Adah Sharma makes her singing debut with a powerful rendition of the Shiv Tandav Stotram, showcasing a profound connection to both devotion and artistic expression. In a conversation with TEAM VIVA, Sharma reveals her intent to inspire others through her music.
Adah, your recent singing debut with the Shiv Tandav Stotram has captivated many. What inspired you to choose the Shiv Tandav Stotram for your singing debut?
As an actor I meet so many people who say they saw me do something and got inspired to do it themselves. So I thought this would be nice to inspire people. Also we made this version a version that has a lot of beats so you feel energised when you listen to it .
Can you describe the emotions you felt while chanting the Shiv Tandav Stotram live in a temple and how that experience influenced your recorded performance?
I had shared a version during the lockdown which I sang live in my home and then in a temple last year. Whenever I went for any public appearances people would ask me to chant it. So I thought it would be nice to do a studio recorded version. Chanting the Shiv tandav makes me feel focused, strong , energetic and the empowered feeling that all evil will be destroyed.
The video of your live chanting at an event went viral and received widespread acclaim and is trending on instagram since the release. How did that response impact you and did it motivate you to pursue more singing opportunities?
I did this especially for the audience so them enjoying it feels very special. I sing anyway, always. There's always music going on in my head. I've got singing offers before but I thought the first one should be something from me directly to the audience So I decided to release it on my own YouTube channel.
How do you balance your acting career with your newfound interest in singing and do you have plans to explore more musical projects in the future?
I like doing multiple things I enjoy. But I don't know how to plan for the future. I enjoy living in the present and working on becoming a better actor, dancer , singer everyday. I believe opportunities will come if they are meant to.
What was the most challenging part of performing the Shiv Tandav Stotram and how did you overcome those challenges?
For the video I wanted to stand in the middle of the ocean on a rock. I practice meditation on one foot everyday to increase focus. On the day we decided to shoot it was very sunny and breezy and hot. So that was tough. But somehow the strength just came to push through and I didn't feel like it was a challenge.
How did you approach the task of capturing the essence and energy of the Shiv Tandav Stotram in both your live and recorded performances.
With honesty always, as I do everything in life. I don't know any other way.
Given the positive reception of your live chanting performance, do you plan to incorporate more live chanting or musical elements into your public appearances?
I haven't actually planned anything. We thought we would do a launch but I'm shooting for two big projects and the role in one of them I think is the toughest I've played. So even on days off in preparation. We just put the song out on YouTube and Instagram , no ads, no publicity. But in today's time I think the audience is the best PR.
What message or feeling do you hope to convey to your audience through your rendition of the Shiv Tandav Stotram and how do you feel it aligns with your overall artistic expression?
I am one of those very fortunate actors, I get the opportunity to play different roles because the audience accepts me in them. Just after the Kerala story where I played an innocent college girl I played an evil bar dancer in Sunflower season 2 and then I did Bastar where I was a soldier fighting for my country. My upcoming projects also have me being different people. On social media I am myself which is so different from all these characters . The audience doesn't allow me to get typecast. I'm very very lucky.