Simran Choudhary: ‘There’s Nothing More Commendable Than Women Supporting Other Women’

We recently caught up with vocalist Simran Choudhary – who performed at last month’s Women in Creativity event at Rolling Stone India’s Mumbai headquarters – and discussed her time on the reality singing competition The Voice, working alongside Amitabh Bachchan, how it’s important to amplify women creators and more. Read excerpts below:

You’ve said in the past that you never thought of having a backup plan and that music and singing was everything for you. So, what were those early years like for you that shaped you into the artist you are today? 

I’ve been blessed with a family that has always believed in me. My parents have made me the determined woman that I am today. Most parts I remember from my childhood are about my father pushing me to practice more. He always told me, ‘Backups are for losers.’ I’ve grown up with the idea of dream, chase, achieve.

You were part of The Voice India in 2019 – what was that whole experience like for you?

The Voice was definitely a turning point for me where it opened up so many new dimensions. The immediate exposure you get on reality shows is unbeatable because you get to reach so many people across the globe. That made me connect better with the masses and I realized towards the finale how people were getting so connected with my personality. Performing in front of Sir A.R. Rahman is any artist’s dream. To see it turning into reality was surreal.

You’ve worked alongside some prominent names such as Amitabh Bachchan amongst others, do you ever have “pinch me moments” when you’re in the same environment as these people and artists?

I remember the night when ‘Guzar Jayega’ got released and I checked the streaming platform’s title and it said ‘Amitabh Bachchan, Simran Choudhary.’ Massive tears started rolling down my eyes and the joy was so overwhelming. Could’ve never imagined such a thing for myself at that early stage of my career.

The music business can sometimes be overwhelming and challenging at times, what’s your approach to it and how do you navigate it?

I’ve been trained by my gurus to be that horse in a race that never looks on the sides and only keeps the focus aligned with the path designed. This is exactly what I try practicing each day. Only giving all I have to my craft and let it decide its own destiny.

This year you’ve released two new songs in “Pyaar Hi Hona” and “Bikhra Dil” – what can you tell us about these tracks?

These songs have two things in common. One, they are both collaborations with my incredible fellow artists. Two, they are both Sid(s). ‘Pyaar Hi Hona’ celebrates the newness of love and the butterflies it gives to you. Whereas ‘Bikhra Dil’ is about two people separating after trying their best to work a relationship. Both the situations are very practical and happen to a lot of us. Hence the connectivity with the audiences made it work for me.

You recently performed at Rolling Stone India’s Women in Creativity event, what was it like to be in a room full of inspiring and entrepreneurial women? 

This was one magical evening. To be able to physically meet all the women I’ve been inspired by and performing my originals in front of them was so empowering. Moreover, them coming and appreciating my music, grooving to it, just shot my confidence levels so high. Shows how the world is becoming a better place for women. I think there’s nothing more commendable than women supporting other women.

Why do you think amplifying women in creativity is important?

Women in our society have always been very undervalued. Lockdown brought the big change that was needed. So many women entrepreneurs emerged, more women indie artists came up with their music because they all had the time to sit with themselves. So, if we look at it carefully, it took them this long because they were never told how beautifully blessed they are. And just when they had the time, they could see their own capabilities and gathered the courage to bring it out to the world. Imagine what magic would happen if they have the support!

What qualities does it take to achieve success in a creative field?

I don’t think there can ever be a fixed success mantra. It’s a very subjective concept. What I believe in and definitely works for me is [to be] consistent and persistent and I plan to stick to that. Also, stick to your roots!

What do you have coming up next through 2023?

Just when 2022 was ending, I finalized my dream deal with Sony Music India. So, 2023 and the years to come are only going to be star years. To start with, I have an EP coming up which is a musical reflection of who I am as an artist. It’s all folk concepts that we have curated into originals. Because I have grown up listening to folk and experiencing the culture so closely, this is a very special journey. Also, I’ll be putting some originals on my own channel. So really looking forward to what’s happening next.