Shibani Kashyap

Shibani Kashyap is an Indian singer, composer, and actress, born in Delhi on January 12, 1979. She is known for her distinctive musical style, which often blends Sufi influences with western elements, and for her work in Hindi cinema.

Life and Career

Kashyap graduated in English literature from the University of Delhi and specializes in both western and Indian classical music. She was part of the band Black Slade in Delhi before gaining national recognition. Her voice was featured in the signature tune of AIR FM, a channel of All India Radio, and she composed advertisement jingles for Amul India. Her debut pop album, "Ho Gayi Hai Mohabbat" (1998), earned her a Channel V award and propelled her to fame. She represented India at the 1999 international music festival Azia Dauysy in Kazakhstan.

Her discography includes several albums, such as the Sufi album "Nagmagee" (2000) and "Desh" (2003), which featured Assamese and Sanskrit songs. Kashyap has also sung numerous film songs, including "Sajna Aa Bhi Jaa" for "Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II" (2003), and songs for films like "Zinda" (2006) and "1971" (2007). She won the Best Female Pop Singer award for her album "Nazakat" at the 2005 Sangeet Awards in San Francisco. Her rendition of the title song for the Pakistani serial "Mohabbat Jai Bhar Mein" in 2012 was a significant hit in both Pakistan and India.

Acting and Social Involvement

In addition to her music career, Kashyap has ventured into acting. She made her acting debut as the musician Megha in the Star Plus TV show "Veera" and later starred in the film "Ranviir The Marshal" (2015), which also featured a special song sung by her. She has also served as a judge on the reality singing show "Bathroom Singer".

Kashyap is a follower of Nichiren Buddhism and has spoken about how chanting has positively impacted her life. She has also participated in social causes, notably presenting a song at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, in support of the movement against corruption in 2012. In 2014, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Notable Works and Discography

Key works include her albums "Ho Gayi Hai Mohabbat," "Nagmagee," "Desh," "Nazakat," and "My Free Spirit." Her film and television contributions include songs for "Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II," "Zinda," "1971," "Akela," and the hit Pakistani serial "Mohabbat Jai Bhar Mein."