From “What Jhumka?” to “The Breakup Song,” singer Jonita Gandhi has created a space for herself in the music industry. After releasing her latest recreation “Noorie”, Jonita talks to SCREEN about crooning Lata Mangeshkar and Nitin Mukesh’s legendary track, creating indie as well as commercial film music, and much more.
As someone who has contributed to numerous hit film soundtracks, ask her if the approach to playback singing differs from independent projects and she replies, “Playback singing often involves interpreting a director or composer’s vision. It’s like being part of a larger story. Independent projects, on the other hand, give me the freedom to express my own ideas and connect with listeners on a more personal level. Both have their own charm, and I enjoy the creative challenge.”
Having said that, the singer does feel the pressure to make commercial music, adhering to the demands of the film industry. “There’s always some pressure to create music that resonates commercially, especially in films. But I believe it’s possible to balance both. I try to find projects that allow me to explore my artistic side while reaching a wide audience. Independent music gives me the space to be experimental, and that’s something I value deeply.”
The 35-year-old also talks about the inspiration to reinterpret “Noorie”. “Noorie has always been a classic, and I’ve admired its magic since I was young. When I decided to reinterpret it, I wanted to celebrate its timelessness while giving it a fresh vibe. I worked closely with my team to keep the soul of the original intact, but we added new context and verses in my own style to make it unique,” she tells us.
The Lata Mangeshkar original is steeped in nostalgia for many listeners. Was she conscious of that while creating her version? “Absolutely! The nostalgia attached to Noorie is what makes it so special. I was very mindful of respecting that sentiment while working on the new version. The key was to strike a balance – keeping the essence alive while adding just enough elements that make it authentic and unique to my style.”
However, it was still challenging to create the song and step into “such legendary shoes”. “Lata ji and Nitin ji’s voices are iconic, and I knew I couldn’t replicate their magic. Instead, I focused on bringing my own interpretation of the song while honouring their legacy. It was both intimidating and incredibly fulfilling,” she says.
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The “Dil Ka Telephone singer” also opened for Dua Lipa at her concert in Mumbai recently. Talking about the experience, she shares, “It was such an amazing experience. It was extra special because I performed Noorie live for the first time. I worked hard to prepare, choosing songs that people from India and around the world would enjoy. It was a big moment for me and my team, and I’m so happy it turned out to be unforgettable.”
“Interacting with her (Dua Lipa) was the best part. She was incredibly kind and humble, which made me admire her even more. I thought she was extremely Zen, especially given that she was just about an hour away from hitting the stage,” Jonita adds.
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