Shreya Ghoshal admits being embarrassed of her song 'Chikni Chameli': "If a female wrote the lyrics....."

Shreya also reflected on the nature of certain songs in the industry, noting that while being sensuous in music is one thing, outright objectification is another.

Published: Wednesday,Feb 26, 2025 12:33 PM GMT-07:00

Divya Shah

Renowned playback singer Shreya Ghoshal, known for her melodious voice and countless hit songs, recently shared her thoughts on one of her most popular tracks, Chikni Chameli. In a conversation with Canadian YouTuber Lilly Singh, Shreya expressed her discomfort with the song, particularly when young children sing it without understanding the lyrics.

During the interview, she revealed that she feels embarrassed when little girls, as young as five or six, perform Chikni Chameli in front of her. She explained that while the song is energetic and fun, it carries undertones that may not be suitable for children. “It doesn’t sound good when a little girl sings such lyrics,” she admitted, emphasizing how uneasy it makes her feel.

Shreya also reflected on the nature of certain songs in the industry, noting that while being sensuous and sexy in music is one thing, outright objectification is another. She mentioned that she has become increasingly mindful of her song choices over the years and is now more cautious about the lyrics she lends her voice to. Going forward, she wants to ensure that the songs she sings are well-written and maintain a level of dignity.

She further expressed that if a woman had penned Chikni Chameli, it might have been written with more grace. According to her, perspective plays a vital role in songwriting, and a female lyricist may have brought a different approach to the song’s presentation. She emphasized the responsibility of the music and film industry in shaping societal standards, particularly in India, where entertainment significantly influences culture.

The song Chikni Chameli was a massive hit and featured Bollywood star Katrina Kaif in a high-energy dance performance. Picturized in Agneepath (2012), the song played a crucial role in boosting the film's appeal. The movie, a remake of the 1990 classic starring Amitabh Bachchan, starred Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, and Sanjay Dutt in lead roles.