The 90s nostalgia is incomplete without private music videos, and the history of music videos is incomplete without Shweta Shetty, who will always be remembered for her albums Johnny Joker, Lambada, Deewane To Deewane Hai, and Dil La Ley. Known for her distinctive voice and vibrant style, Shweta’s voice became the anthem for a generation looking for a fresh sound in the Indian music industry.
Early Life and Career
Shweta Shetty was born on June 20, 1969, in Mumbai, India. She hails from a South Indian family with roots in the Shetty community. Her father, Mahalaba Rampa Shetty, was a yogi. Her parents separated during her teenage years. Shweta grew up with three sisters: Renuka, Vinata, and Jyoti. Reportedly Shilpa Shetty is her cousin from his father’s side. She began her music training at age 14, focusing on Carnatic music. She also learned Pop and Soul.
While in college, she started doing theater. She worked with her classmate Raell Padamsee, the daughter of iconic theater personality Pearl Padamsee, and Shiamak Davar. She also did modeling, and participated in fashion shows.
Shweta lent her voice to many jingles for TV commercials. Shweta’s voice became the anthem for a generation looking for a fresh sound in the Indian music industry.
Shweta Shetty The Singer
Her career began with a bang in the early 90s when she released her debut album “Shweta: The Album (1990),” followed by Lambada in 1991. It was a time when the Indian audience was just getting a taste of pop music, and Shweta Shetty’s unique voice and style quickly captured their hearts.
She followed this with several successful albums, including “Johnny Joker (1993),” in collaboration with Biddu, “Shweta: The New Album (1995),” and “Deewane To Deewane Hain (1998),” which won her the Best Female Pop Artist at the 1998 Screen Awards. Shetty has lent her voice to several other memorable tracks, including the remix hit song ‘Q-Funk’ from the album “Oorja” in 1995. Her albums “Dil La Ley (1999)” and “Saajna (2003)” further solidified her position as a leading figure in the Indian music industry.
Shweta Shetty In films
Shweta’s music was not just limited to albums; she also lent her voice to many film songs. Her first film song came in Roja (1992), under AR Rahman. In the film she sang “Rukmani Rukmani” which became a chart-topping hit. She again work with Rahman in Rangeela (1995) where she sang the dynamic “Maangta Hai Kya.” “Dil Tote Tote Ho Gaya” from Bichhoo (2000) highlighted her husky voice, and was an instant hit.
Some of her hit songs include “Dil Ka Doctor,” in Dil Ka Doctor, “Chhat Ke Upar Soyi Thi,” in Udaan, “Yeh Khabar Chhapwa Do Akhbar Mein,” Aflatoon, “Khel Hai Yeh Khiladi Ka” in Khel Khiladi ka, “Kaale Kaale Baal” in Jaal, “Main Deewani Main Mastani,” in Bandhan, “Jiyara Dhak Dhak Bole,” in Salakhen, “Dilli Ki Sardi” in Zameer, and many more.
Personal Life and Later Works
In 1997, Shweta married Clemens Brandt and moved to Hamburg, Germany, embracing a new chapter in her life. Although they divorced in 2002, this period marked a significant shift in her personal and professional life. After a hiatus, she returned to India in 2015, bringing with her a wealth of experiences and a new perspective on life and music.
Shweta Shetty is not just a singer but also a songwriter and a yoga instructor, showcasing her multifaceted talents. Her journey is a testament to her resilience and passion for her craft. Despite the challenges and changes, she has remained a beloved figure in the Indian music scene.
Her recent works include a collaboration with Delhi-based music producer Addy S, releasing singles like “Daro Na” during the pandemic, which were shot and edited at home. In 2021, she launched a remix of her original song “Jalne Mein Hai Mazza,” which was well-received as a 90s disco revivalist number.
One of her notable international collaborations is with the German artists Mihir Chandan, Madoc, and C-Deep for the celestial and acoustic versions of the “Gayatri Mantra,” released in 2022.
Shweta Shetty’s life and work are a reflection of her dedication to her art. She continues to inspire new artists and remains a cherished icon of the Indian pop music industry.
Shweta Shetty on IMDB
