Shreya Jain Says Her Song ‘Na Rahi’ Draws From Personal Life: ‘It’s About Moving On From…’ – News18

Renowned singer-songwriter Shreya Jain has recently unveiled the music video for her latest soul-stirring single, ‘Na Rahi.’ Available for streaming across all major audio platforms, the emotionally charged track invites listeners into a poignant journey of self-discovery and healing.

The poignant track resonates as a powerful anthem for anyone grappling with the aftermath of a broken relationship. Through its evocative lyrics and mesmerizing melody, Shreya captures the raw pain and subsequent strength found in moving forward. The narrative centers on the protagonist’s reflections on shared memories and the excruciating process of letting go. Yet, it is also a celebration of resilience, highlighting the transformative power that comes from embracing a future filled with hope and new beginnings.

In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Shreya Jain opened up about ‘Na Rahi’, reflected upon her music journey, delved into the challenges and got candid about her future goals.

Here are the excerpts:

Shreya, your music often touches on themes of self-discovery and resilience. Can you share a bit about your journey as an artist and what inspires your songwriting?

I find a lot of inspiration in my own life experiences, which often translates into my songwriting. I love crafting songs based on real-life incidents, as they allow me to connect deeply with my emotions and share genuine stories. Additionally, I enjoy exploring my imagination and creating songs about scenarios I envision in my mind. This mix of reality and imagination fuels my creativity and keeps my songwriting dynamic and diverse.

How did you first get started in the music industry, and what has your journey been like up until now?

I was born to an acclaimed Hindustani classical vocalist, Surmani Shyam Jain, and I grew up surrounded by Indian classical music. From my childhood, I’ve been learning music from my father and my Guru Ji. I vividly remember waking up to my father’s riyaz, and my journey into music began then. Despite this musical upbringing, it was only five years ago that I realized I wanted to become a musician. Interestingly, I never initially planned to be a singer; I graduated in interior designing. However, I believe in God’s plan and that certain things are destined for you at the right time. When I got my calling, I knew that music was my true path. Five years ago, I moved to Mumbai and started meeting composers and record labels, and began writing music. For the past year and a half, I’ve been releasing my independent music every 45 days, and it has been an incredible journey. I’ve had the opportunity to perform at major festivals like NH7, which I always dreamt of. I am very grateful for everything that is happening because it feels like a dream come true.

Congratulations on the release of ‘Na Rahi’! What inspired you to write this song, and what does it mean to you personally?

Na Rahi is a song that is very close to my heart. I wrote it a year ago, drawing inspiration from my real-life experiences. The song revolves around the theme of moving on from a past relationship that caused a lot of pain. It captures the process of trying to get over an ex and realizing that the painful memories are fading away, leading you towards a brighter future. At that time, I was going through a breakup and dealing with the toxicity of that relationship. Many of us have experienced such toxic phases, and I was in one for a long time. The feelings I had during that period are exactly what inspired me to write Na Rahi. Interestingly, after writing it, I initially rejected the song. But six months ago, I listened to it again and realized how beautiful and relatable it was. I decided to make a few changes, adjusting the key and re-recording the guitar parts. That’s how Na Rahi came to be. I believe many people will connect with its message and emotions.

‘Na Rahi’ deals with the themes of healing and empowerment. Can you talk about the process of creating a song with such emotional depth and the message you hope it conveys?

Yes, Na Rahi deals with themes of healing and empowerment. I believe it’s important for everyone to recognize that they don’t have to be dependent on their partners or others for their happiness and strength. Instead, it’s crucial to realize that we can be a great source of strength for ourselves. With Na Rahi, I wanted to convey that message—sometimes, you are enough for yourself, and it’s essential to be there for yourself before relying on anyone else. The song is definitely drawn from my personal experiences. I was going through a breakup, and I had amazing friends supporting me as I tried to move on. This support system was crucial, but ultimately, I needed to find strength within myself. That’s the essence of Na Rahi.

The song reflects on the strength needed to move on from a failed relationship. How much of ‘Na Rahi’ is drawn from personal experience?

Na Rahi is inspired by my personal story of moving on. When it came time to record the vocals for the song, I was very deliberate about achieving an intimate vocal delivery. I wanted the vocals to feel as if I were sitting right in front of the listener, singing their feelings back to them—like a conversation.

To accomplish this, I drew inspiration from artists like Billie Eilish and Lizzy McAlpine, whose songs often feel incredibly intimate, almost as if they’re singing directly into your ear. I spent a lot of time studying their techniques on YouTube and tried to emulate that sense of closeness in Na Rahi. I’m not sure if I fully achieved it, but I did my best, and I hope listeners can feel that intimacy and connection in the song.

The lyrics of ‘Na Rahi’ are very evocative. What was your approach to writing lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners? Can you walk us through your creative process when writing ‘Na Rahi’? How did you find the right balance between expressing pain and conveying hope?

My lyrics writing process usually revolves around exactly what I’m feeling at that moment. As I mentioned earlier, Na Rahi was written during a time when I was moving on from a relationship that had caused me a lot of pain and felt meaningless. I felt like I had wasted a lot of time on it, so I poured those feelings directly into my lyrics. I prefer using simple words, the kind we use in everyday conversation, to express myself authentically. In terms of production, I believe in translating my emotions and experiences into the music. For example, Na Rahi is very minimalist, featuring just guitars and vocals because during my breakup, I felt very vulnerable and numb. I wanted the production to reflect that rawness, so I kept it bare minimum. I love experimenting with different genres. I’ve written and produced rock, pop, classical, and electronic music. However, I always try to align the production with what the song demands, based on its composition and lyrics. To me, it’s important that each song gets the treatment it deserves to convey its message effectively. Every musician has a different approach, but this is how I like to express my emotions and experiences through my music. I strive to do what feels right for each piece, ensuring it resonates with both myself and the listeners.

