With a career spanning over two decades, Shaan is one of the most popular playback singers today and he credits his humble upbringing for becoming the family man and performer he is today. The singer’s grandfather was well-known lyricist Jahar Mukherjee, his late father was music director Manas Mukherjee and his sister Sagarika is a singer too.
Shaan fondly remembers the time he spent with his father Manas, whom he lost while he was only 13-year-old. “It’s been almost 30 years and I still miss my dad. However, I feel happy when people in the industry say, ‘Shaan is as humble as his father’. I’m sure dad would be showering blessings onto us.”
Reminiscing his childhood and growing up with Sagarika, Shaan talks about his home being filled with music constantly. “When I was younger, we’d live in a small house. After coming from school, dad would have his musical sessions even during the nights. I would catch hold of one corner and sit there throughout, noting the activities that would go on. Sagarika and I started our lives listening to melodious songs at home and dad has been our inspiration. He was slightly frustrated because despite all the love people showered on him, he could not achieve what he wanted to with his music.”
Shaan has lived in the Mumbai suburb, Bandra all his life and he laughs as he says that he has connected with Catholics all his life since he studied in a convent school. “I would wear a rosary all the time! My teachers would say I was the boy with a jalebi smile and called me Saintanu instead of Shaantanu!”
Shaan recently composed and sang for Great Grand Masti. “Undeniably, for the first time in my life, I have lent my voice to a sex comedy. I have composed the music as well as written the songs for it. I sang the songs all by myself because I wasn’t comfortable approaching any of my singer friends, who’d think ‘kya kar raha hai Shaan?’” What he is proud of, however, is having given vocals for Y Films’ Sex Chat With Pappu and Papa. “Times have changed and we need to educate kids about sex,” he says sternly.
The Tanha Dil singer is rather unperturbed about the lack of offers these days. “I’m happy new singers and music directors are emerging in huge numbers. I deserve to sing more but I can’t ask anyone for a song at gunpoint. I’m satisfied with whatever offers I get. I’m not choosy. Ab aadat si ho gayi hai (I’m used to this).”
He continues, “I remember Kumar Sanu reigned in the late eighties and nineties and both Sanu Da and Vinod Rathod enjoyed a run of almost 15 years. I started out at 17, when I sang jingles and one line for Parinda. In my career I’ve tried my hand at everything including dancing, and judging singing shows. Judging kids of today, who have a meticulous style and voice, is difficult. As of now, judging The Voice Kids India alongside Shekhar (Ravjiani) and Neeti Mohan is what’s keeping me busy.” Shaan will also sing for a Rajinikanth film and also a movie titled Baa Baa Black Sheep.
