Singer Shreya Ghoshal who just wrapped up the first phase of her All Hearts Tour is all set to kick off the India leg of her tour with Calcutta. The singer who won her fifth National Award this year will perform at Big Lawns, Nicco Park on December 2. Before she comes to the city with her playlist that promises to offer a mix of Bengali songs, semi-classical numbers, and her chartbusters, she talks to t2 about the tour, her independent songs, her bigger role as a mother, and more.

You are in the second leg of the All Hearts Tour. How was the first part, the international phase?

We finished our US, Canada and Mauritius leg and now it’s time for Calcutta, Pune, Kochi, and then followed by the UK and Singapore. It was a mind-blowing experience with full houses and the energy in each city was beautiful. We came back home feeling so charged that we are ready to get back to our stage.

The second leg starts with Calcutta. How special is the Calcutta audience for you and how do you curate your playlist according to different regions?

Starting off the India leg with Calcutta, a city close to my heart, couldn’t have been better. We are really excited to be in front of the most musical city and audience in the world. Every city gets a slightly different playlist depending on what they like to listen to. So when I come to Calcutta there are a lot of Bengali songs. For Pune apart from Hindi there will be a little Marathi and in Kochi some Malayalam songs. I have had the privilege to sing in so many languages and the songs are so beautiful that I wait to get up on the stage and sing them live in front of the audience. I leave no such opportunity underutilised.

What can we expect on the evening of December 2?

There will be all my major Hindi hits, some surprises, some Bengali songs… there will be something for everyone. If they are coming to listen to my romantic songs or semi-classical music or they want to dance and have a party, they will be able to do that. It’s a full-fledged entertainment concert.

What are the songs that are on your must-sing list when it comes to Calcutta?

I cannot not sing songs like Pherari mon, Bhalobashar morshum, and the very recently released songs in Bengali films that I have sung. I am hoping to include Zihaal e miskin that has done phenomenally well as a single in Calcutta. Plus, there will be my older hits and my classics.

You just released a single with Shekhar Ravjiani. Tell us about Vaari vaari and how special is the song for you?

My recent single, Vaari vaari has been special because it wasn't a planned song. I just went to Shekhar’s new jam pad and we felt like jamming some tune and very organically we made it. It was also shot so casually in the studio. Our friendship is so old and we are in at our most fun and original self, such that the madness really translates into the song. It’s such a chilled and beautiful track and I am so happy people are loving it.

Post Vaari vaari, who else are you collaborating with in the near future?

It’s a good time for music and independent songs are getting all the love and I am doing it more. I started during the pandemic and I have continued to do it now. Apart from that I have a bigger role of a mom and taking care of my son. This is a fulfilling time for me.

Travelling for live shows, doing songs for films, judging reality shows, and releasing independent numbers. How do you manage to multi-task and what keeps you going?

I love to stay busy with different kinds of things. The moment I start doing one thing I get bored. I like the variety of activities on my plate and the fact that they all have to do with music, which is my ultimate oxygen, is a blessing. I came back for Indian Idol and I am enjoying being with Kumar Sanu and Vishal Dadlani. The singing talent is incredible. The contestants are so gifted. I learn a lot and there is a lovely give and take between the contestants and the judges.

This year was special for you as you received the National Award. What does this recognition mean to you?

Any time a national recognition happens it’s so meaningful and supersedes all the other accolades that you have received in the past. It’s special to get recognised by a jury and the best part is, it’s not just in one language but multiple languages. It’s a pan-India selection so I feel very honoured. This is my fifth year and each year it has been for a different language; this time it’s for Tamil.