The music video for ‘Na Rahi’ is visually stunning. How involved were you in the conceptualization and production of the video?

I conceptualized the music video for Na Rahi, and my very talented friend Ray Mudhafre shot and edited it. It’s one of my favorite music videos to date. I wanted to shoot it under the shower because I feel that many of us have experienced moments where taking a shower represents washing away unwanted feelings and starting fresh. The act of showering can feel symbolic of getting over something or beginning anew, and that’s the essence I wanted to capture in the video. That’s why the entire music video is shot in a bathroom with me under the shower, symbolizing the cleansing process and the fresh start associated with moving on.

What message did you want to convey through the visuals in the ‘Na Rahi’ music video?

I’m in the process of moving on from a difficult relationship and trying to look forward to a better future. The message I wanted to convey with Na Rahi is that sometimes you need to let go of things that are causing you pain and hurting you. The shower in the music video symbolizes this process of cleansing and renewal. It’s important to decide to let go of those painful feelings. I want to encourage everyone who is going through similar pain and feels disrespected in a relationship not to ignore these feelings. Your mind and body are telling you something important, and you should embrace these signals. Holding on to someone who is not good for you is not going to help. I’ve received a lot of direct messages from people who resonate with the song and its lyrics, sharing that they are going through similar phases. This means a lot to me, as I wrote this song for everyone who is in that situation. I hope the song reaches as many people as possible, helping them find the courage to move on from something painful. I would like to urge everyone to put themselves first at least sometimes. If you aren’t there for yourself, you can’t be there for anyone else, and you can’t expect others to always be there for you. Take care of yourself, let go of negative energy, and the things that are dragging you down. Sometimes, you have to experience pain to get to something good. Be hopeful and let the bad feelings and negative energies go.

Why do you think it is important to write and sing about themes such as healing and empowerment?

I believe it’s very important, especially considering that we are seeing a troubling number of young people and influencers struggling with mental health issues. Many are dealing with depression and anxiety, and some even tragically resort to committing suicide. Often, people don’t share what they’re going through because they fear that others won’t understand, or they think seeking help from a therapist is a sign of weakness—which it absolutely is not. That’s why I feel that songs about healing and empowerment are so crucial. When we’re sad, depressed, or not feeling right, many of us turn to music for comfort. I believe that around 70-80% of people use music as a way to heal. Having more songs that focus on healing and empowerment can be extremely beneficial for everyone dealing with stress, depression, anxiety, sadness, or breakups. So, yes, we definitely need more songs that speak to healing and empowerment. These songs can provide support and strength to those who are struggling, helping them to feel understood and less alone.

What upcoming projects or collaborations can we look forward to from you?

I’ve been working on my first independent EP, and I’m so excited about it. The EP is scheduled for release in August, and I can hardly wait to share it with everyone. My main goal is to create music, tour, and perform my songs live. I want to connect with people and have them sing along with me. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life—touring and making music in every city and every country. Bringing my music to as many people as possible is my dream, and I’m eager to make it a reality.

What has been the most challenging part of your musical journey, and how did you overcome it?

One of the most challenging aspects of my journey has been dealing with the moments when my songs don’t resonate or perform as well as I had hoped. In those instances, it can be disheartening and tough, but I understand that it’s a natural part of the process. Life has its highs and lows, moments of joy and moments of disappointment. It can be challenging to stay motivated and to let go of something that I’ve poured my heart and soul into. While we talk about the importance of letting go, it’s a difficult phase to accept when something that was personally significant doesn’t work out as planned. Despite the challenges, I recognize that it’s a learning experience, and I am gradually learning to cope with it. As I continue to write and release more songs, I hope to grow in my ability to detach slightly from each creation. Currently, I still find myself very attached to every song of mine, treating them like my own babies. It’s a process of growth and development that I’m navigating, understanding that some songs may not connect as strongly as others, but each holds a special place in my heart.

Who has been your biggest supporter throughout your career, and how have they influenced your growth?

My parents, both my father and mother, have been the pillar of support throughout my career and journey in music. My father, an acclaimed Hindustani classical vocalist, has been a tremendous influence on me. Growing up in a family where music was ingrained, I had the privilege of listening to his artistry from a young age. He has always been incredibly supportive of my endeavors. Whether it was my decision to move to Mumbai, write my own music, or even experiment with my fashion choices—my father has stood by me every step of the way. Despite coming from a conservative background where certain aspects of fashion might not be readily accepted, my parents have always trusted me and my vision. Their unwavering support and belief in me have been a blessing in my life. I am grateful for having such amazing parents who have encouraged and backed me in everything I have pursued.

Name a song that always lifts your spirits?

One song that truly resonates with me and motivates me is ‘Unstoppable’ by Sia. It holds a special place in my heart, and whenever I listen to it, it inspires me to keep pushing forward.

What’s your favorite place to find inspiration for your music?

My favorite place is my studio at home. It’s where I find my greatest motivation. Even on days when I struggle to create something new or lack creative energy, I spend time practicing the piano, guitar, or doing my riyaz. This spot in my house is not just my favorite; it’s my sanctuary—the place where I feel most driven and connected to my craft.

Name an artist you’d love to collaborate with?

One of my biggest dreams is to collaborate with the maestro, AR Rahman sir, at least once. It’s a dream I hold close to my heart, and I truly hope it becomes a reality one day. I firmly believe in dreaming big and never being afraid to chase those dreams. I always encourage others to dream big because dreams have the power to manifest into reality.”