Exclusive! Blurr music composer Shivangi Bhayana: The struggle of a female music composer in Bollywood is bigger since we are so few in number

Shivangi Bhayana, the co-composer and singer of the title track of the Taapsee Pannu-starrer Blurr, made her debut in Bollywood with the project. While speaking with OTTplay, Shivangi tries to decode the reason behind the dismal number of female music composers in Bollywood, while pointing out that this is not the scenario in the independent music space.

In a conversation with OTTplay, Shivangi, who composed the title track Blurr with Rishi Dutta and sang the female version of the song with rapper Dee MC, said, "I think that finding a space in a business where women are underrepresented is tough, and this is especially true in Bollywood. So, when it comes to female music composers since we have a very few in number, it becomes harder for budding talent. But that is not the case with independent music, where you will come across many female artistes who are singers and songwriters."

Some prominent female composers in Bollywood that one can instantly recall in recent time are Sneha Khanwalkar, Jasleen Royal, Rachita Arora and Samira Koppikar.

Analysing the situation, Shivangi added, "I think it happens in film music more because even now, there are men in decision-making positions, especially when it comes to finance. It's not that there is a dearth of female talent; it's about opportunities. Having said that, the scenario is changing, because there are now more women at the forefront. There are women who are greenlighting projects and making more room for other women."

"For instance, in Blurr, Taapsee is one of the co-producers. She is a very empowering woman and supportive of new talent. So, things are changing slowly, but I definetly want more opportunities," shared the youngster.

Shivani has also lent her voice as a singer in songs like Kudiye Ni Tere from the film Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, Mein Hoon Saath Tere from Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, Chicken Dance from Love Per Square Foot, and I Wanna Tera Ishq from Great Grand Masti, among many others.

As a composer, she has composed music for the song Mann Ki Titiliyaan for the short film Khayali Pulao, which stars YouTuber and actress Prajakta Kohli.

Blurr is available to stream on ZEE5 and OTTplay.