Jonita Gandhi relished crooning the remix Noorie in three different languages

Her mellifluous voice spans multiple languages and genres, something which allows her to transition seamlessly from Bollywood hits to independent music projects. Singer Jonita Gandhi is indeed charting her own unique course in music, blending her Indo-Canadian heritage with a fierce dedication to experimentation and versatility.

Since her debut in 2013 with Chennai Express, Jonita has become the voice behind several chart-topping hits, including The Breakup Song, Arabic Kuthu and What Jhumka? Her latest remix number Noorie is making quite a mark too. “The original song, sung by legends Lata Mangeshkar and Nitin Mukesh, is extremely popular and has a special place in everyone’s heart. I wanted to pay a tribute to the classical elegance of the original song while adding modern elements to it. I have also been attached to the version of Noorie that was crooned by Bally Sagoo and Gunjan,” she says.

In the song, Jonita has simultaneously sung is three different languages—Hindi, English and Punjabi—and that too with equal flair. Must be quite a task, right? “Singing in multiple languages is challenging, but it’s also a lot of fun. Since every language has a unique rhythm and feel, I focus on understanding the emotions expressed in the lyrics. I try to ensure that blending languages in my music doesn’t feel forced or take away from the emotion of the song.”

Having been into music since childhood, it soon became her calling in life. “It’s been a roller-coaster ride and a journey of self-discovery. The more experienced I become as an artiste, the more I feel the need to learn and grow,” she adds.

Jonita has been a part of some remarkable collaborations in 2024, including her work with Darshan Raval and Rochak Kohli on the song Soni Soni, as well as her duet with Arijit Singh in Amar Singh Chamkila, a film starring Parineeti Chopra and Diljit Dosanjh. Singers in Punjabi cinema often take to acting—is she going the same route? “Acting is such a fascinating field, and I deeply admire artistes who can excel in both singing and acting. But, right now, my focus is entirely on music—it’s my first love and where I feel most at home. That said, I’m open to new possibilities. If the right opportunity comes along in acting and it feels like something I can connect with, I would definitely consider exploring it in the future.”

It’s a world of OTT out there and no dearth of opportunities. “OTT platforms have completely transformed how we consume content. For creators, these now present a new way to reach out to a global audience. I believe OTT is not just a medium for entertainment, but also a space for innovative storytelling.”

Jonita loves to perform live, as she believes there’s nothing like the energy of a crowd, the way people sing along and cheer. “There’s an unspoken bond that forms in those moments with my audience and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see how my music resonates with people. The spontaneity and raw emotion of live performances make them truly special.”

Currently working on several exciting projects, including a mix of singles and collaborations with incredibly talented artistes, she is looking forward to the future with much hope. “Each project has its own distinct flavour and I can’t wait to share them with my fans. Some of these will showcase new sides of my musical journey and I’m thrilled about the surprises in store.”

Jonita, who loves to be around her family in free time, likes eating, watching movies, travelling and exploring new places. “It inspires me creatively and allows me to unwind,” she beams.

As for her advice to youngsters, she says, “Stay true to who you are, embrace challenges and never stop learning. The journey might seem tough at times, but consistency and persistence is the key. Every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to achieving your goals.”