Shalmali Kholgade Shares Her Thoughts On The Meaning Of Home

The acclaimed singer shares her views on what feels like home to her.

By Cynthia Jean Daniel Cynthia Jean Daniel linkedin_icon

In a moment of reflection amid her bustling career, acclaimed singer Shalmali Kholgade has reached out to her followers with a thought-provoking question that invites introspection. The ‘Pareshaan’ hitmaker took to Instagram to ask her audience, ‘What feels like ‘home’ to you?’

The simple yet profound question appears alongside a video clip where Shalmali can be seen in what appears to be a comfortable, personal space – embodying the very essence of her question about home and belonging.

Finding Home On And Off Stage

This introspective post comes just days after Shalmali shared a series of electrifying performance images from her recent live shows. In an earlier post, she expressed how performing has become a form of home for her, writing, ‘Every time I get off that stage, I’m reminded of the incredible commitment from every single person who works day in and day out to make each show more explosive than the last!! Thanks for making me love what I do so much.’

The contrast between her high-energy performances and this more contemplative post showcases the multi-faceted nature of the artist, who seems equally at home commanding a stage and engaging in quiet reflection.

The Many Faces Of Shalmali

The singer has been particularly active on social media recently, sharing glimpses into both her professional and personal life. In another recent post, she humorously addressed her versatility with a clip captioned, ‘The problem is I don’t even know which one is more me,’ highlighting her comfort with embracing different aspects of her identity.

For Shalmali, the concept of home extends beyond physical spaces and into cultural connections as well. Following her collaboration on the Assamese track ‘Holo Lolo’ for Coke Studio Bharat, she expressed gratitude for how music connected her with new cultures, posting: ‘Not only do I love this song for what it is, but also for connecting me with a culture and people that’s so loving and welcoming – Happy Bohag Bihu everyone!!’

A Celebrated Musical Journey

For those unfamiliar with her work, Shalmali Kholgade rose to fame with her debut playback singing for the song ‘Pareshaan’ from the 2012 film ‘Ishaqzaade.’ Her distinctive voice quickly made her a sought-after singer in Bollywood, earning her several awards including the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer. Beyond Bollywood playback singing, Kholgade has established herself as a versatile artist who moves effortlessly between film songs, independent music, and live performances. She has performed at numerous music festivals and created her own music, showcasing her range as both a vocalist and performer.

Her recent performances at venues like Acharya Habba in Bangalore demonstrate her continued popularity as a live performer. ‘Bangalore!! @acharyahabba what a night!! And this is just the beginning,’ she shared after a recent show, highlighting her passion for live music.

The Evolution Of An Artist

Shalmali’s career has seen interesting transformations over the years. She recently shared a then-and-now comparison of her Coke Studio appearances, writing ‘Coke Studio and Shalmali – THEN and NOW :) hehe! #CokeStudioSeason3 #CokeStudioBharatSeason3,’ showcasing her evolution as an artist while maintaining her authentic connection with fans.

Her participation in Coke Studio Bharat’s latest season has been particularly significant, as she explored new musical territories. As described in a Coke Studio post about her song ‘Holo Lolo,’ she ‘took up the challenge of exploring new territory as an artist, bringing her own inspiration and unique touch to a sonic tale inspired by the Morans.’

Connecting Through Questions

By asking her followers what feels like home to them, Shalmali has opened a channel for meaningful connection beyond the typical artist-fan interaction. The question invites personal reflection and sharing, creating a space for genuine engagement around a universal concept that transcends backgrounds and experiences. As fans respond to her thoughtful prompt, they’re not just connecting with Shalmali the performer, but with Shalmali the person – someone who, like them, contemplates the meaning of home in its many forms.

The simple question stands in contrast to the polished performances and produced music that typically define a singer’s public persona, offering instead a glimpse into the reflective mind behind the voice that has captivated audiences across India.

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Shalmali Kholgade gained widespread recognition with her hit song 'Balam Pichkari' from the movie 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' in 2013.
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Cynthia Jean Daniel
Cynthia Jean DanielAssociate videos director
Cynthia Jean Daniel has worked across fashion, content, and video production, combining design, storytelling, and media. She has directed over 1,500 influencer videos and worked on digital campaigns, brand promotions, and runway shows.

Read full bio of Cynthia Jean Daniel
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