Well-revered Indian Classical singer Vidya Shah has been enriching the music industry and embracing the Indian culture for years now. Starting at the age of 10, this versatile singer possesses incredible vocal skills that range across all genres and styles. Some artists sing to live and Vidya lives to sing as she said, “Music is really my breath,”. Not just music but the artist is also an advocate for gender equality and women empowerment. Her hard-hitting conversations regarding gender and sexuality reflect through music as well. As a result, she is not just spreading her musical aura but an ample dose of social awareness through her works. All of her vocal contributions regarding women artists and performers and artists of Indian Classical Music can be found in her exclusive project ‘Women on Record‘. There is also a book named ‘Jalsa’ which sheds light on a similar subject matter.
Vidya Shah has recently performed in a concert named ‘Dastaan-e-Thumri’, a part of the ‘Art is Life: SoundFrames’ festival. The event was arranged by the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) Bengaluru and the artist has well utilized the museum’s collection to incorporate with her music. This is the first time ever any artist has tried to provide visual support to embrace the subject of Thumri. Starting with Carnatic music, this artist has explored herself in the soulful essence of ‘Khayal Gayaki’ along with ‘Thumri Dadra’ and the ‘Ghazal’. Leaning on the classical spectrum of Indian music, Vidya has redefined and rejuvenated traditional music with her sheer individuality and unconditional love for music.
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Vidya, being a living legend likes to incorporate contemporary issues of the society as well as a healthy wave of feminist agenda where women get as much appreciation as men. His timeless performances and intelligent conversations on societal and gender issues do not only inspire the listeners but the common mass. Talking about the subject matter of her book ‘Jalsa’, she explained that Indian Classical Music and society have always been male-dominated however, there were many women performers who have enriched the musical culture while surviving through the tough times. The book is dedicated to all those women who started the wave of feminism through music even when no one was aware of it.
Vidya is very much inspired by Begum Akhtar and her works. She also considers Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Vidushi Kishori Amonkar, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and others to be her creative influences. Enriching and exploring Indian Classical music, Vidya Shah has made everyone delighted with her singing skills and unwavering persona. With the blessing of her Gurus and zeal to make a difference in society, Vidya is shining bright on her never-ending journey of music.