TheGlitz ‘Super Woman’ Shivali Bhammer began producing bhajans in her teenage years and ended up being the pioneer of contemporary bhajans in the UK. One of her early works called ‘Bolo Ram’, co-produced with Arjun Coomaraswamy, was officially nominated for Best Debut Single. ‘The Bhajan Project’ was nominated for Best Fusion Album at the Global Indian Music Award 2011 for which, she saw great success and she has now released ‘The Bhajan Project 2’ on the 17th of February 2023.
The album is a modern expression of spirituality with a collection of Indian bhajans blended beautifully with a mix of beats and rhythms inspired by classic R & B, rock and pop. It will be available on audio and video streaming platforms like Spotify, AMAZON MP3 SME, iTunes, Hungama, Saavn, ShareChat & Moj, Rizzle Tv, Tik Tok/Bytedance and more. Read on to know more about TheGlitz ‘Super Woman’ Shivali Bhammer.
Your journey has had many momentous milestones. Could you tell TheGlitz about your life-changing journey that has moulded you to be what you are today?
I think life has humbled me. Yes – there have been many momentous milestones like the release of my music albums, or the different places I have lived, but what truly shapes us are the hardships in life. I think they are the moments that chip away at our egos, fears, and insecurities that help us become stronger and bolder. I was lucky to achieve success at a young age – but that just set me up for a life of feeling slightly dissatisfied with myself.
I have felt at times that I have not done enough, and I should have achieved more. With milestones comes a sense of paranoia, you are anxious for the next one, achievers are addicted to achieving! I have had to accept that the universe has a plan, it is in control, there is a limited amount I can do and I just have to really detach, let go and enjoy the ride. When I do that, every moment becomes joyful and illuminating and that is the person I wish to be.
Could you list 3 of your major achievements?
Probably my three bhajan albums and being the youngest devotional artist to be signed by Sony Music BMG. I just finished at Harvard Business School and that was a life goal I had aspired to achieve, but didn’t expect to.
What are the setbacks you have faced? How did you tackle these setbacks or challenges? And what lesson have you learned from it?
There have been many setbacks, both in my personal and professional life – too many to name! However, my father taught me to be a lion. The best way to tackle a setback or challenge is a) don’t wallow in self-pity, or blame the world and others for your problems. And that isn’t easy, I have been in horrendous situations which were not my fault but blaming someone else for too long is just a waste of time.
I have learnt that it is always best to self-reflect: if someone treats you poorly, they are teaching you to be different to them. If you face a challenge in your career, it is an opportunity for you to use your intellect and value system to govern your next moves and behaviors. b) Once respect is gone, it can never be regained, and never compromise your principles and morals for anyone or anything, because self-worth and integrity is life-defining. And finally, c) be generous, in heart, in love, in laughter and materially. The more you give the more the universe gives back because it recognizes an abundance mindset.
When you look back, what are the three qualities in you that have helped you become what you are today?
Courage – I have always been up for anything and everything!
Passion – I throw myself wholeheartedly into the things I do
Love – I forgive and I treat others as I wish to be treated, with great affection, because life is short!
Who are the people who have been the wind behind your wings?
My parents. When things go really really wrong, which they have, they have shown up and picked me up. Yael, my best friend since I was seven years old, I know she will always guide me without any prejudice, discrimination or a personal agenda. And my wider group of close friends in New York and London, I have the best of friends, they defend my silver lining.
Lastly, if there was a quote to define you, what would it be?
It would have to be a Michael Jordan quote since I am a huge fan “You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them”