Singer Shreya Ghoshal, one of the most popular voices in India, has sung a wide range of songs over the years. Recently, she spoke about choosing not to sing raunchy tracks like Chikni Chameli again. Her earlier statement had attracted trolling online. Now, the singer has responded to the criticism and explained why she continues to perform Chikni Chameli at live concerts despite her stance on suggestive lyrics.

Shreya Ghoshal on refusing songs that objectify

In an interview with Raj Shamani, Shreya revealed that after the success of Chikni Chameli from Agneepath, she was offered several songs with lyrics she found objectifying. She refused to record them. She also shared that a composer friend once offered her a song with lines such as “make me into chicken and eat me” or “hold me like this.” She declined, saying even the thought of singing those words made her blush.

On the show, she also reflected on Chikni Chameli, which was picturised on Katrina Kaif. “That song is not just a fun number; there’s a lot of artistry in it. There were toned-down versions too. The one that finally appeared in the film was more subtle than the original drafts, though still suggestive. At that time, I didn’t always understand what I was singing. I wasn’t mature enough to fully grasp the meaning of certain lines,” she said.

The singer added that she has now become more mindful of the songs she records, especially because if a track becomes a hit, she has to perform it live at concerts- often in front of children- which can make her uncomfortable if the lyrics are suggestive.

Shreya on facing trolling for Chikni Chameli

Addressing the trolling she faced for saying she would not record songs like Chikni Chameli again while still performing it, Shreya clarified, “Yes, I did perform it. I like that song. I think it’s good. But I won’t record songs like that anymore. I’m not embarrassed. I sang that song at that time. It’s one song I will always have to live with, where even children in the audience may dance to it. Sometimes I close my eyes. But I cannot disown it. It’s my song. I’ve owned it.”