Renowned playback singer Shreya Ghoshal recently admitted that she feels embarrassed by her superhit song Chikni Chameli, picturized on Katrina Kaif in the 2012 film Agneepath.
In a candid conversation with a YouTuber, Shreya revealed that while the song was a chartbuster, it makes her uncomfortable when young girls sing it without understanding the lyrics.
"It’s a fun song, they are dancing to it, they come and say, ‘Can I sing this in front of you?’ Then I feel very embarrassed that a little girl, who is probably 5–6 years old, is singing those lyrics. It doesn't suit, it doesn't sound good, I don't want that," she shared.
Shreya calls for conscious songwriting
Shreya further explained that while some songs can be sensuous, there is a difference between being elegant and objectifying women. She emphasized the importance of thoughtful lyrics, saying, "Maybe if a woman were writing it, she would have written it in a very gracious manner. It’s just a matter of perspective."
The singer also stressed that Bollywood music has a huge cultural impact, and it’s crucial to set responsible benchmarks.
Reflecting on the long-term influence of blockbuster songs, Shreya concluded, "Any hit movie or song becomes a part of history, and I don’t want to be a part of that kind of history."
Her statement has sparked conversations on the role of lyrics in shaping societal norms, with many supporting her call for more respectful and meaningful songwriting in Bollywood.