Shamika Bhide Interview
"Every melody she sings carries a story, turning emotions into timeless music."
Q. Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey into playback singing and performing?
I am Shamika Bhide. A Playback singer & performer, a Hindustani classical vocalist trained under able guidance of Padmashri Vidushi Dr. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande ji. I grew up in small town Ratnagiri and started learning classical music under guidance of Shri Prasad Gulavni & Smt. Mugdha Bhat Samant who were my first Gurus.
I started exploring music through cultural activities at school & state music competitions. The doors to a professional and commercial work space into this field opened after I got the opportunity to enter a music reality show on Zee Marathi and reached to the top 6. Concerts with renowned artists, working with composers on jingles, albums opened avenues into playback singing.
Q. What first made you fall in love with music, and when did you realize it was more than just a passion?
I loved music since my childhood all thanks to my mother & father who introduced me to good music. I used to sing without hesitation & loved performing on stage. Little did i know that would turn into my passion and soon enough more than a passion, my profession. I realised that after I got the opportunities to work in the music industry through Live shows, musical projects, sangeet Natak. It was the audiences that always reminded me why I loved singing in the first place.
Q. Playback singing requires expressing emotions through your voice. How do you connect with a song before recording it?
I always start with writing down the lyrics of the song in my own handwriting. I go through the requirements of the music director, the situation & the kind of vocal tone the song needs. I tend to connect to the song with its core emotion. The composition and lyrics are the backbone, Music Arrangements play a major role in it. I also try to listen prior how my voice would mould and fit in the song.
Q. As a performing artist, how different is the energy of singing live compared to recording in a studio?
While in live concerts, it’s the give and take of the artist and audience, the musicians and everyone on the stage. Each of the artist feels the rush, the urge to deliver the best at that moment. Concert is spontaneous and vibrant. Contrast to that is a recording studio. A sanctuary where in an artist has the liberty of time. It’s a place of novelty and creation, a place of exchange and experimentation which holds a different kind of value to a singer.
Q. Every artist faces moments of self-doubt. How do you overcome creative blocks or performance pressure?
For me. A performance pressure is a good thing. what I look at it is, a reminder to always be on toes. In the moments of self-doubt, I always revisit the songs or Raagas that made me fall in love with music. I often talk with my husband, Gaurav who is a composer himself about the difficulties I am Going through creatively or otherwise.
Q. Music is constantly evolving. How do you stay true to your unique style while adapting to changing trends?
Change is the only constant. Trends is a key to understand the changing scenarios sonically. While a trend sets a certain parameter of how music should sound, I always feel I should have my own signature to it. Numbers and trending hashtags have never bothered me. Even if my art touches a single person from the audience, I feel I am on the right track.
Q. You're also a foodie! Do you have any favourite cuisines or pre-performance food rituals that keep you energized?
I am a food lover I do not eat anything pre performance, but an ice cream post-performance is must.
Q. Being a pet parent often teaches patience and unconditional love. Has your pet influenced your life or creativity in any way?
A 100% the understanding of how love is and feels like changes you in & out. Being a pet parent teaches you to enjoy the responsibility of nurturing a creature who cannot talk directly. Our companion laddoo, did teach me to be grateful for the day, to be able to read between lines & that communication is beyond language, Which I feel applies to music as well. We worship one positive energy in presence of another one, which I think is phenomenal in its own way!
Q. What's one lesson from your musical journey that you believe every aspiring singer should know?
Patience and Passion are two wheels that carry us. Be patient enough to give time to yourselves to learn, experiment, experience and grow. Be patient towards others who are helping you fulfil your dreams. Be passionate about the art and craft you are into & be passionate towards every opportunity that comes to you. It will always either teach you or bless you.
Q. Is there a dream collaboration or genre you've always wanted to explore but haven't had the chance to yet?
There are several collaborations but one I am keen to explore is a theatre musical I am working in ‘Ya Ithe Chawl Batatyachi’ a legendary work by Pu.La. Deshpande brought to life as a ‘Sangeetak’. We will be portraying a theatrical version of it.
Q. Outside of music, what activities help you relax, recharge, and find inspiration?
I am a riffle shooter by passion. I enjoy my time there. I also love to travel, binge on my favourite Tv shows, watch movies, eat and explore cafés & cuisines.
Bio:
Shamika Bhide is a talented playback singer known for her soulful voice and versatile performances. Passionate about music, she has lent her voice to a variety of projects while captivating audiences with her expressive singing. Beyond the studio, she continues to inspire music lovers through her live performances and dedication to her craft.
Interviewed By: Vanshika Gupta
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