“When God throws things at you, you should not disrespect it,” singer Tanvi Shah told The Hindu a decade ago. At that time, she was one of the most in-demand singers in the film industry; not only was she the first Indian woman to claim the prestigious Grammy for AR Rahman’s global hit ‘Jai Ho’ from the movie Slumdog Millionaire, but she was also keeping busy with an array of performances and film song recordings. Her schedule was tightly packed, with concerts keeping her constantly on her toes, even up until September last year.
However, one day in September, Tanvi felt that not everything was well with her health. A doctor’s reassurance that she was fine kept her going, as she continued to engage in her musical activities. “From September 2023 to March 2024, I was constantly travelling and quite busy, but I kept thinking that something was not right,” recalls the singer, who is well known for her Tamil hit tracks with composers like Yuvan Shankar Raja and AR Rahman, among others.
Concerned about her unshakable feeling of discomfort, Tanvi decided to consult another doctor and underwent multiple tests. On March 27, 2024, Tanvi’s life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The diagnosis marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey that involved 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. Tanvi also endured second-degree burns due to radiation and lost a significant amount of her hair. “I could not bring 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.”
During these challenging weeks, Tanvi naturally retreated into a shell. “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.” What provided solace during this arduous phase were her regular workout sessions at Primal Patterns and several Shambavi meditation sessions. “I was at peace during those days.
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For nearly 45 days, Tanvi did not turn on music, which had been the essence of her life for years. “Mentally, I was not okay to switch on the shruti box….” However, after three weeks of completing radiation, the Grammy Award winner started regaining her strength to get back to her musical endeavors. “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 fountain pen collection to write only recently….”
Calls for performances have started pouring in. “Funnily, people are requesting 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.”
Tanvi promises a strong comeback as a musical artist. She is prepared to begin recordings and resume 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.”
Tanvi Shah’s journey through the trials of cancer treatment and the strength she has found within herself serves as an inspiring testament to her resilience. After battling both physical and emotional challenges, she stands ready to reclaim her space in the music industry, poised for her second act with renewed vigor and determination. Her story, marked by fortitude and grace, highlights not just the struggles but also the triumphs that come with battling such a life-altering illness. The world certainly awaits the return of Tanvi Shah, stronger and more passionate than ever before.
