“Trends Come and Go, But Original Music Stays”-Nikhita Gandhi, Singer

From delivering chart-topping tracks such as Qaafirana, Tere Pyaar Mein, Dhoom Dhaam and Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe to collaborating across genres,  Gandhi has emerged as one of the most versatile voices in India's contemporary music landscape.

Known for her ability to navigate Bollywood, independent music and experimental sounds, Gandhi has consistently pushed beyond conventional playback boundaries.

In her latest interview with Loudest.in, Nikhita Gandhi talks about her latest release RUDE with Dino James, musical experimentation, the growing influence of short-form content on music discovery, the importance of originality and the evolving opportunities for independent artists in India's music industry.

Here are edited experts:

What inspired RUDE, and what was the creative thought behind bringing this track together with Dino James?

RUDE came from the idea of exploring a sound and attitude that felt different and exciting. I have always enjoyed experimenting with music that allows me to step outside my familiar space. Dino has a very distinct musical identity, and bringing our styles together gave us an opportunity to create something with a different energy. I think the idea was to let the music speak for itself and have fun with the contrast between melody and rap.

How has your musical chemistry with Dino evolved, and what makes this collaboration different from your previous work?

Working with Dino has always been an interesting experience because we come from different musical backgrounds. Our earlier collaboration helped us understand each other's creative sensibilities better. With RUDE, there is an opportunity to explore another dimension of that equation. I enjoy collaborations where artists bring their individuality to the table rather than trying to fit into one particular sound.

From playback hits to independent music, you have explored diverse sounds. How do you keep reinventing yourself as an artist?

For me, reinvention comes from staying curious. I don't like restricting myself to one genre, language or musical identity. Every song brings a different emotion and requires a different approach. Whether it is a film song or an independent release, I try to approach it with an open mind. Ultimately, I want to keep growing as a musician without losing the originality that defines me.

With short-form content increasingly driving music discovery, is the pressure to create viral songs affecting musical originality?

Short-form platforms have definitely changed how people discover music. They have created opportunities for songs to reach audiences much faster, which is exciting. However, I don't think music should be created only with virality in mind. Trends come and go, but a song that genuinely connects with people can stay relevant for years. As artists, it is important to strike a balance between understanding the changing landscape and remaining honest to our creative instincts.

Do you think independent music in India offers singers greater creative freedom today, or does mainstream visibility still largely depend on film music?

Independent music has opened up several possibilities for artists. Today, singers can explore their own sound, collaborate with different musicians and connect directly with listeners. Film music continues to offer tremendous reach and visibility, but independent music is creating its own ecosystem. I think both spaces can coexist and offer different opportunities. The exciting part is that artists no longer have to depend on just one route to build their identity.

What is one aspect of the Indian music industry that you believe needs to change to create better opportunities for singers?

I would love to see greater recognition of singers as creative artists and not just performers lending their voices to a composition. There is so much talent in India, and singers deserve more opportunities to experiment, collaborate and build their own musical identities. Greater investment in original music and stronger platforms for emerging voices can help create a more sustainable ecosystem.

What new musical collaborations or experiments can audiences expect from you next?

I am always looking for opportunities to explore new sounds and work with artists from different musical backgrounds. I would love to experiment with more genres, languages and unconventional collaborations. I don't want to put myself in a box or give away too much about what's coming, but there is definitely a lot of music I am excited about sharing with everyone.