Lockdown No Barrier For Nikhita Gandhi
Singer Nikhita Gandhi has carved a niche for herself in the music industry with chartbusters like Raabta (Raabta), Ullu ka Pattha (Jagga Jasoos), Qaafirana (Kedarnath), Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe (Stree) and many more. Apart from Hindi, she has recorded songs in other Indian languages including Tamil, Telugu, Bengali and Kannada. Nikhita is also a recipient of several awards for songs like Raabta title track, ‘Ghar’ from ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’, ‘Tomra Ekhono Ki’ from Bengali movie ‘Meghnad Badh Rahasya’.
Her recent track ‘Kamli’ composed by Bharat Goel has crossed one million views on YouTube within a few days of its release. ‘Kamli’ tells the story of a girl in awe of a boy who she secretly admires. Mesmerised and in a trance, she waits for him to fall in love with her. Though recorded at home during the Covid-19 lockdown, the song is a classic example of cutting-edge composition and production.
In a candid chat with My City Links, Nikhita ruminates about her musical journey so far.
Your recent release ‘Kamli’ has been well-received by the audience. Tell us how difficult or easy it was to record during the lockdown?
‘Kamli’ is a collaboration that happened entirely during the lockdown. But it wasn’t difficult since both I and Bharat have our musical setup at home. Bharat gave me the tracks and I recorded the vocals before sending the same back to him. That’s the best thing about being a self-sufficient musician. I know how to compose and range which made the entire process easy and fun.
Do you follow or incorporate the style of other singers while singing?
I am not the kind of singer who copies anybody’s style. But I am influenced by the music I listen to. I don’t idolise any single person or genre and this actually helps me to maintain my style and originality.
In your musical journey so far, who’s your mentor or source of inspiration?
Over the years, I have had a lot of people who guided me throughout my journey. My parents encouraged me to pursue my passion right from childhood. Even when I decided to make music my career, they were totally okay with the idea. Besides, I would like to thank Usha aunty (Usha Uthup) for playing an instrumental role in my life. This apart, I am grateful to all the musicians I have met over the years, be it AR Rahman or Pritam Da. Each one of them has contributed to my successful musical career.
You were inclined toward music from a very young age. At what age did you exactly develop the taste for music?
I learned Odissi from a very tender age. Besides, when I was four or five years old, I started taking Hindustani lessons. During those days, my father used to sing more complex songs. I would listen to my dad practising and pick up the notes from there. Music always fascinated me and I was more interested in learning different styles.
Share your experience of working with musical maestro AR Rahman?
With AR Rahman sir, every recording is a different and unique experience. He is versatile, multi-talented and a wonderful person to work with. There is so much to learn from him.
How did ‘Raabta’ happen?
‘Raabta’ was pure luck. I had done a few auditions and when this song was given to me for try-out, I thought it would not go to its final stage. I had this notion that they will be using my vocals for shoot mix. I never imagined in my wildest dream that the song would end up in my voice. Till ‘Raabta’ hit the screens, I could not come to terms with the fact that I had sung the title track. It was a surreal experience.
How are you keeping yourself busy during the lockdown?
Actually, I am into a lot of things. To keep me busy, I cook, bake and do the household chores. I spent the first two days of lockdown painting my kitchen and revamping my house. These activities not only keep you occupied but also act as a stress buster.
Tell us about your upcoming projects?
Right now, I am involved in several projects. But I can’t divulge the details at the moment. When the right time comes, everything will be revealed.
Watch her latest release, Kamli, here: