She is no stranger to us. Playback singing and stage shows, she has done it all. Shweta Subram, the Indo-Canadian Singing sensation, recently made headlines by performing in front of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and of Canada’s Prime Minister Mr. Stephen Harper at the former’s recent visit to Canada. Though of Indian origin, Shweta was born in Dubai and raised in Canada. She is a well-travelled personality and is constantly jet hopping all around the world. Her multi-faceted background brings about diverse sounds in her music and her vocal texture is considered unique in the industry. When she finally gets time to breathe, it is either in Mumbai or Toronto, where she would be found in the company of family and friends. Having found a soul sister in the yesteryear VJ Ruby Bhatia, Shweta has been around the Bollywood circuit for quite some time now. Very recently, she sung for the Ayushman Khurana starrer Hawaizaada, not to mention her performances at events like IIFA Awards (the most coveted Indian film awards show) with Salim-Sulaiman among many others. Shweta has also made a mark in the West through collaboration with The Piano Guys. Their Indian adaptation of Swedish house Mafia’s Don’t You Worry Child has garnered 11 million hits on YouTube, and her original “Mere Saajan Sun Sun” with Shankar Tucker has received a tremendous response.
Despite the star presence surrounding her, Shweta Subram is just like any other girl next-door who likes to hang out with her coterie of close friends and family, trying out new restaurants or unwinding on a Starbucks latte.
SOUL managed to catch hold of Shweta in a very relaxing mood and following are excerpts from the conversation.
SOUL: Tell us something about yourself? Shweta, the artist!
SS: Shweta, the artist, loves everything music! I’ve enjoyed different forms of music growing up and used to treat it as a hobby. However, after winning music competitions and awards, this hobby turned into passion and eventually my profession. Besides being a vocalist I’m a performer. I love to entertain people and make sure that they have a good time with my music. It has been a blissful journey and the love showered by my fans is tremendous.
SOUL: What is a typical day/week like for you?
SS: Every day and every week is different. It’s not a typical 9 to 5 office job. Some days, I’ll be sitting in recording studios, while other days I’ll be traveling to a new destination. Some days, I’ll be preparing for a major performance, while other days I’ll be conceptualizing new ideas. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way!
SOUL: What skills/personal attributes is most important to being successful?
SS: In my opinion, perseverance is the most important attribute. Success is a personal ambition and should not be defined by society. I’m in a very competitive industry and there’re many ups and downs. I believe you should stay grounded when the going is good, and not give up when the going is tough.
SOUL: You recently sung for a Bollywood movie? How was the experience?
SS: It was fantastic, and unbelievable. Ayushmann Khurrana heard my cover of Mitti Di Khushboo, and really liked it. This resulted in him offering me a duet alongside him for the movie Hawaizaada. Our duet is titled Dil-e-Nadaan. It’s a revival of a beautiful ghazal by Ghalib, and the song has received a very good response. The music programmer, Bharat Goel, is extremely talented and it was a ball working with his team.
SOUL: Being so widely known as an Indo-Canadian Artist, how does it make you feel?
SS: Special! There are very few musicians who can claim this heritage. I feel that I represent Canada while I’m in India, and I represent India while I’m in Canada. I am proud of my Indian roots and am truly grateful for all that Canada has offered me. By being an established artist of such a background, I was honored to perform for the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, when he visited Canada.
SOUL: What’s currently being played on your iPod?
SS: I’m working on some new songs, so right now I have to say it’s my unreleased material playing on my iPod. And because it’s unreleased, I can’t talk about it (winks).
SOUL: What’s your on the go song? Something you would want to be played in your car, pub or for karaoke?
SS: This may sound a little unusual, but I love Kadi Aa Mil Sanwal. I enjoy the emotions in this song and love singing it even when I’m all alone.
SOUL: What are your future plans?
SS: Keep working on my music. There are only two things I want: 1) sing for Bollywood movies, and 2) perform!
