'Bandish Bandit 2's 'Khamakha' singer Nikhita Gandhi reveals how Shreya Chaudhary studied her to play Tamannah

In an exclusive interview with India Forums, singer Nikhita Gandhi, known for her versatility and soulful voice, opens up about her experience being part of the much-loved musical series Bandish Bandits 2. The show, rooted in Indian classical music, provides a rare and refreshing take on traditional melodies while connecting with modern audiences. In this interview, Nikhita shares her thoughts on voicing Tamannaah’s character, the success of the song "Khamakha," her perspective on the evolving music scene in India, and the joy of being part of a project so intricately tied to music.

Q: It’s rare to see a show entirely based on music, especially one rooted in traditional Indian music. How does it feel to be part of such a project?

Nikhita Gandhi: I'm actually super overjoyed to be part of a show with a concept and narrative so predominantly centered around music. I think it's very rare, even though Indian cinema constantly features music, with films almost being semi-musicals. Having a show that's not only about music but deeply rooted in culturally significant music is truly amazing. Being a voice in such a project was a thrilling experience for me. I had so much fun performing and recording for it, especially since I had to align my voice with the character and script whenever I gave my voiceovers for various parts of the show.

Q: Your voice was used as Tamannaah’s character’s voice. Did you feel Shreya Chaudhary justified your voice through her performance?

Nikhita Gandhi: Absolutely! It’s actually funny—the first time Shreya and I met was in a café in Bombay. She walked up to me and said, “Hey, are you Nikhita?” and I was like, “Yeah.” Then she introduced herself, saying, “Oh, I’m Shreya, and I’m playing your character. I know you really well because I’ve been studying you to play Tamannaah’s character.”

It was such a unique interaction because usually, people recognize actors due to their visual media presence, but she recognized me! She had been constantly watching my performance videos and studying how I sing and perform. That dedication really showed in her portrayal. It was a fascinating and fun collaboration, and I’m so glad we got to work together on this project.

Q: When you sang the songs for Bandish Bandits 2, did you ever imagine they’d turn out to be such hits, especially "Khamakha," which has resonated with so many people?

Nikhita Gandhi: I knew Bandish Bandits Season 1 was a huge success, so I was really excited to be part of Season 2. However, I didn’t expect "Khamakha" to become such a big hit. That being said, it’s definitely my favorite song from the show. From the first version of it that Siddharth and Ziddad sent me, I fell in love with it instantly. I was rooting for the song right from the start, though I wasn’t sure how the audience would respond to it.

I’m thrilled to see how naturally it resonated with listeners. It wasn’t pushed too hard or overly promoted—people just fell in love with it organically. That’s the most satisfying part of it all.

Q: What do you think about the state of music in India today? Are we treasuring our roots, exploiting them, or getting too westernized in our approach?

Nikhita Gandhi: I think it’s a very exciting time to be in the music industry and observe how music is evolving in India. Without sounding too much like a nerd, I feel like the way we approach music now is non-linear—similar to how we perceive time these days. We’re no longer stuck in the notion that “this is old” or “that is new.”

Today, really old, folksy music is connecting with younger audiences. Inter-genre collaborations—where hip-hop meets modern tonality while incorporating traditional compositions—are incredibly fascinating. It’s an era where everything is being appreciated, and every kind of music is finding its audience.

What matters most is the honesty behind making music. It’s not about following trends; it’s about creating something genuine that connects with people. That’s what I find beautiful about today’s music scene. Folksy melodies are connecting with audiences as much as contemporary sounds, and this blend makes it an awesome era for music.

Q: When this show was offered to you, did you feel excited about being part of something so deeply musical?

Nikhita Gandhi: Yes, absolutely! I already knew about the success of Bandish Bandits Season 1, so I was thrilled to join Season 2. Being part of a project that resonates so completely around music felt special to me. Not many people know that I’m a classically trained singer in Hindustani music, even though I sing in a very westernized style. That made lending my voice to Tamannaah’s character even more interesting. I could resonate with the stylized singing I had to do while also understanding the show’s Hindustani classical roots.

The show has been streaming on Amazon Prime Video since 13th December, 2024 and has received glorious reactions from fans and critics alike.