approach, with a broader range of material available for both male and female singers, and a growing presence of independent music that challenges traditional norms. Despite these gains, Ghoshal admits the industry still feels “very male‑heavy,” a reality she has addressed repeatedly in her public commentary.
During a 2025 conversation with YouTuber Lilly Singh, Ghoshal admitted she had recorded a few “raunchy” numbers earlier in her career, most notably the hit “Chikni Chameli.” She said she would no longer perform such tracks, citing a growing awareness of how these songs can be misinterpreted or misused by younger audiences. Ghoshal shared a personal anecdote about a five‑year‑old girl who sang the lyrics of “Chikni Chameli” without understanding their meaning, an experience that made her feel uneasy about the influence these songs can have on impressionable listeners.
Ghoshal’s repertoire spans a wide array of languages and genres, from the romantic “Ye Ishq Hai” in Jab We Met to the powerful “Deewani Mastani” in Bajirao Mastani. She has also lent her voice to chart‑toppers such as “Sunn Raha Hai” from Aashiqui 2, “Dola Re Dola” from Devdas, and “Angaaron” from Pushpa 2: The Rule. Her contributions have earned her five National Film Awards, cementing her status as one of India’s most respected vocalists.
Senior Content Producer Santanu Das of the Hindustan Times, who has covered films for over five years, highlights Ghoshal’s openness about gender dynamics in the music industry. She believes that increased visibility of independent music and a growing dialogue around consent and representation are slowly reshaping the narrative, although she acknowledges that much work remains to achieve true equality behind the scenes.
