“When God throws things at you, you should not disrespect it,” singer Tanvi Shah told The Hindu a decade ago. Those words were prophetic. Back then, she was one of the most sought-after singers in the film industry. Apart from being the first Indian woman to win the prestigious Grammy Award for AR Rahman’s global hit ‘Jai Ho’ from the movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ Tanvi was constantly juggling performances and film song recordings.
Concerts kept her on her toes until September last year, when she sensed that something was amiss. A doctor’s reassurance that all was well kept her moving forward, immersed in her musical endeavors. “From September 2023 to March 2024, I was constantly traveling and quite busy, but I kept thinking that something was not right,” recalls the singer, well-known for her Tamil hit tracks in collaboration with Yuvan Shankar Raja and AR Rahman.
She eventually consulted another doctor and underwent multiple tests. March 27, 2024, marked a significant turning point in Tanvi’s life—the day she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Tanvi began an arduous journey through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation sessions. “The process was difficult; my mind went for a toss. It was a task to even get through the day, and I felt damaged. I could not hold a pen; my hands would shiver. I couldn’t journal; I couldn’t write my songs,” she recalls vividly.
The treatment took a severe toll on her. She sustained second-degree burns from radiation and lost much of her hair. “I could not get myself to look at a mirror for three months. Believe me, for women, our hair is our ego. Also, I usually don’t like asking for help. What I’ve realized thanks to this phase is that it’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to not be strong.”
These trying times saw Tanvi slowly retreat into a cocoon. “The doctors advised me to speak to people, but I did not want to burden anyone. I did not want people telling me what to do or share experiences of someone they knew who had undergone similar experiences.
. All I wanted was some peace of mind and courage to push through this,” she admits.
Amidst this arduous journey, Tanvi found solace in her physical workout sessions at Primal Patterns and several Shambavi meditation sessions. “I was at peace during those days,” she notes.
Despite her life revolving around music for so many years, Tanvi did not turn on any music for nearly 45 days during her recovery. “Mentally, I was not okay to switch on the shruti box,” she concedes. However, after completing three weeks of radiation, the Grammy Award winner is now gradually getting back to business. “I am doing my riyaz for Hindustani classical. I am also trying to create rhythms for the new songs that I wish to write. I took out a pen from my collection only recently.”
The music industry, too, is eagerly awaiting her return. Tanvi has started receiving calls to perform again. “Funnily, people are requesting for my ‘Tansha’ band to sing Spanish, Arabic, and world music. I’m blessed that the few who have called me have been patient and understanding.”
Despite the challenges, Tanvi promises a powerful comeback. She is determined to resume recordings and performances soon. “I haven’t disappeared,” she assures. “I will come back and when I do, I will come back super strong. Now, I feel like I have got a second life.”
This phase in her life has been transformative, providing her with a new perspective on strength and vulnerability. Through her battle with cancer, Tanvi Shah has shown immense resilience and remains an inspiration. The singer’s journey from the heights of musical success to the depths of a life-threatening disease and back is nothing short of remarkable. With renewed vigor and determination, Tanvi Shah is set to reclaim her place in the world of music, more powerful and inspired than ever.
