Shoba Narayan has appeared on Broadway as Jasmine in Aladdin, and has held roles in Hamilton and Wicked. An accomplished actress and artist, her debut album, Soft Hours, blends Broadway classics, Indian lullabies and more into a calming record both parents and kids will enjoy equally.
This new project is inspired by becoming a mom to almost two-year-old Leela. “Becoming a mother has added a new dimension to my creative life. It has deepened my appreciation for storytelling, connection, and the small moments that often inspire great art. Many of the projects I’m most excited about today—including my recent album, Soft Hours—grew directly out of that experience,” says Shoba.
For this week’s Meet a Mom, we asked this accomplished South Indian artist about how her immigrant parents inspired her, details of her new album and more.
Tell us about Soft Hours. How was it inspired by your daughter and what can fans expect?
Soft Hours grew out of quiet moments with my daughter. When I was pregnant, I sang to her constantly. After she was born, those moments continued during bedtime, stroller walks, playtime, and all the little moments that make up everyday life with a young child. I found myself returning to songs that had been with me for years—from Broadway favorites to Indian melodies and songs from my own childhood. In many ways, I was comforting her, but also myself in the process.
Over time, I realized I wanted to create an album that captured that feeling and share it with others.The songs on Soft Hours are lush, intimate, and reflective. The album features reimagined Broadway favorites, beloved songs from my childhood, Indian influences, and original music. More than anything, it’s an invitation to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and be present with the people you love.
I often say that these songs became my daughter’s and my first language together before she was even born, and that’s really the heart of the album.
Soft Hours is available on all major streaming platforms.
So lovely! How do you think having immigrant parents influenced your career, and now your own motherhood?
My parents gave me two incredible gifts: roots and wings. They worked hard to preserve our culture while also encouraging me to dream big. Music, dance, language, family traditions, and community were woven into everyday life, and those experiences gave me a strong sense of identity from an early age. At the same time, they encouraged me to pursue opportunities they never had themselves. That combination of strong roots and limitless encouragement shaped both my career and my sense of self.
Now that I’m a mother, I think about their example often. I want my daughter to feel deeply connected to where she comes from while also feeling free to become whoever she wants to be.
How are you sharing your background with your daughter?
Music is woven into almost everything we do. We sing throughout the day—during breakfast, bath time, stroller rides, and bedtime. She hears Broadway songs, Indian music, classical music, and plenty of Disney songs. We’re also sharing our South Indian heritage through food, holidays, language, family gatherings, and dance. I want those traditions to feel joyful and natural rather than something she has to discover later in life.
She absolutely loves music. She dances whenever she hears it and already belts out songs she loves with complete confidence. I’m constantly amazed by how quickly she picks up melodies—she can hear a song once or twice and start singing it back almost immediately. Watching her discover music has been one of the greatest joys of motherhood because it reminds me how universal music really is.
SPEED ROUND WITH SHOBA NARAYAN
Book you’ve read recently: You Are a F*cking Awesome Mom by Leslie Anne Bruce
Go-to beauty product: Dyson Airwrap
Place to grab coffee: Blue Bottle
Place to go to dinner as a family: Fonda Tribeca
Broadway show you’ve seen recently: Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Place to shop for your daughter: Janie and Jack
Mom-uniform pieces (your go-to outfit): A fitted white T-shirt, relaxed wide-leg pants, sneakers, a crossbody bag, and a great pair of sunglasses.
Quick getaway for summer: Anywhere with a pool, a playground, good shopping, and great coffee.
