Singer and composer Shekhar Ravjiani, renowned for his musical contributions as part of the Vishal-Shekhar duo, recently shared a deeply personal experience with his fans. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Ravjiani revealed that he lost his voice two years ago due to a medical condition called Left Vocal Cord Paresis.

This diagnosis, made by Dr. Nupur Nerurkar, left the celebrated musician devastated. He openly admitted, “Honestly, I was pessimistic... I thought I would never be able to sing again.” The thought of losing his ability to sing was particularly heart-wrenching for the artist, whose career had been defined by his powerful voice in songs like Zehnaseeb and Ishq Wala Love.

WHAT IS VOCAL CORD PARESIS?

Vocal Cord Paresis, also known as vocal cord paralysis, is a condition in which the vocal cords do not open or close properly. This can lead to difficulty speaking, singing, and even breathing, depending on the severity of the condition. The paralysis is typically caused by nerve damage, which can result from viral infections, surgeries, or other underlying health issues. While some people may only experience mild hoarseness, others, like Ravjiani, may lose their voice entirely.

For Ravjiani, the diagnosis was both shocking and frightening, but it was the emotional toll it took on his family that added to his distress. He recalled how his loved ones were deeply concerned about him, and while he tried to stay positive, he too found himself battling fear and uncertainty. “My family was worried, and I wasn’t happy seeing them all stressed out. I just prayed harder,” Ravjiani shared. Despite the challenges, he continued to work and push forward, refusing to give up.

SHEKHAR RAVJIANI'S RECOVERY

Amid his struggles, Ravjiani's journey took a pivotal turn when he traveled to San Diego, where he met Dr. Erin Walsh, a specialist who would play a crucial role in his recovery. Unable to meet in person due to COVID-19 restrictions, Ravjiani and Dr. Walsh conducted their first consultation via Zoom. Describing the emotional moment, Ravjiani said, “I remember tears rolling down uncontrollably as I told her that I wanted to be able to sing again. I begged her to please do something.”

Dr. Walsh reassured him that he should not blame himself for his condition and made it clear that recovery was possible. "She made me believe that I could sing again, which was the first step," he recalled. Even though his voice sounded weak and strained at times, Ravjiani felt empowered by Dr. Walsh’s positivity and dedication. “Each time I cried, I croaked, and began to hate the sound of my voice... but, she was unwavering,” he explained. “Her sheer determination, dedication, and positivity made my paralyzed left vocal cord come back to normal within a few weeks.”

Thanks to Dr. Walsh’s expertise and the unwavering support from his family and medical team, Ravjiani eventually regained his voice. In his post, he expressed his immense gratitude, saying, “I am absolutely fine now. And can sing even better than I used to. Thank you, Dr. Erin Walsh, for being my angel on earth.”

The singer also extended his support to others who may have suffered similar conditions, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I have met a lot of people who lost their voices post-COVID. There is a way. There is a solution. Just be positive and believe,” Ravjiani wrote. His message resonated with many of his followers, who flooded the comments with well wishes and admiration for his strength and resilience.

THE IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVITY

Ravjiani’s recovery journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. Vocal cord paresis, though debilitating, is not an irreversible condition, and Ravjiani’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. “Always keep hope in your hearts, people. There will always be angels out there who will find you and heal you,” he concluded, sharing a message of optimism and faith with his followers.

Today, Ravjiani continues to create music, inspire others, and use his platform to encourage those facing their own struggles. His story is a beacon of hope for anyone dealing with health challenges, especially those affecting their voices.