Jamshedpur, September 26: Loyola School in Jamshedpur on Thursday felicitated its distinguished alumna, playback singer Shilpa Rao, after she won the National Award for Best Playback Singer, celebrating her rise as one of the most acclaimed voices in contemporary Indian music.
Rao, born in Jamshedpur and trained in Hindustani classical music under renowned musician Hariharan, made her Bollywood debut with “Tose Naina Lage” from the 2007 film Anwar. She has since become known for blending classical depth with modern sounds, with hit songs such as “Javeda Zindagi” (Anwar), “Manmarziyan” (Lootera), “Bulleya” (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil) and “Ghungroo” (War).
At the ceremony, former principals Fr. Pius Fernandes and Fr. Victor Misquith, along with current principal Fr. Vinod Fernandes, presented Rao with a felicitation as the school screened a video tribute to her musical journey.
Rao thanked her alma mater for nurturing her during her school years and urged students to pursue their passions with sincerity, resilience and humility. Responding to requests from students, she also performed some of her favourite songs.
Vice Principal Jayanthi Sheshadri, in her vote of thanks, highlighted Rao’s international recognition and said her success would continue to inspire generations of Loyola students to “dream big and turn those dreams into reality.”
