Renowned vocalist Shilpa Rao was honoured with the Best Playback Singer – Female award at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025 for her mesmerising rendition of “Mere Mehboob” from Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. Her soul-stirring vocals and emotional depth in the song captivated audiences across the nation, reaffirming her place as one of Indian cinema’s most versatile and expressive contemporary voices.

Mumbai, Maharashtra – Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025, India’s most prestigious platform for recognising cinematic and musical brilliance, felicitated Shilpa Rao with the Best Playback Singer – Female title for her remarkable performance in “Mere Mehboob” from Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. The glittering ceremony, held at DOME, SVP Stadium, Mumbai, was attended by leading figures from the film, music, and television industries who gathered to celebrate the artistic achievements that continue to shape the landscape of Indian entertainment.

This year’s theme, “A World Stage – The Global Legacy of Indian Cinema,” embodied the festival’s commitment to honouring India’s cultural legacy while celebrating the artists whose work resonates across borders. The grand event illuminated the spirit of creativity, innovation, and excellence that defines Indian cinema, music, and storytelling.

In “Mere Mehboob”, Shilpa Rao delivered a heartfelt performance that encapsulated longing, vulnerability, and elegance. Her velvety voice, coupled with her signature ability to express raw emotion through subtle phrasing, brought the composition to life in the most enchanting way. The song’s melodious arrangement and evocative lyrics perfectly complemented Rao’s expressive delivery, resulting in a musical experience that touched hearts and lingered long after the last note faded.

Known for her distinctive tone and versatility, Shilpa Rao has consistently redefined playback singing in Indian cinema. Her rendition of “Mere Mehboob” stands as a testament to her mastery of emotional storytelling through music. She effortlessly balances technical precision with heartfelt expression, weaving an intricate tapestry of sound that resonates universally. Her artistry continues to inspire young musicians and reaffirms her reputation as one of the most sophisticated voices in modern Indian music.

Upon receiving the award, Shilpa Rao expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am truly humbled to receive this honour at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards. ‘Mere Mehboob’ is a song that is very close to my heart, and I’m thankful to the team who made it such a beautiful experience to create. I believe music has the power to connect souls, and I’m grateful to continue being part of stories that move people.”

The award celebrates not only Rao’s vocal brilliance but also her enduring contribution to Indian music. Over the years, she has lent her voice to some of the most iconic tracks in Bollywood such as Khuda Jaane, Bulleya, Manmarziyan, and Chaleya. Each of these songs bears her unmistakable signature – a fusion of technical prowess, emotional intelligence, and timeless grace.

The magnificent evening also featured mesmerising live performances by Usha Uthup, Kavita Seth, Kanishk Seth, Varun Jain, Stebin Ben, Anjana Padmanabhan, and the dynamic Demolition Crew, who captivated the audience with their soulful and high-energy acts. The event was masterfully hosted by the ever-charming Varun Sharma and Aparshakti Khurana, whose wit and energy kept the atmosphere lively and joyous throughout.

Over the years, the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards has evolved into India’s most distinguished platform for recognising excellence in film, television, and music. Upholding the legacy of Shri Dadasaheb Phalke Ji, the Father of Indian Cinema, the festival continues to promote artistic innovation and cultural preservation, celebrating talent that transcends time and genre.

The recognition of Shilpa Rao for “Mere Mehboob” underlines the festival’s enduring commitment to honouring the music that forms the emotional backbone of cinema. Her win symbolises not only her personal excellence but also the collective spirit of collaboration that drives India’s thriving creative industry. As the 2025 edition of the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards drew to a close, it stood as a glorious testament to the transformative power of art and music. Through its recognition of luminaries like Shilpa Rao, DPIFF continues to inspire artists across generations to explore new horizons, tell meaningful stories, and elevate Indian artistry on a global stage.For more information on Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025, visit https://www.instagram.com/dpiff_official/