Kolkata is the hub of music, it’s just that people are lazy here: Nikhita Gandhi

Excerpts from a chat with singing sensation Nikhita Gandhi, who rocked the night at

Hard Rock Cafe

How does it feel like performing at home post such a successful stint in

Bollywood

?

Kolkata is where I grew up. This is the city which taught me music. Whatever I am today is because of this city. There is a lot of support for me as I am working in both Bollywood and Bengali movies.

You are aware of the music scene here, what do you have to say about that?

The Kolkata music scene is growing. New venues are coming up and the scope for indie musicians is increasing. It was a bit dull in the past few years. A lot of musicians were saying ekhane kichhu korar nei. I was really very sad about it as Kolkata is the home of music. Most of the musicians, music directors and singers who are working in Mumbai are all Bengalis. But now as the scene is changing, more people are getting a chance to perform.

Why do you think there was a dull phase in between?

I think everyone ran away and no one was here in Kolkata (laughs). As you know, we are a bunch of lazy people. Not the Bangalis but the Kolkatans, that’s the vibe of the city. But every time I came back from Chennai, I noticed improvement.

You have worked with AR Rahman and studied in Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory. How was the experience of working with the legend?

I did a part-time course there as I was studying dentistry simultaneously. I was learning western classical and how to read and write music. But I learnt the most from the people I met at Chennai. Everyone was a musician and had something new to offer! Interacting with Rahman sir on a one-on-one basis was very enriching. He keeps reinventing himself and that inspires me a lot.

You have both done Bollywood and independent numbers. How do you see the difference between the two?

They are like two different sides of me. At times I feel I have a split personality disorder because for the two different scenes, I have entirely two different avatars. When we are working in films we are almost acting. When we are doing an item number or a love song, we become a part of the characters. But when you work in indie projects, it is very spontaneous.

Being a playback singer gives you fame, how do you enjoy that?

I don’t think I am famous. It is overwhelming that so many people are appreciating my work. After a gig, many come up to me and I do get mobbed. It’s a weirdly cool feeling.

How are your parents reacting to your success?

My parents are very happy about the fact that I am always into kaj, kaj and kaj.

What’s up next in

Nikhita

Gandhi’s life?

At present, I am concentrating on video production. That’s what my new single is about. It was created by me. I think as an artiste I want to spread my branches and not just restrict myself to music.

And boyfriend?

Oh my god! Yeah. I am taken. He is also a musician. We studied together at KM Music Conservatory but I won’t reveal his name now. All I can say is that he was also one of the playback singers in Sanju!

What do you have to say to your heartbroken fans?

You should not date a musician as we are always travelling. It is hard to get time for each other. But jokes apart, I am really happy to get such a huge fan following, both in the city and outside.