During her early lessons in music in Nagpur, young Shrinidhi Ghatate always dreamt of singing in Bollywood. As live shows at national, international level brought her fame, the gifted city singer has now earned herself a milestone by rendering a song in Kangana Ranaut-starring ‘Manikarnika’ that was released recently. Shrinidhi has given playback to the character Jhalkaribai played by Ankita Lokhande in the exuberant song ‘Dankila’. The trio of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy has scored music for the war drama.
A disciple of Shankar Mahadevan, Shrinidhi is thrilled by her Bollywood debut. ‘Dankila’ has already been praised for its melody bolstered by wonderful rendition by the Nagpur girl. However, the chance did not come easily as she had to wait for an approval for her voice as per the character’s requirement. “It was an amazing experience. First we did a scratch recording but it had to be approved by Kangana Ranaut. In a couple of days my voice got the approval and I got the song,” Shrinidhi told ‘The Hitavada’.
A graduate in psychology, Shrinidhi took her lessons in classical music from the legendary Pt Prabhakar Dhakde in Nagpur. After participating in various live shows and reality shows, her talent was spotted by Shankar Mahadevan during the ‘Asia’s Singing Superstar’. He took her under his wings and her musical journey from Nagpur to Mumbai’s stardom started. She is now a regular part of the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy (SEL) team.
“Working with Shankar Sir is a blessing. He is so encouraging and very supporting during live shows as well as recording. Everyday we learn something new from him,” said Shrinidhi as she applauded the Padma Shri honour bestowed upon her mentor. “He (Shankar Sir) deserves Padma Shri. We all were waiting for him to get the honour. We feel lucky to work with him,” she added. Bollywood debut has come as a big confidence booster for Shrinidhi. She termed ‘Manikarnika’ as a stepping stone for a career in Mumbai.
A self-confessed fan of Asha Bhosale and Shankar Mahadevan, Shrinidhi now wants to make her other dream come true — of meeting the great Ashatai. “I am yet to meet Asha Bhosale. I am waiting for it,” said the talented Nagpur singer who one day aims to give playback to Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone.
ALSO READ : Manikarnika teaser: Kangana Ranaut Looks Fierce warrior As mother Rani Lakshmibai
