For some artists, music becomes a profession. For others, it becomes a way of life. For Shashi Suman, music has been a lifelong pursuit shaped by discipline, classical training, experimentation and an enduring connection with his roots in Bihar.
From learning rhythm and taal as a young boy to performing on national television and eventually becoming a singer and composer in Bollywood, Suman’s journey reflects what years of dedication can build. And as he continues to explore new sounds, his latest release, “Lambodar”, brings another musical chapter to his evolving journey.
From Bihar to a Life in Music
Shashi Suman’s relationship with music began at home in Bihar. His father, who had learnt the tabla during his college years, became his first teacher. Those early lessons introduced him to rhythm, taal and the discipline that lies at the heart of Indian music.
As he grew older, Suman developed a deep interest in the work of legendary musicians and vocalists including Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Their music shaped his understanding of classical discipline while teaching him the importance of emotion and expression.
His pursuit of formal training began at a remarkably young age. At around 12 or 13, he left his home in Bihar and moved to Lucknow to train under Ustad Gulshan Bharti Ji. Living away from his family and dedicating long hours to riyaaz demanded discipline and resilience, qualities that would later become central to his professional journey.
Finding His Voice on National Television
Suman’s musical journey reached a much larger audience through television platforms such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Indian Idol. These experiences brought him recognition across the country while also exposing him to the realities of a competitive music industry.
For Suman, however, visibility was only one part of the journey. The larger lesson was the importance of continuous learning and staying committed to the craft.
When he eventually moved to Mumbai with dreams of becoming a playback singer, the city opened doors to opportunities that expanded his understanding of music. His association with musicians such as Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Aadesh Shrivastava and Sanjay Leela Bhansali introduced him to different dimensions of filmmaking and music production.
From Playback Dreams to Composition
One of his early milestones came with “Mora Piya” from Raajneeti, where Aadesh Shrivastava entrusted him with the classical portions of the song. It was an opportunity to bring his classical grounding into the world of mainstream Hindi cinema.
His defining breakthrough came with “Ziddi Dil” from Mary Kom. The song, composed while Suman himself was unwell, went on to become an inspiring anthem associated with courage, determination and perseverance. Its impact established the strength of his musical voice and became one of the significant works of his career.
His subsequent work on films such as Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat further strengthened his understanding of how music can contribute to cinematic storytelling. Rather than functioning merely as an accompaniment, music, in these projects, became an important part of the emotional world of the film.
Rooted in Tradition, Open to Experimentation
Despite his classical foundation, Suman has never restricted himself to one musical style. His work demonstrates an ability to move between traditional influences and contemporary commercial sounds.
Songs such as “Burj Khalifa” showcased his versatility in commercial music, while his recent work, including “Undi Bundi” from Prem Keetanu, reflects his willingness to explore contemporary musical spaces.
His upcoming film Sila, starring Harshvardhan Rane and directed by Omung Kumar, marks another phase in this continuing evolution.
Yet, through all these experiments, Bihar remains an important part of his creative identity. The region’s folk traditions, earthy melodies and cultural richness continue to inform his musical sensibility.
Shashi Suman’s New Song “Lambodar” Released Today
Adding another dimension to his musical journey, Shashi Suman has released his new devotional track “Lambodar” today, September 15, 2026. The song is presented as a tribute to Lord Ganesha, arriving with a festive visual identity rooted in the atmosphere of Ganesh Utsav.
According to the release artwork, Suman serves as the singer and composer, with Deepali Sathe featuring as the female vocalist. The track has been released under OG Music and is now available across music platforms.
“Lambodar” brings together devotional imagery and a contemporary musical presentation, with the visual featuring Lord Ganesha at the centre of a vibrant celebration. The release also reflects Suman’s continued ability to move between different musical forms while retaining the expressive foundation of his training.
The timing of the release adds to its relevance, as Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations bring devotional music, community and cultural expression into public spaces across India.
A Journey Still in Progress
From the tabla lessons of his childhood in Bihar to the demanding riyaaz of his formative years, from reality television to Bollywood studios, Shashi Suman’s journey has been built less on instant success and more on persistence.
His career also reflects the changing possibilities for a classically trained musician in contemporary Indian cinema. He has moved across genres, collaborated with established names and embraced commercial music without completely stepping away from the traditions that shaped him.
For Suman, music has never been solely about fame. At its core, it remains about creating an emotional connection with the listener.
And with “Lambodar” now adding another note to his repertoire, that journey continues, carrying the sounds of his roots into new musical spaces.