Shreya Ghoshal Clarifies Her Stand on ‘Chikni Chameli’

Singer Shreya Ghoshal has addressed the backlash surrounding her recent remarks about singing so-called “raunchy” songs like Chikni Chameli. The celebrated vocalist clarified that she is not embarrassed about the popular track but has become more mindful about the kind of lyrics she chooses to record today.

In a recent podcast with Raj Shamani, Shreya revealed that after the success of Chikni Chameli, she received multiple offers for songs with overtly objectifying lyrics — many of which she declined.

She shared that one composer friend once approached her with a track containing unsubtle, suggestive lines that made her uncomfortable even while reading them. She chose not to record the song.

“I Wasn’t Mature Enough Then”

Speaking about Chikni Chameli, Shreya explained that the song involved significant artistry and went through several toned-down versions before its final release. She admitted that at the time of recording, she did not always fully grasp the deeper implications of certain lyrics.

“I’m not embarrassed. I sang that song at that time. It’s one song I will always have to live with,” she said, adding that she cannot disown it because it remains part of her musical journey.

However, she emphasised that as an artist today, she feels a stronger sense of responsibility — particularly when performing in front of young audiences. She noted that once a song becomes a hit, it follows an artist everywhere, including concerts where children may sing along without understanding the lyrics.

Responding to Trolls

Shreya also addressed criticism that surfaced after she previously discussed objectification in music during a 2025 interaction with Lilly Singh. At the time, she spoke about the fine line between sensuality and objectification and admitted she would not sing certain tracks today.

Some social media users questioned why she still performs Chikni Chameli at concerts if she no longer aligns with such songs.

Responding to this, she clarified that liking a song and choosing not to record similar ones in the future are two separate decisions. She reiterated that she owns the track and respects the work she did, but her artistic choices have evolved over time.

Recent Projects and World Tour

On the professional front, Shreya recently collaborated with Amaal Mallik on the track Yahin Guzaar Doon, featuring Farrhana Bhatt in its music video.

She has also announced her upcoming The Unstoppable World Tour, with planned performances across the UK, USA, India, and Abu Dhabi. Official dates are expected to be revealed soon.

As conversations around representation and responsibility in music continue, Shreya’s remarks highlight how artists reassess their creative choices over time — while still acknowledging their past work.