BEHIND THE MIC WITH SUNIDHI CHAUHAN

Her voice defines a generation, and her power-packed performances are nothing short of iconic. The singer talks to Cosmo India about rising above every challenge, her love for the stage, and much more.

- Malika Halder

My first memory of playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan dates back to almost 23 years...I saw that 16-year-old girl walking up to the stage to receive her first Filmfare award. The then 12-year-old me immediately started fantasising about a similar scenario in her life, and assured herself that it can happen to her in the next four to five years. Of course, life and my limited talent had other plans. But even two-and-a-half decades later, Chauhan does not fail to inspire. Today, when I look at Chauhan's Instagram handle, the 36-year-old me wants to believe that Itoo can have it all, maybe four to five years later.

"I am talkative, I am all heart, and I am every woman" that's how Chauhan described herself when we got on a call for this interview. Well, indeed so. Chauhan's journey is much more than just musical success. It is a story of passion, determination, and inspiration-and in that, she does embody every woman. She has refused to be confined to any genre, pushing the envelope with every song. Whether it is a dance number like Sajna Ji Vaari Vaari (Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., 2007) or a romantic ballad like Dekho Na (Fanaa, 2006), Chauhan's versatility speaks for itself. She may have had started off as a playback singer, but now she is a performer whose unique blend of talent and confidence commands attention every time she takes the stage. Her boldness is as addictive as a perfect red lip. When she performs, it feels like she's daring the universe to keep up-and it better, because Chauhan is not slowing down for anyone.