Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Hemina Shah is using music to connect cultures and countries

HOW SINGER RECORDED AN INTERNATIONAL ALBUM FROM HOME

by ASJAD NAZIR


BRITISH talent Hemina Shah may have moved to Singapore in 2017 due to her husband’s work, but she has very much remained connected to music and did something quite extraordinary during lockdown.

The naturally gifted singer remotely teamed up with musicians from around the world and recorded an album of Bollywood songs injected with diverse global influences.

Her six-track Bollywood Lockdown Mix album shows music really doesn’t have any boundaries and is a shining light during these dark times.

Eastern Eye caught up with Hemina Shah to talk about her new album, life in lockdown, settling in a new country and balancing family life with music.

What is the secret of settling down in a new country?

We’ve moved to a few different countries in the past and it’s always exciting to look forward to new adventures. The quickest way to settle is by doing what the residents do, getting into a daily routine and engaging in several activities to connect with new people. It has helped us expand our horizons by meeting people of all cultures – life is never boring and we try to live life to the fullest.

What is it that you miss the most about the UK?

Family and friends, but thanks to technology everyone is just a video call away. I normally visit London once a year during the summer to catch up with friends and family. I do miss the food too, especially British Indian cuisine. However, one thing I will not miss for sure is the weather.

How have you remained connected to music?

Music is in itself an international phenomenon and the South Asian community is now spread out through the world, so Bollywood music is recognised everywhere. I have been performing around Asia at several private and public events since moving to Singapore, including running several live YouTube streaming broadcasts.

What led you towards your new lockdown album?

The lockdown provided me with the time to reflect and connect with my passion. Artists and musicians have been impacted harshly, with all our performances cancelled overnight. I wanted to unite with other musicians around the world who felt castaway on the same lockdown Covid-19 boat to create something different.

Tell us about the album?

The new album is called Bollywood Lockdown Mix. It consists of six Bollywood tunes in different musical styles, including reggae, jazz, classical, Irish, and lounge. It was created during the lockdown period; all the songs have been recorded, mixed and mastered from our homes.

How did you select whom to work with on the album?

I reached out to talented musicians around the world who had a completely different style of music to Bollywood to create something truly unique. I listened to their style and selected songs where we would complement each other. I worked with Jaime Hinckson from Miami, Carlos Barba from El-Paso, Texas, Igor Kratovic from Los Angeles, Nilesh Thakore from London and Hesam Kalateh from Iran. I also worked with Swedish Jam Factory (Thomas Bergstig and Isaac Middleton) from Los Angeles.

Who are you hoping connects with these lockdown songs?

I have always believed that music is one language; that it has no boundaries and has the power to move and unite people globally. Music transcends race, gender, culture and any differences.  My hope is for people to know that even during difficult times, there will always be a light shining at the end of the long tunnel.

Which of the songs would you says is closest to your heart?

It is hard to pick one, as I put my heart and soul into all of them, but Hai Apna Dil with the Swedish Jam Factory was a lot of fun to make. I love the tap dancing and Irish feel to the song, as this has never been done before.

How much has music helped you during lockdown?

Music has helped me keep sane during this challenging time, and forced me out of my comfort zone, to try something new. I connected with audiences around the world over several public and private live stream concerts, including helping a charity raise money for slums in Nairobi, Kenya. I also conducted many live streaming Hindu prayer ceremonies for families who had recently lost loved ones during this awful pandemic.

What kind of music dominates your play list?

Golden oldie Bollywood songs – all the Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar classics I grew up listening to and singing. Those classics will stand the test of time.

What is the musical master plan going forward?

There will be more unique pieces as time progresses, and I request you to subscribe and stay tuned for the updates. I cannot wait to share the new stuff with you all. It’s super exciting!

What is the secret between balancing family life and a career?

Getting the family involved in my music – it is teamwork. I’m blessed to have a supportive family who has always encouraged me to strive for the stars and do my best. They all get involved in my music projects, whether it is setting up for video shoots, creating my social media posts, or making sure the sound works perfectly. Our home got converted into a recording studio and an event stage during the lockdown period.

What inspires you?

Music moves me. When I am happy or sad, I find comfort in playing an instrument, listening to music or singing. I love being different and unique, and striving for something, always ensuring that the next project is even more challenging.

Why should we pick up Bollywood Lockdown Mix?

If you believe music is a universal language that brings people together and transcends time, cultures and hardships, you will like this unique Bollywood Lockdown Mix. It’s different, features some incredibly talented musicians with unique styles, and has excellent soothing and relaxing music.

