Shilpa Rao, born Apeksha Rao on 11 April 1984, is an Indian singer hailing from Jamshedpur. She completed her Post Graduation in Applied Statistics from St. Xavier's College in Mumbai before venturing into her singing career. Rao initially worked as a jingle singer for three years before making her Bollywood debut in 2007 with the song "Tose Naina" from the film Anwar, which became a popular hit.

Her breakthrough came with the release of the songs "Woh Ajnabi" from The Train (2007) and "Khuda Jaane" from Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), which earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer. She further gained recognition for her collaboration with renowned composers like Ilaiyaraaja for Paa (2009) and A.R. Rahman for Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012), Dhoom 3 (2013), and Bang Bang! (2014). Rao's association with Amit Trivedi resulted in notable songs such as "Manmarziyaan" from Lootera (2013).

Rao is known for her versatility and experimentation with different musical styles and genres. She was the final Indian singer to perform in Coke Studio Pakistan with the song "Paar Chanaa De" (2016). Additionally, her rendition of "Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo" from the deluxe edition of the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil soundtrack (2016) received critical acclaim.

Throughout her career, Rao has shown a willingness to explore new styles and collaborate with various composers and artists. She has been praised for her unique interpretations and expressions in her songs. In addition to her music career, Rao has also supported charitable organizations and causes.

Rao's journey in the music industry started with her father, S Venkat Rao, who trained her in music and helped her develop a deep understanding of different ragas. She began performing live with Hariharan and eventually moved to Mumbai, where she established her career as a jingle singer. Over the years, she has gained recognition for her soulful and versatile voice, making her one of the prominent singers in the Indian music industry.