Imagine stepping into a world where your voice becomes the heartbeat of a character’s story, only to then break free and let your soul sing unchained. This is the life of Jonita Gandhi, a powerhouse vocalist navigating the thrilling yet daunting realms of playback singing and independent music. But here’s where it gets fascinating: while playback singing molds her voice to fit the narrative of a film, indie music is her sanctuary for raw, unfiltered self-expression. 'There’s a freedom in indie music,' Jonita shares, 'to explore emotions and textures in a way that’s entirely my own.'
Right now, Jonita’s world is buzzing with excitement. From collaborating with global sensation Ed Sheeran on the remix of his single Heaven to lending her voice to Kannukulla for Tamil cinema’s rising star Sai Abhyankkar in Dude, she’s on a roll. And this is the part most people miss: she’s also set to make her acting debut with a cameo in Atharvaa’s Idhayam Murali. 'It’s exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time,' she admits, her voice tinged with both anticipation and vulnerability.
In a candid conversation, Jonita opens up about the whirlwind of her life. 'It can get overwhelming,' she confesses, 'but I’ve learned to find small pockets of calm—whether it’s a quiet morning, journaling, or just listening to music. Balance is key, and learning to pause is part of the journey.'
But here’s where it gets controversial: her collaboration with Ed Sheeran wasn’t just another project; it was a dream come true. 'I’ve been a huge fan of Ed for as long as I can remember,' she gushes. 'Working with him felt special. He’s so genuine, grounded, and appreciative of music and culture here.' Her verse in Heaven captures the essence of finding 'the one,' and the process, she says, was 'beautiful and natural.' But here’s the bold question: does collaborating with global stars dilute an artist’s authenticity, or does it elevate their craft? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
When asked about her cameo in Idhayam Murali, Jonita plays it coy. 'I can’t reveal much about the character yet, but you’ll see me in a new light,' she teases. Director Aakash Baskaran, she adds, has been 'cooperative and understanding from the beginning.'
Shifting gears, Jonita dives into the stark contrast between playback singing and indie music. 'Playback singing is about serving the story,' she explains, 'while indie music is about serving my soul.' And this is the part most people miss: even when singing in languages she doesn’t fully understand, Jonita relies on translators, lyricists, and her intuition. 'It’s about finding the emotion behind the words,' she says. But here’s a thought-provoking question: can an artist truly connect with a song if they don’t understand the language? Let us know what you think.
When it comes to self-doubt, Jonita takes a refreshingly honest approach. 'I try to embrace it,' she shares. 'Sometimes, stepping away or collaborating sparks new ideas. Self-doubt is a sign that I care about my work, so I channel it into improvement.'
Looking at the music industry, Jonita hopes for more inclusivity for female musicians and indie artists. But one thing she hopes never changes? 'The magic of live music,' she says. 'The connection between the artist and the audience is irreplaceable.'
Working with Sai Abhyankkar on Kannukulla was 'a fun, creative back-and-forth,' she recalls. 'He’s super young, super talented, and incredibly open to collaboration.'
Off the record: Jonita’s concert playlists are a mix of moods, featuring Afro beats and, yes, a shameless plug of Ed Sheeran x Jonita. And something she wishes more people knew about her? 'I’m a bit of a goofball,' she laughs. 'I don’t take myself too seriously.'
So, here’s the final question to spark debate: As the music industry evolves, should artists prioritize commercial success or stay true to their artistic vision? Share your thoughts below—we’re all ears!
