Music has been a part of her life ever since she was four years old. Raised in Canada, she had long ago fixed her goal of becoming an acclaimed performer. Today, Jonita Gandhi is known for lending her voice to hit songs like ‘Sau Tarah Ke’, ‘Pink Anthem’, ‘The Breakup Song’ and ‘Gilheriyaan’.
Apart from having her own popular YouTube channel, Jonita Gandhi has made her presence felt across music industries in the country with her multi-lingual songs. She shares some light moments with Anila Kurian about her tryst with music and the
after-effects.
How was your experience of singing a Kannada song?
‘Niruttara’ is the first Kannada film that I am singing for. ‘Aalangisu Baa Nannanu’ was a difficult song for me to sing, especially since I don’t know the language. But the team was very understanding and helpful. They explained the lyrics to me and also helped with the pronunciation of words.
You’ve sung songs in different languages. Which one is the most difficult for you?
I find Tamil and Malayalam difficult to sing and understand. I am yet to sing an official Malayalam song, but I hope to do so soon.
What are the other projects you’re working on?
I’ve had a couple of releases in Bollywood recently — ‘Gilheriyaan’ from ‘Dangal’ and ‘The Breakup Song’ from ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’. I’m working on a Tamil song right now and focussing on my YouTube channel as well.
Your opinion about YouTube as a platform for artistes.
I’m thrilled that there is a platform for artistes to showcase their talent. If it weren’t for my YouTube channel and for the covers I did sitting at home in Toronto, I wouldn’t have been where I am now. It’s definitely a saviour for many.
How do you juggle time between music projects and your YouTube channel?
It is very difficult, I must say. I travel a lot and finding time to juggle the two is almost impossible. But I am doing my best to remain involved with my channel for my followers. I would never want to stop doing that.
So when do you take a break?
(Laughs) I try to manage some time off between work. Since travel is a big part of my work, if it is a great location, I try to extend my stay and enjoy the place. My latest stint like that was in Bangkok when I went there for a gig.
What do you do when you’re not singing?
My mom is currently in the country, so I am spending a lot of time with her. When she is not here, I love watching things on Netflix. I just finished watching ‘Stranger Things’ and I’ve started watching ‘Fuller House’.
What do you miss most about home?
Apart from my family and friends, I miss driving in Toronto. I’m not a fan of the harsh cold there, but the summer is something I always look forward to.
You sing and dance; interested in acting too?
(Laughs) I’m happy with my voice and my happy feet. I’ve never thought about acting actually but let’s see.
A song you wish you had sung?
I do love the original singer but I wish I had sung ‘Pareshaan’ from ‘Ishaqzaade’. That’s why I add that song in my concerts most of the time.