Shayra Apporva is a rising lyricist making a mark in the Indian music industry. Passionate about poetry and songwriting, her journey has been one of resilience, talent, and navigating the challenges of the independent and commercial music space. Associated with Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS) and Sony Music Publishing, Shayara has evolved from an independent songwriter to a sought-after lyricist in Bollywood. In this conversation with RAGA2ROCK, she shares her experiences, challenges, and aspirations for the future.
R2R: Shayra, you started writing at a very young age. What inspired you to become a lyricist?
Shayra: I have always been drawn to writing. Poetry came naturally to me, but I never thought of it as a career initially. Over time, I realized that songwriting could be my way of expressing emotions while reaching a wider audience. That’s when I started taking it seriously.
R2R: You mentioned that you don’t consider yourself an independent artist. Can you elaborate?
Shayra: Yes, because independent artists usually sing and produce their own music. I am a lyricist, so my role is different. But I do understand the struggles of independent artists because I’ve faced my own challenges. In the past, I worked with well-known indie artists who called it a “collaboration” but never compensated me. True collaboration means fair credit and fair payment, which, unfortunately, doesn’t always happen.
R2R: How did you overcome these challenges?
Shayra: I’m in a much better place now because I have a management team that takes care of contracts, payments, and credits. This allows me to focus on what I love—writing.
R2R: Do you plan to work with independent artists in the future?
Shayra: I don’t mind working with independent artists, but I prefer it when a label is involved. That way, everything is structured, and there is a clear understanding of payments and credit distribution.
R2R: You’ve also expressed interest in writing for films and web shows. What are your future aspirations?
Shayra: Yes, I want to write more songs for films, but beyond that, I also write screenplays and stories. My long-term goal is to direct my own films in the next four to five years. I’m still figuring out whether I’ll do it independently or with a production house, but I definitely want to create films while continuing to write music.
R2R: What were some key turning points in your journey?
Shayra: There were three major turning points:
• The First Turning Point: When I was a student, I wrote for a short film, and they held a press conference. I was just 18 or 19 and hadn’t told my parents about it. In fact, I changed my name because they were unsure about me entering the entertainment industry. The next day, my interview appeared in a local newspaper, and my parents found out. That was the moment I had to be honest with them about my career aspirations. Thankfully, they eventually supported me.
• The Second Turning Point: During the COVID-19 pandemic, I wrote Khayal, an independent song that gained a lot of streams. As a lyricist, I wasn’t given enough credit, but somehow, the song reached Armaan Malik, and he loved it. He connected me with composer Abhijeet Shrivastava, and since then, Abhijeet and I have been working together. Armaan even asked us to create a new song, which was another major turning point. It gave me a sense of validation.
• The Third Turning Point: My Bollywood debut as a lyricist for the film Bad News was a dream come true. The experience was incredible, and Azeem from the project loved my song. Right now, I’m working on other film projects, and I’m excited about what’s coming next.
R2R: Do you think being a lyricist is easier compared to being a singer in the industry?
Shayra: I never really thought about it that way. Singers face more challenges because they have to constantly be in the public eye. As a writer, I mostly work from home and share my lyrics with the respective people. I’m not great at socializing, so sometimes this works to my advantage, and other times, it can be a limitation.
R2R: Have you ever had to challenge internalized biases in your writing?
Shayra: Yes, definitely. Recently, during a writing camp, we were discussing internalized patriarchy. Sometimes, while writing a song, I unconsciously adopt a male perspective. I’ve now become more aware of this and make conscious efforts to tweak my writing accordingly.
R2R: Was there any lyricist who inspired you when you were growing up?
Shayra: Yes, Manoj Muntashir. He is from my hometown, and I have always admired his work. I remember when he won an IIFA award, the entire city celebrated. At the event, he shared how he used to write poetry during math classes, and I felt a deep connection because I used to do the same. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a lyricist.
R2R: Looking back, how do you feel about your journey so far?
Shayra: The journey has been full of learning, struggles, and growth. From writing poetry in school to working in Bollywood and collaborating with established artists, it’s been a rollercoaster. There’s still a long way to go, but I’m excited for what’s ahead.
