Behind the mic with Sunidhi Chauhan

My first memory of playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan dates back almost 23 years...I saw that 16-year-old girl walking up to the stage to receive her first Filmfare award. The then 12-year-old me immediately started fantasising about a similar scenario in her life, and assured herself that it can happen to her in the next four to five years. Of course, life and my limited talent had other plans. But even two-and-a-half decades later, Chauhan does not fail to inspire. Today, when I look at Chauhan’s Instagram handle, the 36-year-old me wants to believe that I too can have it all, maybe four to five years later.

“I am talkative, I am all heart, and I am every woman”— that’s how Chauhan described herself when we got on a call for this interview. Well, indeed so. Chauhan’s journey is much more than just musical success. It is a story of passion, determination, and inspiration—and in that, she does embody every woman. She has refused to be confined to any genre, pushing the envelope with every song. Whether it is a dance number like Sajna Ji Vaari Vaari (Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., 2007) or a romantic ballad like Dekho Na (Fanaa, 2006), Chauhan’s versatility speaks for itself. She may have had started off as a playback singer, but now she is a performer whose unique blend of talent and confidence commands attention every time she takes the stage. Her boldness is as addictive as a perfect red lip. When she performs, it feels like she’s daring the universe to keep up—and it better, because Chauhan is not slowing down for anyone.

During our 45-minute chat, one thing was clear as day—Chauhan is a big-time optimist. Her message is simple: No challenge is big enough for her to not rise above it. Here’s the thing about Chauhan—she’s like that friend who knows exactly what shade of blush suits her, but if you ask her for her secret, she’ll laugh and tell you it is all about owning it. And boy, does she own it. She loves playing with her style the same way she does with her music—fearlessly and with a wink that says, “I’ve got this”. 

Cosmo India: You have had an incredible journey in music starting from such a young age. What has been your biggest takeaway till now? 

Sunidhi Chauhan: I totally believe in living in the moment and enjoying what is happening right now, albeit I have not forgotten how I started. Singing is something that I have always loved to do. It is not a job for me, it has always been a passion, and I am just lucky to be living and enjoying that passion every day. 

C: From playback singing to live performances, how does your creative process differ when you’re in the studio versus performing on stage? 

SC: Singing in a studio has a totally different vibe—it is more focused, needs a lot of concentration. Recording has its own challenges—if there is an average song, then you have to make it sound amazing, and if it’s already a good song, then there is so much scope that you have to make sure that you do your best to make it sound the best. When I am recording, I have to imagine a bigger audience, a bigger spectrum to be able to sing in a certain way. Earlier, one would know who they are singing for. But now, new songs are being recorded left, right, and centre, and many a time I don’t even know who I am singing for (not that it is a necessity). Honestly, it’s quite a blur right now. We just keep singing for various people, and later come to know that the song is for this particular movie or is a big single for that matter. When I am on stage, I’m my most real self, I am most free. The stage is one place where I can do whatever I want to and I don’t care about anything else but just having fun, jamming with my band, and living that moment while staying connected with my audience. Every show makes me grow as an artist, as a person, and as a performer. 

C: How much has the music industry changed since you joined? 

SC: I would say it was much more difficult/different earlier—there was a way of approaching things, sessions were organised, etc. I do miss that time a little because when people meet is when the magic happens. Nowadays, it’s done in a different way, and it is a lot of fun too. But, we have become a lot more isolated post-COVID. Music is about getting together and making it happen. So yes, the industry has changed quite a bit, but I am happy that I am still a part of it. If there is one thing that is constant, it’s change. So if you can mould yourself according to the times, you are in a good place. Having said that, I feel it’s a cycle— there are things that we love and then we get bored of them, but later we come back to the same thing just in a new avatar. Even though music is like a vast ocean and you keep digging deeper and deeper, but at the same time, there are only seven notes. 

C: You are literally redefining what it means to be in your 40s. What’s the secret?

SC: There is no secret here. Like every other person, I too am managing it somehow (laughs). 

C: What does stardom mean in this day and age? 

SC: There was a time when celebrities used to keep it all under wraps and there used to be mystery shrouding them. But now, thanks to social media, there is no stardom left. Everything is out there, you literally cannot hide anything. But this too has its repercussions—I don’t think the new generation will ever know the real meaning of stardom. Now, everyone knows everything about their favourite artist. It’s fun in its own way, I would only be happy if I knew what Beyoncé was eating for dinner (chuckles). However, I do feel that it’s all going to go back to how it was before. People will get bored of this and many will quit social media because there will be a saturation point. 

C: Your recent performances, particularly the tour in Australia, have been electrifying. What’s your favourite thing about these tours? 

SC: That I’m doing something I absolutely love to do. What a blessing it is! After all, how many people can say that they love doing what they are getting paid for? I am really enjoying my live shows lately because I am the captain of the ship now, and everything is under my control (not that I am a control freak...hahahahaha). It’s a big responsibility—to be involved in everything—because if anything goes wrong, it’s all on me. So, this is like a new chapter for me. In a way, I’m working a lot more than I have ever before.

