Celebrated playback singer Shreya Ghoshal has addressed comparisons with the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, calling the association an honour rather than a burden.
Speaking on a podcast hosted by Raj Shamani, Shreya said she has no discomfort being referred to as the “second Lata Mangeshkar.”
“People call me the second Lata Mangeshkar and I really love that. She is a Guru figure for me. She is an icon who broke a lot of barriers and brought royalty to the industry,” Shreya shared.
She described her admiration as “feminist love,” acknowledging the path Lata Mangeshkar paved for female playback singers in Indian cinema.
The Emotional First Meeting
Recalling her first meeting with Lata Mangeshkar around 2005, Shreya described the moment as deeply moving. She was recording in Lata ji’s studio when they met.
“She looked like Maa Saraswati,” Shreya said, remembering how Lata ji complimented her singing and even offered guidance on pronouncing Bangla words more precisely.
At that point, Shreya had already made her Bollywood debut with Devdas (2002), a film that marked a turning point in her career.
Speaking About the Industry’s Dark Side
Beyond nostalgia, Shreya also highlighted systemic issues within the music industry. She revealed that in 2013, Lata Mangeshkar and a few senior singers took a stand for artists’ rights, particularly concerning contracts and payments.
According to Shreya, there were times when singers worked without formal agreements and were not even credited properly for songs.
“Sometimes payments are still delayed,” she admitted, adding that she avoids working with individuals known for such practices.
Her remarks underline a persistent challenge in the playback ecosystem—lack of financial transparency and inconsistent recognition, particularly affecting newcomers.
From Reality Show Winner to Music Icon
Shreya Ghoshal rose to national prominence after winning Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in 2000. Her debut in Devdas featured iconic tracks that cemented her place in Bollywood music.
Over the years, she has delivered chartbusters such as:
- “Dola Re Dola”
- “Teri Ore”
- “Sun Raha Hai”
- “Agar Tum Mil Jao”
Today, she remains one of India’s most respected playback voices, balancing commercial success with candid conversations about industry realities.
