Shashwat Singh is an Indian playback singer, singer-songwriter and live performer known for his soulful voice and versatile singing style. He has become a prominent voice in contemporary Hindi film music, working with leading composers such as A. R. Rahman, Pritam, Amit Trivedi, Sachin–Jigar, Salim–Sulaiman and others.
He made his Bollywood playback-singing debut with “Wat Wat Wat” from Tamasha (2015). He later gained recognition through songs such as “Sarsariya” from Mohenjo Daro, “Alizeh” from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, “Ruby Ruby” from Sanju, “Haan Main Galat” from Love Aaj Kal, and “Show Me The Thumka” from Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar.
Shashwat is also known for his independent music. He has described himself as an indie artist first and a playback singer second, and has released independent songs including “Yun Kyun,” “Mawaali Dil,” “Burai,” “Kaari” and other projects.
Shashwat Singh was born on 16 October 1990 in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, India. He developed an interest in music at a young age and began exploring different forms of music while growing up.
He studied at St. Joseph's College, Allahabad, and later completed a B.Com degree from Allahabad University. During his early years, he learned acoustic guitar and later studied Hindustani classical flute. He subsequently received formal Western classical music training at A. R. Rahman's KM Music Conservatory in Chennai, where he also studied Carnatic vocals.
Shashwat's professional musical journey began around 2009, when he started creating music with his brother Rishabh Singh. They formed an independent project called Plasmafaith, combining melody and poetry.
The project eventually took different directions, but the experience helped Shashwat develop his identity as an independent musician.
A period away from music following an ACL injury eventually brought him back to his musical ambitions. His independent work later helped him attract the attention of established musicians.
Shashwat Singh made his Bollywood playback debut with “Wat Wat Wat” from Tamasha (2015), composed by A. R. Rahman.
The song was an important breakthrough because it introduced his distinctive voice to a mainstream Bollywood audience.
His association with A. R. Rahman became particularly important to his career, and he later worked with Rahman on several projects.
Shashwat Singh was one of the important vocalists associated with A. R. Rahman's 99 Songs (2020).
He sang multiple songs for the film and became particularly associated with the character Jay, played by Ehan Bhat.
His work on the project demonstrated his ability to move between intimate indie-style singing and larger cinematic compositions.
Some of Shashwat Singh's best-known songs include:
“Sarsariya” from Mohenjo Daro became one of Shashwat Singh's early recognizable playback performances.
The song demonstrated his ability to deliver a romantic, melodic performance while working within a large-scale Bollywood soundtrack.
“Ruby Ruby” from Sanju further increased Shashwat's popularity.
His energetic vocal performance gave the song a distinctive contemporary character and helped establish him as a versatile young playback singer.
Shashwat Singh performed “Haan Main Galat” from Love Aaj Kal alongside Arijit Singh.
The song became one of his recognizable modern Bollywood performances and showcased his ability to blend naturally with another major playback voice.
One of Shashwat's major recent successes is “Show Me The Thumka” from Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar.
His performance earned him the Iconic Gold Award for Best Male Singer in 2024.
Shashwat Singh was also featured on “Zamaana Lage” from Metro... In Dino, alongside Arijit Singh.
The song became one of his notable recent playback releases and further strengthened his association with contemporary Hindi film music.
Alongside Bollywood, Shashwat Singh has maintained a strong independent music career.
His independent releases include:
He has also collaborated with artists such as Nikhita Gandhi, including through their musical project ShNik.
Shashwat Singh is known for combining classical influences with contemporary and indie music.
His musical style includes:
His distinctive vocal tone and expressive delivery have become important characteristics of his singing.
A. R. Rahman has been an important figure in Shashwat's career.
Their association began around the period of Tamasha and continued with projects including 99 Songs and later collaborations.
Shashwat has spoken about Rahman's mentorship and the importance of his encouragement during the early stages of his career.
Shashwat Singh is also an experienced live performer.
He has performed at concerts and music events in India and internationally. His live work allows him to combine his playback repertoire with independent music and acoustic performances.
Shashwat Singh represents a younger generation of Indian singers who successfully move between Bollywood playback music and independent music.
Rather than restricting himself to one musical style, he has explored film songs, indie releases, classical influences, acoustic music and live performance. His collaborations with major composers and singers have helped establish him as one of the recognizable contemporary voices in Hindi music.
Full Name: Shashwat Singh
Profession: Playback Singer, Singer-Songwriter, Live Performer
Date of Birth: 16 October 1990
Birth Place: Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, India
Nationality: Indian
Genres: Bollywood, Pop, Indie, Classical, Fusion
Years Active: 2009–present
Known For: Wat Wat Wat, Sarsariya, Alizeh, Ruby Ruby, Haan Main Galat, Show Me The Thumka