Mumbai: Singer Shreya Ghoshal has opened up about her decision to avoid recording songs similar to Chikni Chameli, the chartbuster from the 2012 film Agneepath. While clarifying that she is not embarrassed about the song, the singer said she has become more mindful of the kind of lyrics she associates with in recent years.
In a candid conversation on a podcast, Ghoshal reflected on the impact of the song’s popularity and how it shaped the offers she received thereafter.
Turning down objectifying lyrics
Speaking to podcaster Raj Shamani, the 41-year-old singer said that after Chikni Chameli became a massive hit, she was approached with several songs that she found uncomfortable due to their objectifying tone.
“That song is not just a fun number; there’s a lot of artistry in it. There were toned-down versions too. The one that finally appeared in the film was more subtle than the original drafts, though still suggestive. At that time, I didn’t always understand what I was singing. I wasn’t mature enough to fully grasp the meaning of certain lines,” she said.
Ghoshal recounted that a composer friend once pitched her a track with lyrics such as “make me into chicken and eat me” and “hold me like this”. She declined to record it, stating that even thinking about such words made her blush.
With growing experience in the industry, she said she has drawn clearer boundaries about what she is willing to sing.
‘I cannot disown it’
Addressing questions about trolling and public perception, Ghoshal maintained that she does not regret singing Chikni Chameli and continues to perform it at concerts.
“Yes, I did perform it. I like that song. I think it’s good. But I won’t record songs like that anymore. I’m not embarrassed. I sang that song at that time. It’s one song I will always have to live with, where even children in the audience may dance to it. Sometimes I close my eyes. But I cannot disown it. It’s my song. I’ve owned it,” she said.
She acknowledged that once a song becomes a hit, artistes are often expected to perform it at various events, including family-friendly gatherings. In such contexts, certain lyrics can feel awkward, particularly when children enthusiastically sing along.
Fine line between sensual and objectifying
In an earlier interaction with Lilly Singh in 2025, Ghoshal elaborated on the distinction between sensuality and objectification in music.
“There is a very fine line between being sensual, sexy, and being outright objectified, or objectifying women in general. The reason I’ve become more conscious over time is that I see little girls singing these songs without understanding their meaning. They’re just dancing to them, and they come to me saying, ‘Oh, we love your song! Can we sing it for you?’ and I feel very embarrassed,” she said.
She added that hearing a five- or six-year-old child sing provocative lyrics can feel inappropriate, reinforcing her decision to be more selective about the songs she records.
Recent collaborations and upcoming tour
On the professional front, Ghoshal recently collaborated with composer Amaal Mallik on the track Yahin Guzaar Doon, featuring Farrhana Bhatt in the music video.
She has also announced her upcoming The Unstoppable World Tour, with planned performances across the UK, USA, India and Abu Dhabi. The tour dates are yet to be officially revealed.
Conclusion
Shreya Ghoshal’s reflections highlight the evolving perspective of an artiste navigating fame, responsibility and changing personal values. While she continues to celebrate the success of Chikni Chameli, she has drawn a firm line regarding future projects with objectifying lyrics.
Her remarks have sparked broader conversations about lyrical content in mainstream music and the responsibility of creators when songs reach diverse audiences, including children.
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