Sanjay Leela Bhansali was very particular that he will launch me: Shreya Ghoshal

Mumbai: Renowned Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal has credited filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali with playing an instrumental role in shaping her artistic identity and granting her a defining break in Hindi cinema.

Ghoshal, who made her debut with Bhansali's "Devdas" in 2002, recalled how the journey demanded remarkable patience and conviction. “Now, the fact is that there is a new girl who is singing in Sanjay ji’s film, and this news has become viral. Now, a lot of people had called me ki humara ek gana hain (we too have one song), and I have given my verbal confirmation to Sanjay ji ki mein kahi bhi nahi jaongi jab tak yeh gana nahi release hota hain (I won’t go anywhere unless and until this song is out)," she disclosed.

She said, “I was 16 and this decision I am not taking, actually my dad is taking because main toh, jaa hi nahi rahi hun, I’m here doing my business, I’m also studying, I’m doing whatever. The fact is, it was very easy to get carried away with so many offers coming without even the song releasing, but saying no to all of them, sticking to principles, sticking to feeling what is right."

Ghoshal admitted that rejecting multiple projects before "Devdas" released ultimately secured her place in the film. "It has worked, probably had I sung for all these people, I wouldn’t have been in Devdas, I’m sure about that. He was very particular about the fact that I will launch you, you have to be patient till the film releases," she reflected.