Shanti Hiranand's song is equally reflective of her own philosophical quest and unbridled creativity. By her command over sur (note), soch (thought) and rooh (soul) she emphasizes the nuances of mood and feelings inherent in lyrics with rare ease and artistry. Born in Lucknow, the seat of Awadh thumri and ghazal, her training began in her childhood and she gave her first public performance in March 1947 in Lahore. After partition her parents shifted back to Lucknow and her training resumed under Ustad Ahjaz Hussain khan of Rampur in Khayal Gayaki. In 1952, Shanti Hiranand reached a turning point in her life when she finally met her Guru, guide and mentor in the queen of thumri and ghazal, the late Begum Akhtar.

Shanti Hiranand put in over 20 years of dedication in true Guru-shishya spirit, to master her mentor's true style. A highly popular performer of thumri, dadra and ghazals, her Lucknow Gayaki is embellished with richly patterned harkats and murkis, typical of the Punjab-ang and akaars from Purab-ang of thumri gayaki.