Mumbai, March 14 – Bollywood superstar singer Shreya Ghoshal was deeply moved when the Indian Idol stage brought her a special surprise during her birthday week.
The special episode, celebrating the timeless music of Mohammed Rafi and Mukesh in the presence of legendary composer Pyarelal Sharma, became even more heartfelt as the show brought Shreya together with her Guru, who laid the foundation of her impeccable singing.
As the episode began, host Aditya Narayan read out a letter that Shreya Ghoshal had written to her first Guru, Mahesh Chandra Sharma, when she was a child.
The letter read: "Namaste, I hope you are doing well. I haven't been able to start my formal training here yet. My father is currently trying to get in touch with a good teacher. After coming here, I used to go to Kalyan Ji's house for a few days to learn, but I got jaundice in the meantime, so I couldn't go there for a month. I also practice the lessons you taught me every day. I hope you will accept my sincere respect. With blessings, Shreya Ghoshal."
Listening to this heartfelt memory from her early musical journey, Shreya Ghoshal replied, "I wrote this letter years ago to my Guruji, Mahesh Chandra Sharma."
Just then, a voice from behind surprised everyone on the set. It was Shreya's beloved Guruji himself.
Responding to the letter, Mahesh Chandra Sharma said, "At that time, I couldn't reply to this letter, but I definitely wanted to now. People know their students by the name of their Guru, but I am proud that people know me by the name of Shreya."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Shreya came on the stage and touched the feet of her Guruji.
The episode also revisited Shreya’s early musical journey.
Sharing memories of her childhood training days, she said, "It was very hot in Rajasthan. There was a bus that would take us for a couple of hours, and we would have to cross the jungle to reach the other side."
She added, "From the bus station, we would walk to a place, then take a right, and then our house would be there. And when I would see our house, I would feel like I was reaching a temple."
Adding to the emotional moment, her Guru gifted her a diary where he had documented every lesson and composition he had curated over the years.
While presenting the diary, he said, "I have brought this book for you, from the very beginning to the last class. This is my entire life's work."
Receiving the gift, a teary-eyed Shreya bowed down to seek her Guruji’s blessings.
Moved by the heartfelt gesture, he then requested her to sing the song ‘Bairi Piya’ from the film Devdas.
Honouring his request, Shreya delivered a melodious rendition in his presence.