Every song has its own destiny: Shibani Kashyap

She shot into national fame with her debut pop album 'Ho Gayi Hai Mohabbat' (1998). And many still remember her for the song 'Zinda hoon main' from 'Zinda'. She was one of the singers who gave Indipop music a push in the 90s.
Today Shibani Kashyap is pushing her creative boundary a bit more as she is acting in the film, Ranveer - The Marshall.
This Delhi singer loves to live on her own terms and has absolutely no regrets.Looking back, she says, “I would term my musical journey as interesting. Music’s something that I’m passionate about and lucky to follow too. My mom is a classical singer. I was very keen on getting trained in both western and Indian classical music.”
As a musician, she’s completely in love with jazz. She says, “I like melodious songs. I feel I have some soul connection with jazz.” Interestingly, recently she did a jazz version of the popular song Sheila ki jawani. Shibani adds, “ I have been receiving so much of compliments for the jazz version of Sheila ki jawani. Even in my live shows, audiences are asking me for the jazz version which is definitely a good feeling.”
Talking about the changes in the music industry in recent years, she says, “When my first album was launched, it was a golden period for Indipop music. But today times have changed. There’s not much scope for Indipop music.
Technology has killed art. Everything is digitalised and that is why people now don’t visit music stores to buy CDs. All the singers are now singing for Bollywood. The music scenario has changed too. When pop singers sing for Hindi films, the music has got to change.”
Does she think that the virtual world has also given a push to new singers? “Definitely. There are lots of new composers-musicians who have found a voice and recognition because of the virtual world. Honey Singh is a prime example. When a song goes viral, it gains so much attention,” she says.
How difficult it was for her to find a foothold in a highly competitive music industry in Mumbai? “I went to Mumbai when I was a recognised face. I didn’t have to deal with the issues of establishing my identity as a singer. I didn’t have to struggle, but in the bigger picture, one has to struggle. Every song has its own destiny, but my journey is on. I put my heart and soul into every song but then whether it will become a chartbuster or not is not in my hand.”
She had earlier judged a music reality show titled Bathroom Singer and she feels, “Music reality shows pave the road for young singers.”
As she is now acting in a film, does it mean that now facing the camera will take over her music career? “I enjoyed acting. It was a nice departure from what I do. I have got another offer too though I am yet to read the script.” Apart from music, she enjoys “interior decoration, travelling and writing.”