Shreya Ghoshal releases her album of ghazals

Songstress Shreya Ghoshal yesterday, released her ghazal album titled Humnasheen in the presence of an august gathering that saw the likes of Pandit Jasraj, ghazal maestros Hariharan, Talat Aziz, Pankaj Udhas and many others. Shreya even delighted her aficionados present at the venue by rendering three beautiful ghazals from the album. As her honey coated mellifluous voice reverberated in the ballroom, one could easily make out why Shreya still walks away with all music awards, year after year. Speaking about why she took such a long time to cut out an album, Shreya said, "Ever since I started singing, I have never had the time to pause and look back. Then when I finally got time, I made Humnasheen." The ghazals of Humnasheen are strictly of classical flavour and Shreya too fondly looks at it as an attempt to do something which is not exactly commercial. "This album is my way of looking back at my roots which is classical music. The ghazal are an eclectic mix of Urdu and classical music which I think is a great combination. Every day we try to do stuff that is both soulful and commercial. There is always this pressure of making people dance. This time I just wanted to let that pressure go." Shreya profusely thanked her parents for her success. "My dad was the reason why I became a singer and it's his motivation that became my source of inspiration. The biggest lesson he has taught me is never to become complacent and it has kept me going. I owe it to my parents.” Shreya also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Sanjay Leela Bhansali for giving her a break. "I was sixteen when you reposed faith in me and believed that I could sing. You are my mentor and Godfather," said Shreya. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali who was one of the special invitees too blessed Shreya on her new endeavour. Going back in time, Sanjay remembered the first time when he met Shreya. "I was sitting with Ismail Darbar at my house in 1999 and we were thinking if we could find a new singer. And 16 year old Shreya just came with her dad. I think she was coming from school. I remember I was humming Goddess Lakshmi's hymn the entire day and when I asked Shreya to sing, believe it or not, she sang the same song that I had been humming and I knew instantly there was a connect. I am happy and proud to have known a person like her," said Sanjay. Later, after the launch of her album, Shreya celebrated her birthday which is today, well in advance with her family and friends. Here's wishing Shreya a very happy birthday.