C: If you had to choose one iconic song from your playlist that is really close to your heart, what would it be and why?

SC: Collaborating with AR Rahman sir for Tu Kuja (Highway, 2014) was really special. I had sung for him before as well, but I was always looking forward to another opportunity to work with him. But you can’t really plan these things, right? Tu Kuja has a very special place in my heart. It’s like one of those songs that I am a little proud of and thankful for too.

C: Do you think women can have it all? 

SC: Oh, yes! In fact, only women can (laughs), and all at the same time. On a different note, any individual can. If you make up your mind and know exactly what you want, anything is possible. There are two ways to go about it: You can sit and crib about how much there is to do or you can just sit with yourself for 15-20 minutes, pull yourself together, and manage your time better. Be friends with time, and it will all be fine. 

C: That’s such a nice thing to say. How do you centre yourself in troubled times? What do you rely most on to get back up if you’re feeling down? 

SC: Honestly, I don’t feel down. I don’t look at trouble as trouble—I look at it as an out-of-body experience and let it pass. I don’t let it affect me.

C: What is your greatest fear and what gives you the most courage? 

SC: The more work I do, the better I get at my rehearsals and shows—all of these give me courage. I get self-motivated. There was a time, for instance, when I used to see all these international singers performing on stage, wearing the clothes that they like. I wanted that for myself and eventually, I did it. A lot of wise men have rightly said that whatever you are looking for is actually within you. Anything related to my son might be fearful for me, but thankfully, I haven’t yet come across it. 

C: Speaking of your son, how has motherhood influenced your outlook on life? 

SC: Motherhood is the best thing that has happened to me. I think it makes you realise how much love you have, and who you are as a person. Motherhood comes with a lot of challenges, it also tests your patience. It just teaches you to become a better person, and how you can deal with life, no matter what happens or how difficult the times are. You always have to show up. Motherhood also teaches you to slow down and enjoy the good times. 

C: Your style is always evolving. How does your beauty routine change when you’re on tour versus when you’re off-stage and relaxing?

SC: This answer of mine will throw a lot of people off. I have no such routine. When it comes to beauty, I don’t really take care of myself. I have recently started it because I realised that I am only growing older and there are a few things that I need to take care of. Finally, I have started paying a little more attention to myself. Beauty, for me, has always been inner beauty. If I am happy and relaxed in my head, it shows on my face too. One thing that I really struggle with is sleep. I don’t sleep enough and that is something I have been working on. 

C: Coming back to work, you’re looking forward to being part of The Seeker (a British musical adaptation of Herrman Hesse’s novel, Siddhartha). Could you share some details? 

SC: It’s all going to be in English, and I have always had an interest in singing in English. When I got a call from [British musician] Rachel Fuller to sing the parts for Kamala (Siddhartha’s love interest), I was very happy. We recorded all the songs in London. However, because of COVID everything came to a halt. It was supposed to be released much earlier. Now, they have decided to do a show to release all the songs from the album. So I am happy that the album is coming out, and I am a part of this very prestigious project.

C: Congratulations on that. What kinds of international collaborations are you most keen on?

SC: There’s a lot happening in India itself. I want to come up with more music, and tap into all genres. I would be happy to do a collaboration with an international artist or do something on a global scale, but it will happen when it needs to happen. It’s quite an exciting time for me right now because I’m getting to meet a lot of people with new approaches and lots of energy. I have started thinking a bit like a Gen-Z (laughs) and I am learning a lot! 

C: That’s great! What would you say to young aspiring singers who look up to you? 

SC: I have a lot of advice (laughs). But the biggest one would be: Don’t believe all the praises you get. Get a reality check too from time to time. Praises are good and are needed as well, but when someone outdoes it, it can get to the head of a young talent and they may not achieve their full potential. Another advice would be: Just be yourself, you don’t need external validation. Be your best judge. 

C: Lastly, what is the kind of legacy you would like to leave behind? 

SC: Oh, I am not even thinking about that! I want to do more work, and see all the beautiful things that life has to offer.

Editor: Pratishtha Dobhal (@pratishtha_dobhal); Digital Editor: Sonal Ved (@sonalved); Photographer: Sasha Jairam (@sashajairam); Stylist: Stacey Cardoz (@styledbystaceycardoz); Cover Design: Mandeep Singh (@mandy_khokhar19); Editorial Coordinator: Shalini Kanojia (@shalinikanojia); Make-up Artist: Eshwar Log (@eshwarlog); Hair Artist: Umang Thapa (@umang.artist); Styling Assistants: Nishtha Agarwal and Sakshi Sanghavi

On Sunidhi (lead image): Outfit, Realm by Vaishali (@realm_byvaishali); earrings, Ayana Silver Jewellery (@ayanasilverjewellery); rings, Ayana Silver Jewellery (@ayanasilverjewellery) and Soni Sapphire (@sonisapphire); heels, Christian Louboutin (@louboutinworld). 

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