One of India’s most famous playback singers, Shreya Ghoshal recently opened up about rejecting a song from a 2012 film. Dabangg 2. During a conversation with entrepreneur and podcast host Raj Shamani, the singer revealed that she had refused to record the popular item number ‘From Fevicol’ Because she was uncomfortable with the nature of its lyrics.
Shreya Ghoshal reveals why she refused to sing ‘Fevicol Se’ from Dabangg 2: “There were too many objectionable things in it”
Reflecting on the decision, Shreya explained that the lyrics of the song seemed highly objectionable, making her reluctant to associate with it. Speaking about the moment she decided to step away, she said, “There was a song in that movie that had a lot of objectification in it. It wasn’t subtle – it was like ‘Make chicken and eat it and then wrap it up’ – I can’t say these words. This makes me feel redness on my face. I can’t do this. So, there were moments when I folded my hands and walked away.”
The song eventually became one of the most widely recognized item numbers of the film, which featured Kareena Kapoor Khan in a special appearance. However, Shreya’s comments have once again sparked conversations about the nature of lyrics in some Bollywood tracks, especially those classified as “item songs”.
Over the past few years, many voices from within and outside the industry have raised concerns about songs that contain suggestive or derogatory language towards women. Critics have often argued that such tracks contribute to the objectification of female characters, while others say they are part of the entertainment format of commercial cinema.
Shreya’s comments add to this ongoing debate, highlighting the personal choices artists sometimes make when deciding which project or song to associate with. While playback singers often record tracks written and composed by others, many also draw lines based on their comfort level with particular themes or songs.
Meanwhile, Shreya Ghoshal’s career remains one of the most successful in Indian music. The singer, known for her versatility and expressive vocal range, has recorded songs in several Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.
Over the years, he has lent his voice to countless chart-topping tracks and worked with many of the country’s leading musicians and filmmakers. With a career spanning two decades, Shreya is considered one of the most influential and respected voices in Indian playback singing.
His recent revelation about the decline ‘From Fevicol’ Offers a glimpse into the principles guiding her choices, even as she remains one of the most sought-after singers in the industry.
