Language no bar

The Chennai-based girl was surprised. But she is taking the news with a maturity rare on part of a 27-year-old. “I would love to attend the Grammys but I’m not yet packing my bags. Expectations result in a huge disappointment if things don’t work out the way you wish them to. In fact,I gave my mother the news two hours after I got the news because I knew she would freak out,” she smiles.

Nominated with veterans A R Rahman and Gulzar,Shah says she is humbled. “I did my small bit. They are the real heroes. I am content with the fact that my name even features in the Grammy nominations website,” adds Shah who has to her credit popular tracks like Pappu Can’t Dance Saala (Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na),Fanaa (Yuva) and Dilli 6’s title track.

A versatile voice,Shah is an untrained singer discovered by Rahman quite by accident. “One day I received a call from his office asking me to come and meet them.” But Shah has since worked closely with the music maestro and has sung for him in multiple languages. Her knowledge of Spanish and French has often come in handy for the composer. Her versatility also had popular musician Snoop Dogg collaborate with her for their rendition of Snoop Dogg Millionaire.

And since singing was never a part of her career plan,the crooner continues to merely moonlight as a singer while her success has never tempted her to give up her daytime job as an interior and jewellery designer. “Singing is a passion and I’m a creative person. If I focus on just one thing,I will go insane.

And I’ve heard about all the ego and back-stabbing that happens in the industry. I think I’m happy to live on the periphery,” she smiles.