- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Popular playback singer Shreya Ghoshal recently opened up about being compared to the legendary Lata Mangeshkar and also spoke honestly about the struggles faced by female singers in the music industry. During her appearance on a podcast with Raj Shamani, Shreya shared heartfelt memories of meeting Lata ji and revealed the lesser-known realities of the industry, including payment issues and a lack of credit for singers.
Shreya Ghoshal On Being Compared To Lata Mangeshkar
Talking about comparisons with Lata Mangeshkar, Shreya said, “Compare nahi, log unhe second Lata Mangeshkar kehte hain and I really love that. She is a Guru figure for me. I have feminist love for her. She is an icon and broke a lot of barriers in her time. She brought royalty to the industry. I love her so much, and I learnt a lot from her. So if I get compared, I have no issue at all.”
When asked if she ever met Lata ji, Shreya recalled an emotional memory. She said, “Han mili hu and the experience was love. She was in a white saree. She was already a little old by then. I was dubbing in her studio, and then I saw her. She looked like Maa Saraswati. She was very kind to me and asked me tum shreya ho na maine tumhara gana suna hai. She advised me to pronounce the Bangla a bit more. I was so moved by listening to her that she heard my song. Because I met her in 2005, and I sang my first song for Devdas in 2002.”
Shreya On The Dark Side Of The Music Industry
Speaking about the industry’s darker side, Shreya revealed, “She and a few singers took stands for their rights during 2013 because there were no agreements and singers were never paid. And you don't have any credits for the song.”
When asked about payment issues, she added, “Paise to aaj bhi bhi milte kai baar aisa hota hai… but it is with a few people, so I don't work with them. But avi bhi rona dhona chalta hai mere paas to paise nhi hai. Koi naya bachha hai is field tab to bhul hi jao.” Her honest words highlighted the challenges even established singers face.
Shreya Ghoshal Singing Journey
Shreya Ghoshal became famous after winning Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in 2000 and making her Bollywood debut with Devdas (2002). Songs like Dola Re Dola, Teri Ore, Sun Raha Hai, and Agar Tum Mil Jao made her one of India’s most loved playback singers.