Shibani Kashyap: The Sufi Songstress Crafting Musical Tales with a Free Spirit

Shibani Kashyap, the renowned artiste and singer, defines herself as a free spirit and a Sufi, an embodiment of artistry and authenticity. Unveiling her story, one can’t help but be drawn to her candor, passion, and unwavering self-belief. In the music industry, Shibani is celebrated for her versatility and her ability to capture the essence of human stories through her melodies. Her journey from the inception of her career to her dedication to meaningful music reflects her unique and genuine approach to artistry.

Shibani embarked on her musical voyage during the era when pop music was making its mark in the Indian music industry. She rode this wave to prominence, most notably with her chart-topping hit, “Sajna Aa Bhi Ja.” In a constantly evolving industry, she has remained committed to her craft and adaptability. What keeps her going is her self-reliance, the drive to seize new opportunities, and her dedication to creating her own music. She comments, “I don’t wait for the phone to ring. Building a brand is about nurturing your artistic abilities and persona, learning, growing, and evolving within that persona.”

Passion and determination, Shibani emphasizes, are the cornerstones of her success. “If you have an honest desire for something, you are bound to achieve it,” she believes. Her message to young aspirants is simple but profound: “If you dream it, you can live it.”

Music has long been a vessel for social change and impact, a means to convey her impassioned views and beliefs. “It helps me influence and empower people, which is when it has substantial meaning for me,” she explains. Over the years, she has used her music as a platform to address critical issues such as breast cancer, women’s empowerment, anti-drunken driving, and terrorism. Yet, she adopts a light-hearted approach to ensure her messages resonate, avoiding coming across as preachy. Shibani’s musical style is deeply rooted in folk music, characterized by its soulful and ruhani (spiritual) essence. For her, Sufi is about being a free spirit who seeks unity with the divine and the universe. This philosophy guides her musical journey.

One aspect of her career that truly ignites Shibani is live performances. She relishes the opportunity to travel and perform across India and the world. Her recent concert in Guyana, where she performed before a massive audience, reinforced the importance of staying in top form and keeping physically fit. Although she has achieved immense success, Shibani remains committed to continuous learning. She studied Western classical vocal music at the Delhi School of Music, learned to play the piano, and taught herself to play the guitar. She continues to study Indian classical vocal music under the guidance of Pandit P. R. Verma.

Shibani’s path to becoming an independent artist was marked by challenges, especially as an army kid breaking free from her protected upbringing. Her determination to explore life and music led her to rent an apartment, purchase a car, and master driving – a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Shibani acknowledges that challenges evolve as one progresses in their career. Early on, artists face no expectations from the audience, but success introduces higher expectations. She also highlights the role of external factors, such as marketing and promotion, in determining the reach and impact of a song. Among Shibani’s numerous compositions, “Kehle Kehle” stands as a personal favorite, though it did not reach the wider audience due to marketing constraints. “People appreciate the song and like it but wonder why they have never heard it before,” she reflects. Criticism and commercial success can be unpredictable, but she maintains a glass-half-full perspective.

Shibani attributes her success to the unwavering support of her mother, brother, and husband. Her mother’s guidance instilled in her the belief that every opportunity leads to another. Her brother serves as her most honest critic, offering valuable input to help her refine her craft. Her husband, actor Rajiv Roda, has been instrumental in helping her understand the value of her music and when to prioritize quality over other aspects. Artists often struggle with the business aspects of their careers, and Shibani points out the lack of music managers in India as a significant challenge. She believes it is essential for artists to find business specialists and agents who understand their music and can effectively market and promote them while preserving their unique style and identity.

To aspiring artists, Shibani’s message is clear: focus on honing your skills rather than seeking fame. “As an artist, you have to shine, and this comes through a lot of practice and polishing,” she advises. Finding what makes you unique and building on it is key to establishing your presence in the world of artistry.

In an industry driven by trends, Shibani Kashyap remains true to herself and her music, crafting stories and melodies that resonate with the human soul. Her authenticity, commitment to meaningful messages, and unwavering passion continue to set her apart as a trailblazing artist in the Indian music scene.