Shradha Mishra, a 24-year-old talent hailing from Mumbai, has captured the hearts of millions with her powerful and soulful voice, ultimately earning her the prestigious title of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2024 winner. Her journey from the cultural city of Agra to the heart of India’s music industry is a testament to her unwavering passion, relentless dedication, and love for music. Shradha’s story is one of perseverance, as she overcame obstacles to carve a space for herself in the highly competitive world of playback singing and musical performances.
Excerpts from an interview
- What inspired you to participate in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, and how did you prepare for the competition?
Ans: Music has been my passion since childhood, and I always dreamed of showcasing my talent on a prestigious platform like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. The show has given rise to so many incredible artists, and I wanted to challenge myself and grow as a singer. Preparing for the competition meant countless hours of riyaaz, vocal training, and pushing my limits by experimenting with different genres and techniques. I also focused on building my stage presence to truly connect with the audience. - Winning Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is a huge milestone. How did it feel when your name was announced as the winner?
Ans: It felt absolutely surreal. The moment my name was announced, I was overwhelmed with emotions—joy, gratitude, disbelief, and immense happiness. It was like a dream come true, and I instantly thought of my family, mentors, and everyone who supported me throughout the journey. It was a life-changing moment that I’ll cherish forever. - Looking back at your journey on the show, what were some of the most challenging and rewarding moments?
Ans: The most challenging moments were performing under pressure, knowing that each performance could be my last. Staying mentally strong and consistent was tough, but those challenges shaped me into a better artist. The most rewarding moments were receiving standing ovations from the judges and heartfelt messages from fans who connected with my voice. Every bit of hard work felt worth it. - Who has been your biggest source of motivation throughout this journey?
Ans: My biggest source of motivation has been my family. They’ve supported my dreams unconditionally and stood by me through every high and low. My mentors, especially Sachin-Jigar, have also been instrumental in guiding me, constantly encouraging me to evolve as an artist. - Your journey from Agra to Mumbai wasn’t easy. What were some of the biggest struggles you faced in the initial years?
Ans: Leaving my hometown and moving to Mumbai was a huge leap of faith. There were times when opportunities felt out of reach, and self-doubt crept in. But every setback strengthened my resolve to keep pushing forward. - Was there a particular moment when you felt like giving up? How did you overcome it?
Ans: Yes, there were moments when the struggle felt overwhelming, especially when things didn’t go as planned. But in those moments, I reminded myself why I started this journey—my love for music. I found strength in my passion, leaned on my loved ones for support, and kept believing that hard work and perseverance would eventually pay off. - Your reels have gone viral, with millions of views. How do you think social media is shaping the music industry today?
Ans: Social media has completely transformed the music industry. It gives artists a platform to reach a global audience without waiting for a big break. Viral content can catapult someone into the limelight overnight. It’s also a beautiful way to connect directly with fans and share music organically, making it an invaluable tool for both emerging and established artists. - How has your experience been working with Bollywood’s biggest music duo, Sachin-Jigar? What have you learned from them, and how has it influenced your musical journey?
Ans: Working with Sachin-Jigar has been an absolute blessing. They are not just phenomenal composers but also incredibly kind and supportive mentors. They’ve taught me the importance of versatility, emotional depth in singing, and the magic of storytelling through music. Their guidance has shaped me into a more polished, thoughtful, and confident artist. - Now that you’ve won Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, what’s next for you? Can we expect new music, collaborations, or Bollywood playback opportunities?
Ans: Winning Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is just the beginning! I’m excited to explore playback singing opportunities in Bollywood, collaborate with other artists, and release my original music. I want to experiment with different sounds, fuse genres, and share songs that resonate with people’s hearts. There’s so much more to come! - What message do you have for aspiring singers who look up to your journey?
Ans: Believe in yourself and your talent, even when the world seems unsure. The path to success is rarely easy, but every struggle shapes you into a stronger artist. Stay disciplined, never stop learning, and let your passion for music guide you. Dreams do come true if you keep chasing them with all your heart.
