In the kaleidoscope of life, where melodies often shape the narrative, singer Tanvi Shah stands as a testament to resilience and vigor. Once a luminary known for her enchanting vocals in the Indian film industry, Shah rose to international fame by becoming the first Indian woman to win a prestigious Grammy for her contribution as a featured artist on A.R. Rahman’s globally acclaimed track ‘Jai Ho’ from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack. A decade ago, this trailblazing musician shared with The Hindu a profound belief: “When God throws things at you, you should not disrespect it.” Little did she know, these words would later serve as an anthem to her indomitable spirit.
Last year, the world observed Shah as she graced stage after stage, captivating audiences with her euphonious performances. Yet amidst this peak of her career, a silent storm was brewing. Even as concerts inched her towards frenetic enthusiasm as late as September 2023, an unsettled intuition whispered that something was amiss. Reminded to dismiss her fears by medical reassurances, Shah persisted in her fervor for music until, from September through March 2024, an unshakeable feeling continued to prevalent her thoughts.
Determined to discover peace of mind, Shah sought opinions from additional doctors and subjected herself to multiple examinations. The date, March 27, 2024, became a pivotal moment as she learned of her diagnosis: breast cancer. From then on, life transformed into a journey entwined with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation sessions. The path was arduous. “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 recalled with palpable emotion.
Her battle with cancer was compounded by the physical toll it exacted. Shah experienced second-degree burns from radiation and, heartbreakingly, 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,” Shah reflected.
During these trying weeks, Shah chose retreat over engagement. Despite doctors’ advice for social interaction, she craved solitude away from unsolicited guidance and comparisons to others’ experiences. In this embrace of solitude, she found solace and courage in silence, wholeheartedly yearning for peace of mind.
Fitness and meditation emerged as healing pillars during her recovery. Regular work-out sessions at Primal Patterns coupled with Shambavi meditation provided the tranquil environment she desperately sought.
Surprisingly, amid her healing, music—a lifelong companion—fell silent. For nearly 45 days, the melodies that shaped Shah’s existence faded into absence, as her mental space refused the embrace of her beloved shruti box. Yet despite these retreats, the music within Shah was never truly extinguished. Now, after overcoming three weeks of radiation, she embarks on a transformative return, immersing herself once more in Hindustani classical music riyaz and weaving innovative rhythms for new songs. Her old fountain pen collection, once a stranger in her hands, charts new beginnings.
Revived and resilient, Shah finds her passion once again reaching beyond borders. Calls flood in for international performances alongside her ‘Tansha’ band, seeking her exceptional fusion of Spanish, Arabic, and world music. These opportunities reflect not only the endurance of her talent but also the patience and understanding of those championing her return.
With outstretched wings poised for flight, Tanvi Shah promises to reclaim her enchanted place in the musical realms. “I haven’t disappeared,” she assures her audience with unwavering determination. Her voice, both borne and rejuvenated from relentless trials, resounds with the promise, “I will come back, and when I do, I will come back super strong. Now, I feel like I have got a second life.” With renewed life and purpose, Shah stands ready to once again embrace the world with her melody.
