A distinct voice emerged in Indian cinema in October 1991. Born in Kolkata, this singer began a journey that would span languages and genres. Her path shows how modern playback artists build careers.
She refused to be confined to one regional film industry. Her work spans Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Bengali, and Kannada projects. This versatility defines her approach to music.
Gandhi’s career started in 2013 and continues today. She combines formal training with raw instinct. Collaborations with legends like A.R. Rahman marked her rise.
Her story offers a window into contemporary Indian film music. It is a craft where language barriers dissolve. Success comes from collaboration, discipline, and perfect timing.
Biography and Early Life
A blend of Bengali and Punjabi traditions formed her early world. This cultural mix gave her access to diverse musical influences from childhood.
Formative Years and Cultural Roots
Her family background provided rich artistic foundations. She spent twelve years training in Odissi dance and Hindustani music. This classical discipline demanded precision and emotional control.
These early years built the rhythm and technique that would shape her vocal work. The training became an essential part of her artistic development.
Education and Early Musical Influences
In 2010, she moved to Chennai to study dentistry. This practical path ran parallel to her artistic ambitions. While pursuing dentistry, she enrolled at A.R. Rahman’s music college.
Her first major exposure came through an Indo-German exchange program. She sang as part of a choir performing with a German orchestra. This event caught Rahman’s attention and led to individual auditions.
| Early Training | Duration | Influence on Career |
|---|---|---|
| Hindustani Music | 12 years | Classical foundation |
| Odissi Dance | 12 years | Rhythm and expression |
| Dentistry Studies | College years | Discipline and focus |
| Music College | Parallel to dentistry | Professional connections |
In 2012, she released “Kotha,” a Bengali album featuring reimagined Nazrul Geeti. This project demonstrated her respect for classical poetry and willingness to experiment. It marked another important part of her artistic journey.
The Musical Journey of Nikhita Gandhi
The year 2015 marked a turning point in her musical career. Her breakthrough arrived through a high-pressure recording session that showcased her unique talents.
Breakthroughs with Industry Icons
Her collaboration with A.R. Rahman on “Ladio” from the film “I” demonstrated remarkable adaptability. She recorded the song in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil within hours. This multilingual approach became her signature strength.
The duet “Ullu Ka Pattha” with Arijit Singh from “Jagga Jasoos” became a major commercial hit. This partnership paired her distinctive voice with one of Bollywood’s most recognized male vocalists.
| Collaboration | Project | Year | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| A.R. Rahman | “I” & “O Kadhal Kanmani” | 2015 | Breakthrough recognition |
| Arijit Singh | “Jagga Jasoos” | 2017 | Commercial success |
| Anirudh Ravichander | “Thanga Magan” | 2015 | Regional expansion |
| Pritam | Multiple Bollywood films | 2017-2023 | Mainstream establishment |
Multilingual Film Contributions and Diverse Genres
Her portfolio expanded across different languages and film industries. She contributed to Tamil projects like “Leo” and “Varisu,” while maintaining Bengali cinema connections.
The singer’s work spans devotional tracks for “Muhammad: The Messenger of God” to commercial Bollywood numbers. This versatility reflects her refusal to be typecast.
Beyond studio recordings, she formed a five-member band performing live at events. These performances showcased her ability to connect directly with audiences.
Notable Discography, Awards, and Achievements
The singer’s achievements reflect a multifaceted approach to a modern music career. Her success spans hit songs, industry awards, and dynamic live performances.
Hit Songs and Viral Music Videos
Tracks like “Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe” and “Poster Lagwa Do” became popular commercial hits. Her collaboration with Badshah on “Jugnu” resulted in a viral music video.
This digital hit expanded her audience beyond traditional film music listeners. It showcased her ability to connect with a younger, streaming-focused mix audience.
Accolades from Zee Cine and Filmfare Awards
Industry recognition solidified her status. The Zee Cine Awards 2018 named her Best Female Playback Singer for the “Raabta” title track.
She earned Filmfare nominations for her song “Ghar” and the Bengali track “Tomra Ekhono Ki.” These nominations highlighted her impact across Hindi and regional cinema.
Further acclaim came with the Sony Mix Audience Music Award for Best Duet. She won for “Qaafirana,” a powerful duet with Arijit Singh.
Live Performances and Band Ventures
Beyond the studio, she connects with fans through live events. She performs with a five-member band, bringing energy to stages in Kerala and Kolkata.
This band venture allows her voice to shine in a different setting. It complements her work as a playback singer with direct audience interaction.
Her independent music video “Rangon Mein” won a Radio Mirchi Music Award. This award best recognized her work outside of film soundtracks.
In 2025, a new management deal with The Hello Group India signaled global growth. It secured professional handling for future bookings and projects.
Looking Ahead: Reflections and Future Prospects
A new chapter began in August 2025 with a pivotal management agreement. Nikhita Gandhi signed with The Hello Group India, a venture with Sony Music Entertainment. This partnership opens doors to international events and global collaborations.
Major film projects continue to seek her unique voice. Recent soundtracks for “War 2” and “Thug Life” confirm her standing. Her work spans five languages, a rare skill in today’s cinema.
This singer’s career reflects the modern playback artist’s path. It blends film music with independent projects and live performances. Strategic partnerships now scale her opportunities worldwide.
For emerging artists, Gandhi offers a clear blueprint. Train deeply, collaborate widely, and embrace versatility. Her journey shows how discipline and adaptability build a lasting career in music.
