With the arrival of the auspicious Chhath festival across Bihar, devotional melodies celebrating the Sun God have begun resonating through the region. Folk artists across the state routinely craft fresh compositions to mark the festive season, enriching an atmosphere deeply steeped in spiritual devotion. Joining this musical tradition is singer Sonam Shree, hailing from the Jehanabad district, who is launching her latest devotional track ahead of the celebrations. The upcoming release features the lyrics, Kekar lali lali ankhiya kekar lambi lambi kes, adding to her expanding repertoire of festive music.
Transitioning from Local Stages to State Cultural Events
Having previously recorded several devotional numbers for Chhath, Sonam Shree has developed a multifaceted performing style that spans traditional folk as well as diverse musical forms. Her performances have earned her invitations to major stages, encompassing both private cultural functions and official government celebrations. Reflecting on her professional milestones, she highlighted her participation in the Shravani Mahotsav at Deoghar, where she performed continuously across a month-long schedule of cultural festivities. Her current performance diary remains packed, leaving her with barely any downtime at home.
An Accidental Debut Alongside a Dancer Friend
The trajectory that brought the vocalist into the spotlight began under humble and unplanned circumstances. A close friend, who worked as a stage dancer, invited Sonam to accompany her to a live event. Sonam stayed on site throughout the night. As the programme neared its conclusion, members of the accompanying musical group handed her a microphone. Overcome with nervous hesitation, her hands visibly trembled, yet she managed to deliver a song. The positive reception and genuine encouragement she received from the listeners that evening marked the definitive beginning of her vocal career.
Enduring Social Scorn, Backlash, and Solitary Independence
The initial validation on stage was swiftly met with severe personal turbulence. When word of her stage performance reached her household, her family voiced sharp disapproval and opposed her artistic inclinations. Societal attitudes in her vicinity proved equally harsh, with community members subjecting her to derogatory remarks, even labeling her a nachaniya. The hostility and mounting pressure eventually forced her to move away from home, compelling her to navigate her personal and artistic journey in complete independence.
Working as a Beautician to Fuel 4 Years of Intense Grind
In the formative stages of her career, live stage assignments yielded no remuneration, precipitating a steep financial decline. To manage daily living expenses and sustain herself, Sonam drew upon her vocational training as a beautician and secured employment at an establishment. The modest income from this job allowed her to stay afloat while keeping her musical ambitions alive. Her active singing career formally commenced in 2018, followed by three to four years of rigorous, persistent effort. Today, alongside her demanding schedule on major performance stages, she is actively pursuing formal education in music.
