Shashaa Tirupati

Emotionally compelling and technically impressive, Shashaa Tirupati juggles over a dozen languages on hundreds of songs—as a playback singer as well as an independent artist in constant pursuit of intriguing new ventures. • The Indian-born Canadian singer-songwriter is trained in different Hindustani classical styles and also plays multiple instruments, from guitar to kazoo. • Although she won several scholarships for university in Canada, she left her pre-medical course to try her luck in Mumbai where she earned a living from reality shows and jingles. • In 2014, Tirupati received her first big break, from her music idol and subsequent mentor A. R. Rahman, as a playback singer on “Vaada Vaada” (Kochadaiiyaan). She has since enjoyed a host of collaborations with the great composer. • Kollywood paid attention when the young talent delivered Tamil gems like the vocally demanding “Naane Varugiraen”, from 2015 romance O Kadhal Kanmani. • Her Bollywood career thrived after the explosive success of “The Humma Song” (OK Jaanu)—a modern reading of a ’90s Rahman classic from which she became known as the “Humma Humma girl”. • In 2018 she received the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for another Rahman hit, the majestic “Vaan” (Kaatru Veliyidai)—which also won her a Filmfare Award South. • Inspired by fresh challenges, Tirupati has started releasing original music independently, and in 2018 a role in Ulka Mayur’s dystopian comedy I, Cloud marked her stage acting debut.