The heart touching story behind the entrancing voice of Singer Shahid Mallya

Darya, Ikk Kudi Jida Naam Mohabbat, Rabba Main Toh Mar Gaya… and his list of achievements includes many more melodious Bollywood songs. He has lent his voice for many Bollywood superstars like Shahid Kapoor, Shahrukh Khan, Vicky Kaushal, and others. His voice carries a compelling resonance that is impossible to overlook. Yes, we are talking about singer Shahid Mallya, the sufiana voice with several notable tunes.

Bollywood singer, Shahid Mallya, is a music icon today, but getting here wasn't as simple as it appears. Speaking with Jay-Ho! The Jay Kumar Show, Shahid spoke on the challenges he overcame growing up and becoming a family guy. In an interview with talk show host Jay Kumar, Shahid disclosed that when he and his family initially moved to Mumbai, he lived in a small room, sang commercials and jingles, and used to fetch bags for Bollywood composers and lyricists. He has worked extremely hard to gain admittance into Bollywood. 

The tragic accident of Shahid's father

First let's briefly talk about Shahid's early challenges before heading on to his musical career. In order to accomplish his and his father's hopes, Shahid Mallya, a native of Punjab, relocated to Mumbai in 2002. His granddad was a farmer and a wrestler. While his father was an English professor, he had a passionate love for music. He left his job after doing it for a while and travelled to Mumbai in the 70’s to chase his dreams. But his fate had other plans. He met with a tragic accident in Punjab, where he had come to attend a marriage ceremony. This caused him to permanently lock all of his dreams in a casket. His nearly ten-year bed rest caused the family's finances to suffer. Shahid's mother had a great deal of hardship, and his maternal grandfather supported their necessities. Shahid had a difficult upbringing. Nevertheless, despite all of these constraints, Shahid continued to pursue his ambitions and turned his father's passion into his own.

From Punjab to Mumbai, Shahid shares his struggles

Speaking about his journey from Punjab to Mumbai, Shahid states, “The outcome of the incident would have been different if my father hadn't been in that accident. He would have been a singer, and we would be into different professions. While he was recovering, I was called to sing at events for medical associations, government agencies, temples, contests, and schools. As word spread about me, my father began to have optimism that at least his son would be able to pursue his passion for music. So, using the money from my college scholarship, I eventually booked tickets for Mumbai. I had made reservations for the entire family. We went to Mumbai in 2002 where we previously shared a small room with a common toilet and a small bathroom.”

Entry into Bollywood wasn't that easy

Talking about his struggles in Mumbai, Shahid said, “I started my career as backing vocalist in the TV Serials, sang jingles, ads and many more, but the best part is that I didn't go to any orchestras or hotels. Although it's not a bad thing, I had to hold my voice up. But, in orchestras, you get to work every day, which could damage your vocal chord. So, in order to survive in Mumbai, I used to play the tabla and harmonium, sing in the chorus, fetch bags for famous composers, and lyricists. I was therefore trying my best to submit a Bollywood entry. Later, one of my friends, Kumar, introduced me to Pritam Sir.” 

The Big Break for Shahid Mallya

Shahid further continues, “Pritam Sir once asked if I could sing in one of his songs. It was a song for the Shahid Kapoor movie "Mausam." I waited six months after that call. Actually, I was unaware of the procedure wherein the best voice that fits the music out of three to four singers that perform the same song is chosen. One month before the movie's release, I learnt that I was the voice of that movie. That was my big break.”

Films in which Shahid lent his voice 

Shahid has sung a lot of popular Bollywood songs. His voice may be heard in a number of films, including Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Gunday, Jab Harry Met Sejal, Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, Udta Punjab, Guddu Rangeela, Manmarziyaan, Velle, Panga, Namaste England, and many others.