Quick Takeaways
- Shreya Ghoshal has won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer twice.
- First win came in 2009 for the song “Barso Re” from the movie Guru.
- Second win was granted in 2015 for her rendition in Bajirao Mastani.
- Both awards recognize her versatility across Hindi and regional film music.
- She ranks among the most honored Indian playback singers in National Film Award history.
Who is Shreya Ghoshal?
Shreya Ghoshal is a renowned Indian playback singer known for her crystal‑clear voice, versatility across languages, and a string of chart‑topping hits since the early 2000s. Born on 12 March 1984 in Berhampore, West Bengal, she burst onto the national scene after winning the reality TV show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in 2000. Since then, she has recorded songs in over 20 Indian languages, earning a fan base that stretches from Mumbai to Kolkata and beyond.
Her collaborations with composers like A.R.Rahman, Pritam, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have produced timeless tracks that dominate radio playlists and streaming charts. Beyond playback singing, Shreya has also performed live concerts worldwide, judged music reality shows, and mentored upcoming talent.
What is the National Film Award?
The National Film Awards are India’s most prestigious film honors, presented annually by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Established in 1954, the awards recognize excellence in cinematic achievements across the country, including categories for acting, direction, technical craft, and music.
One of the most coveted music categories is Best Female Playback Singer. The award celebrates a vocalist whose performance significantly enhances a film’s narrative and emotional impact. Winners are selected by a jury of seasoned industry veterans, ensuring that the accolade reflects both artistic merit and cultural relevance.
Shreya Ghoshal’s National Film Award Wins
Shreya’s first National Film Award arrived at the 57th ceremony, held in 2009, for her expressive rendition of “Barso Re” from the 2007 film Guru. The song, composed by A.R.Rahman and penned by Gulzar, required a blend of youthful exuberance and classical nuance-qualities Shreya delivered flawlessly.
Her second award came six years later, at the 62nd ceremony in 2015, honoring her contribution to the soundtrack of Bajirao Mastani. While the specific song recognized was “Deewani Mastani,” the award citation praised Shreya’s ability to fuse traditional Maharashtrian folk elements with contemporary orchestration, elevating the film’s epic romance.
Both victories underscore her capacity to adapt her vocal style to diverse musical landscapes, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and technically skilled singer.
Year‑by‑Year Breakdown
- 2009 - “Barso Re” (Guru)
- Guru a 2007 Hindi drama directed by Mani Ratnam, starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai.
- Composer: A.R.Rahman; Lyricist: Gulzar.
- Shreya’s rendition layered Western pop beats with Indian classical phrasing, showcasing her vocal agility.
- 2015 - “Deewani Mastani” (Bajirao Mastani)
- Bajirao Mastani a 2015 historical romance directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra.
- Composer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali; Lyricist: A.M.Turaz. \n
- The song blends folk rhythms, classical vocal ornamentation, and orchestral grandeur, demanding both power and subtlety from the singer.
In both years, the awards jury highlighted not only the popularity of the tracks but also the technical mastery and emotional depth Shreya brought to each performance.
How Shreya’s Wins Compare with Her Peers
When you line up the most honored Indian female playback singers, Shreya’s two National Film Awards place her in elite company. Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Singer | Total Wins | Notable Winning Songs |
|---|---|---|
| Shreya Ghoshal | 2 | “Barso Re” (Guru), “Deewani Mastani” (Bajirao Mastani) |
| S.Janaki | 4 | “Kuruthy Kalam” (Marupakkam), “Saazish” (Mohan) |
| Alka Yagnik | 1 | “Mere Kya Hain” (Aashiqui) |
| Chithra | 3 | “Thirakatha Chikamina” (Vannathupadathile), “Maa” (Karaikudi) |
While singers like S.Janaki have more total wins, Shreya’s victories are notable because they came from two very different musical contexts-contemporary urban pop and a grand historical epic-showcasing her range.
Why the Awards Matter for Shreya’s Career
Winning a National Film Award does more than add a trophy to a shelf. For Shreya, the honors:
- Validate her technical skill: The jury evaluates pitch accuracy, emotive delivery, and adherence to classical techniques.
- Boost industry credibility: Directors and composers often seek award‑winning singers for high‑profile projects, leading to more diverse assignments.
- Expand her audience: Viewers who follow award circuits discover her work beyond mainstream Bollywood hits.
- Influence future generations: Aspiring singers cite her award wins as proof that classical training can thrive in modern cinema.
In short, the awards cement her status as a bridge between tradition and contemporary music trends, ensuring her relevance in a rapidly evolving industry.
Quick Reference Table
| Year | Film | Winning Song | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Guru | “Barso Re” | Best Female Playback Singer |
| 2015 | Bajirao Mastani | “Deewani Mastani” | Best Female Playback Singer |
Keep this table handy if you need a fast answer for quizzes, articles, or fan discussions. It captures the core details without extra fluff.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many National Film Awards has Shreya Ghoshal won?
She has won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer twice-once in 2009 for “Barso Re” from *Guru* and again in 2015 for “Deewani Mastani” from *Bajirao Mastani*.
Which songs earned Shreya these awards?
The 2009 award recognized her rendition of “Barso Re” in *Guru*. The 2015 award honored her performance of “Deewani Mastani” in *Bajirao Mastani*.
Are there other major awards Shreya Ghoshal has received?
Yes. She has multiple Filmfare Awards, a Padma Shri (India’s fourth‑highest civilian honor), and several state‑level accolades for her contributions to music across Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and other regional industries.
How do Shreya’s National Film Awards compare to other singers?
While singers like S.Janaki have more total wins, Shreya’s two awards span very different musical styles-urban pop and historical epic-highlighting her adaptability. This puts her among the most versatile award‑winning playback singers.
Why are National Film Awards considered prestigious?
They are presented by the Indian government’s Directorate of Film Festivals, judged by a panel of industry veterans, and recognize excellence across all aspects of filmmaking, making them a benchmark of artistic merit.
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