‘Sajna’ Girl Shibani Kashyap Tells Us What’s on Her Mind

From the famed AIR FM signature tune she recorded in 1996, to Nazakat, Shibani Kashyap has spent the last decade captivating us with music that “focuses on truth, life and beauty”. Named “Singer of the Nation” by B4U music channel, Shibani shot to fame in 1998 with her debut release Ho Gayi Hai Mohabbat. An instant hit that earned her a channel [V] award, the music video she made for this album is still highly requested by all of the major channels.

Since her dynamic debut, this soulful Sufi rock goddess hasn’t slowed down. In 2003, she was nominated for a Hero Cycles Stardust Award after her song "Sajna Aa Bhi Jaa" was featured in Shashanka Ghosh’s dark comedy, Waisa Bhi Hota Hai -11. Following that success, she released her album Nazaret. Known for her sultry voice, flawless guitar playing, and dynamic stage presence, Shabani is constantly on the move, bringing her mesmerizing music to live venues all over the world. Recently, the “Sajna” girl, who is a big-time animal lover, took time out of her busy schedule to sit down and talk with us about everything from going vegetarian to animals in zoos to worshipping Sting:

Tell us something about yourself?

I am basically from Delhi. I have done my schooling from Delhi Public School, Mathura road, Delhi. Then I did my graduation in English Literature from Lady Shriram College. After which, I did my mass communication from Indian Institute of Mass Communication.

When did you start your singing career?

Professionally I started my singing career when I was still in school. When I was in standard 12th I started singing jingles. I did the All India Radio signature tune. I also used to represent my school in all the music competitions. In standard 8th, I participated in the All India vocal music competition organized by Sangam Kala group and was awarded the first prize. I used to represent my college too in all inter and intra musical activities both Indian and western.

Tell us something about your album “Nazakat”?

Nazakat is my last released album. I got a Sangeet award in San Francisco for it last year. After that I was offered “Zinda”. And the good news is that I have been nominated for “Zinda” for the Stardust awards as the Best new music director.

Do you have any animals?

I used to as a child. I had an Alsatian dog called “Romeo”. My childhood was mostly spent in Dehradun because my dad was in the army and he was posted in a non-family station, where we had a huge house with a sprawling lawn. After the Alsatian dog, we kept a Pomeranian.

I don’t have the heart to keep an animal now because I stay in an apartment and travel a lot. I don’t feel its right to keep an animal if you can’t take care of them and are forced to leave them to be looked after by your servants.

Are you a vegetarian?

I turned into a vegetarian very recently, about 6 months back. There is no specific reason for turning into a vegetarian. I just felt something from within. I guess as you grow older you become more spiritually inclined and more conscious about living beings. I feel a lot healthier. It has helped me as a singer too. If your stomach is not fine, your voice gets affected, so it’s all co-related. I am pretty happy turning into a vegetarian.

Your favourite:

• Vegetarian dishes: I love South Indian food. I love all yellow dals and sabzis that people normally find very boring. They are very nutritious.
• Music composers: In India, I love A R Rehman and the great R D Burman. Internationally, I love Sting.
• Songs: Fields of Gold: The Best of Sting 1984-1994, A R Rehman’s “Roja”
• Artists: Alanis Morisette, Shania Twain. I love Asha Bhosle. She simply rocks.
  

Why do you think it’s important to support animal protection?

Animals are living beings and all living being must be respected. Besides they cannot express their pain and suffering. So they must be protected. I don’t think anyone has the right to torture any living being especially when they cannot express themselves.

What do you think you would do if you saw an animal being ill-treated?

I will step in firstly. I will try to help stop the cruelty if I can. Else I will call up the local authorities and ask for help. I have worked with People for Animals (PFA) in the past.

Do you think it is important to preserve wild animals’ natural habitats? Why?

Yes, animals’ natural habitat must be preserved.

I am sure you have heard about animal protection groups that are working towards reducing the population of stray animals, and so sterilize them. What are your views on that?

I indeed support the cause of reducing the population of stray animals.

Music is about expression. What do you have to say about animals imprisoned in cages in zoos and circuses, who cannot even engage in their most natural activities?

My views are very strong. Animals must not be caged. Trapping a lion and tiger in a cage is incorrect. I recently saw the movie “Happy Feet” and was touched by the message the movie carried. Towards the end of the movie the penguins are kept in an ice aquarium. Later the people realize that the penguins have a life too and cannot exist in a little space. So they are set free and placed back in their natural habitat. It’s amazing to see how happy the penguins were when they came back to where they belonged.

You must have heard about animals being poached, wild tigers being killed for their skin, elephants being killed for their tusks for ivory. What do you have to say about the illegal trade in wild animal products?

There should not be any illegal trade in wild animal products.

What would your message be to young people about protecting animals?

Be more sensitive to animals. Think about them. Try to do everything that’s within your capacity. Try to avoid and prevent torture towards animals. My main message to the youth would be “Don’t keep a pet because it’s a trend. If you can’t take care of a pet, don’t keep one.”

Lots of young kids want to get into music. What would be your advice to them?

Don’t jump the gun. First train yourself, see what your real abilities are. Until you have polished your skills don’t jump in the field because there is a lot of competition out there and you will get wiped out. The public is very discerning these days.

What are your future plans?

I am working on my new album which is not yet titled and awaiting the release of a few films like Amrit Sagar's 1971 and Aditya Bhattacharya's Dubai Returns.