Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Shibani Kashyap Reflects on Music, Rejection and Mental Health
Shibani Kashyap has been making music for almost 30 years.
She has sung independent music and songs for Bollywood films.
She says Bollywood was only one part of her musical journey.
The singer believes artists should keep learning and trying new sounds.
She also says the music industry can be unpredictable, with praise sometimes followed by silence.
During difficult periods, she focuses on whether she still has music she wants to create.
She takes care of her voice through practice, breathing exercises, hydration and rest.
She believes another skill or career can give artists stability.
She is now looking forward to finding new musical talent through Soundscapes of India.
Shibani Kashyap says her nearly three-decade career includes independent music, Bollywood, jingles and live performances.
She views Bollywood as an important chapter, but identifies primarily as an independent artist who writes, composes and performs.
Kashyap says rejection and career uncertainty affected her mental health, but she learned not to measure her worth by her workload.
She emphasizes riyaaz, vocal warm-ups, breath control, hydration, yoga, mindfulness and consistency for maintaining her voice.
As part of Soundscapes of India Season 3, she hopes to discover diverse artists and musical traditions from across India.
- Who
- Singer and independent artist Shibani Kashyap.
- What
- She discussed her career, rejection, mental health, vocal care and role in Soundscapes of India Season 3.
- When
- Her journey began with Ho Gayi Hai Mohabbat in 1998 and is discussed through 2026.
- Where
- The interview concerns her work in India’s independent and Bollywood music scenes.
- Why
- She was discussing her musical journey and promoting the discovery of diverse artists through Soundscapes of India.
- Career length
- Almost three decades
- First cited recording
- Ho Gayi Hai Mohabbat in 1998
- Known Bollywood songs
- Sajna Aa Bhi Jaa and Zinda Hoon Main
- Musical areas
- Sufi, pop, rock, Bollywood, independent music and live performance
- Vocal-care practices
- Riyaaz, warm-ups, breath control, hydration, yoga and mindfulness
- Current project
- Soundscapes of India Season 3