Sharon Prabhakar on Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi, Bollywood and Women Empowerment

Veteran singer and theatre personality Sharon Prabhakar has never been one to shy away from expressing herself, and in an exclusive chat, she opened up about music legends, Bollywood, stage performances and the importance of self-respect for women. Known for her pioneering contribution to Indian pop and non-film Hindi music, Sharon reflected on her own journey while offering a refreshingly humble take on one of music lovers’ most debated questions: Kishore Kumar or Mohammed Rafi — who was the better singer? Rather than choosing sides, Sharon said, “I have actually performed with Kishor Da. Okay. I did not have the opportunity to perform with Rafi Sahab. But both were phenomenal. I mean who am I to decide which one is better than the other?” Her answer carried the admiration of an artist who understands that legends need not be placed in competition.

Sharon’s connection with the stage and music industry has spanned decades, and her perspective on Bollywood comes from years of experience across films, theatre and live performances. When asked whether Bollywood or theatre gives her a greater high, she pointed to the reach that cinema continues to offer. “You know Bollywood gives you the reach today because I mean and we didn't have online presence back in the days, but the key thing is you need to reach your people. So Bollywood helps you with that. I think that's the reality. Bollywood gives you the reach and I mean we are the biggest music and film producing industry world,” she said. Her words also underline how dramatically the entertainment ecosystem has changed, particularly in an era where audiences and artists can connect instantly through digital platforms.

For Sharon, however, performing is about far more than simply appearing on stage. There is preparation, presentation and an ability to make all that hard work appear effortless once the spotlight comes on. Speaking about performance and bringing an element of flirtation into it, she explained, “When I perform on stage, one of the things that I have learned is you're looking good, your costume fits you, you have rehearsed properly, and the audience doesn't want to see a woman or a man trying hard. So you have to make it look easy, smooth and sexy and flirtatious.” It is a philosophy that reflects the confidence and polish expected from a seasoned live performer.

Yet behind the glamour of performance lies a much deeper message that Sharon is passionate about sharing, particularly with women. She revealed that she regularly conducts motivation and self-empowerment programmes, using her own experiences to encourage women to build their identity through confidence and achievement rather than shortcuts. “I do a lot of motivation and self-empowerment programs with women. This is very important for us as women. Never take the easy route. Don't think you can flirt your way through an open door. Never. Since you are be respected, be admired and be looked up to,” Sharon said. Her message is straightforward: respect should come from what a woman brings to the table, not from relying on charm to get through a door.

Sharon further stressed that women should create their own space rather than depend on superficial advantages. “I have put myself in that stage that I'm not in a situation, You have to make your way out with batting eyelashes,” she added, reinforcing her belief that lasting success comes from ability, determination and self-worth. Her comments are particularly striking coming from an artist whose career has moved across multiple creative worlds. From music and playback singing to theatre and public speaking, Sharon has built a career around performance while continuing to evolve with the times.

With her candid thoughts on Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi, her take on Bollywood’s enormous reach and her strong message of self-empowerment, Sharon Prabhakar offered a glimpse into the values that have shaped her long career. A pioneering voice in Indian pop music, she rose to prominence with her distinctive blend of Indian melodies and Western pop influences and went on to perform on major stages in India and abroad. But perhaps the most revealing part of the conversation was her refusal to reduce artistry to a simple competition. For Sharon, whether it is legendary singers, Bollywood versus theatre or the journey of a woman in the entertainment industry, the real story lies not in choosing the easiest answer, but in earning your place and owning the stage when the lights come on.