Shilpa Rao is currently basking in the super success of her latest track, 'Besharam Rang' from 'Pathaan'. ETimes got in touch with the ace singer for an exclusive interview where she opened up about working with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, collaborating with Vishal-Sheykhar, and more. Excerpts...
Though mired in controversy initially, 'Besharam Rang' is finally getting the credit it deserves. How does it feel?
Love is the only thing that I feel right now. I am fortunate, humbled, and grateful. All I can do is sing. If I can make fans relate to the song in any way and push them to be the best version of themselves then my job is done.
Many have alleged that the song is copied from Jain’s track, 'Makeba'. What was your reaction to this?
No, it is not a copy or recreation.
How would you describe your association with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone?
I think we are all fans of Shah Rukh Khan, but having worked with him and met him, I have huge respect for him as a human being. That's something that I am learning from him and I will say that everybody should learn from him to be a great human being. The same goes for Deepika as well. I think the love and warmth she has shown me every single time I met her will always stay in my heart. For Shah Rukh and Deepika, I have full love and respect, and it's an honour to have associated with them.
'Pathaan' happens to be your fourth time associating with Vishal-Sheykhar after 'Bachna Ae Haseeno', 'Anjaana Anjaani', and 'Bang Bang'. How is it collaborating with them?
Siddharth Anand, Vishal-Sheykhar and I have been in a room together since 2007 when we started 'Khuda Jaane'. I don’t know why, but we just have a lot of fun, and we don’t even discuss the song. The only question I ask them is what the character is wanting to say here. It’s a ritual where Siddharth always teaches me the song before Vishal and Sheykhar, and that’s our lucky charm. We start with them and have lots of coffee, lots of food, and lots of bad jokes.
