Shreya Ghoshal recalls her first recording with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, reveals her Devdas song ‘Bairi Piya’ was actually her test

Bollywood singer Shreya Ghoshal has attributed film director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for her first recording, admitting his sharp instinct for recognising talents, which gifted Indian cinema with its beloved voices.

While recalling Bairi Piya from Devdas, Shreya said, “Bairi Piya was a beautiful experience, and it was so magical. I was going to all the rehearsals of the songs, and Sanjay ji wanted me to get comfortable. Ek din aise studio bula liya, and I am talking about Western Outdoor. Toh unhone jaake bola ki arrangement is done, so let her just wear the headphones, sing, and see if she is comfortable. Just run through once.”

She continued, “So I go and adjust myself, and what happens is, when you cannot hear the talkback of what they are talking on the other side, they start the track. Woh shuru hota hai, and I start singing yahi sochke ki shayad woh log meri awaaz check karna chahte hain (He starts, Andy starts singing thinking that maybe they want to check my voice).”

She further noted, “Also, they just want to see that I am comfortable. Aise hi bolke bhej diya hai toh main bhi gaa rahi hoon aise (He has sent it saying just like that, so I am also singing like this).”
The singer further recalled, “And I can see him glass ke peeche ishaara karke bol rahe hain ‘aa jao.’ Phir I went and he said, ‘Ab suno apna.’ Main toh apni hi awaaz dari dari sun rahi hoon, and Sanjay ji mujhe dekh rahe hain (And I can see him gesturing behind the glass and saying, 'come on.' Then I went and he said, 'Now listen to yourself.' I am listening to my own voice loudly and Sanjay ji is looking at me).”