Why do you love music?

Apart from the fact that the majority of people love music in their own way, music relaxes me, helps me focus, meditate, and to be one with myself. Music is in my soul from when I was born and will remain there.

Facebook: @HeminaSinger & Instagram: @hemina_shah

More For You

Shefali Jariwala

Shefali Jariwala dies at 42 after cardiac arrest in Mumbai hospital

Instagram/shefalijariwala

Kaanta Laga star Shefali Jariwala dies of cardiac arrest at 42, postmortem underway in Mumbai

Quick highlights:

  • Actor and model Shefali Jariwala passed away late Friday night in Mumbai at the age of 42.
  • She was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital after a cardiac arrest but was declared dead on arrival.
  • The Kaanta Laga star was married to actor Parag Tyagi, who was seen grieving outside the hospital.
  • Mumbai Police and forensic teams are investigating, with an official cause of death yet to be confirmed.

Actor and television personality Shefali Jariwala, who rose to fame with the early 2000s music video Kaanta Laga, has died following a sudden cardiac arrest. The 42-year-old was declared dead at Bellevue Hospital in Mumbai late on Friday night, 28 June. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, reportedly rushed her to the hospital around midnight with the help of close friends.

Despite immediate medical attention, doctors could not revive her. A hospital source confirmed she was “dead on arrival” at 11:27 pm. Her death has left friends, fans, and colleagues in shock, as many described her as healthy, cheerful, and actively working.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana and Payal Kapadia

Kamal Haasan Ayushmann Khurrana and Payal Kapadia invited to Oscars Academy in global list of 534 members

Getty Images

Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana and Payal Kapadia invited to Oscars voting body

Quick highlights:

  • Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Payal Kapadia among Indian invitees to the Academy’s 2025 voting class
  • Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extends membership to 534 new global members
  • Other Indian honourees include Maxima Basu, Ranabir Das, and Smriti Mundhra
  • Hollywood invitees include Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brien, Jason Momoa, and Jodie Comer

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, critically acclaimed star Ayushmann Khurrana, and All We Imagine as Light director Payal Kapadia have been invited to join the Oscars Academy’s 2025 voting body. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to 534 new members from across the globe, recognising diverse contributions to cinema across disciplines.

Keep ReadingShow less
Prabhas Kalki 2898 AD anniversary

Kalki 2898 AD showcased Prabhas in a genre-blending sci-fi mythological role

One year of 'Kalki 2898 AD': How Prabhas reminded everyone he’s still the pan-India superstar

It’s been a year since Kalki 2898 AD hit theatres, and whether you loved it, questioned it, or are still figuring out what you watched, one thing’s clear: it cemented Prabhas’ place at the top. A unique experiment packed with mythology, sci-fi, and big-screen ambition, Kalki didn’t just push boundaries—it made sure everyone was paying attention.

Here’s how Kalki quietly reinforced what audiences across India (and beyond) already suspected: Prabhas isn’t going anywhere.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez host Venice wedding

Getty Images

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's star-studded £38 million wedding begins in Venice

Quick highlights:

  • Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding celebrations kick off in Venice with around 200 high-profile guests.
  • Celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, the Kardashians, Oprah, and Bill Gates have arrived.
  • The three-day celebration is expected to cost £43–51 million (₹427–506 crore).
  • Venice locals protest the event, accusing the billionaire couple of turning the city into a playground for the elite.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media personality Lauren Sánchez have begun their lavish wedding festivities in Venice, Italy, drawing a guest list that reads like the Oscars after-party. The ultra-exclusive, multi-day affair has transformed the floating city into a buzzing hub of private yachts, paparazzi, and tight security.

Keep ReadingShow less
Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt attends the world premiere of F1 at Times Square in New York

Getty Images

Brad Pitt’s £4.3 million Los Angeles home burgled while he promoted 'F1' in London

Quick highlights:

  • Brad Pitt’s Los Feliz home in LA was broken into late Wednesday night.
  • Three intruders reportedly entered through a window and ransacked the property.
  • Pitt was in London for the F1 film premiere alongside Tom Cruise and Lewis Hamilton.
  • LAPD confirmed a burglary but has not disclosed what was stolen.

Brad Pitt’s Los Angeles home was burgled late Wednesday night while the actor was overseas promoting his new film F1. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, three individuals broke into the residence located in the Los Feliz area around 10:30 pm by entering through a front window.

Keep ReadingShow less