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From Playback to Pop: Nikhita Gandhi’s Best Songs and Albums

  • Royal Stag Fan

  • 15 June 2025

In the world of contemporary Indian music, few voices have managed to carve a niche as distinctive and versatile as Nikhita Gandhi's. Born on October 1, 1991, this dynamic playback singer has not only lent her voice to blockbuster Indian films across five languages – Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Bengali, and Kannada – but has also emerged as a pop sensation, captivating audiences with her unique vocal texture and charismatic delivery. Her journey from a promising dental student to one of the most sought-after voices in the industry is a testament to her passion, talent, and adaptability.

A Serendipitous Foray into the World of Music

Nikhita Gandhi’s initial foray into the music world was serendipitous. While pursuing dentistry in Chennai, her talent was spotted, leading to an audition for the legendary A.R. Rahman. This marked the beginning of an illustrious career, with her debut in Rahman’s Tamil film "I" for the song "Ladio." Since then, she hasn’t looked back, building an impressive discography that showcases her incredible range and her ability to seamlessly switch between genres and languages.

Nikhita’s versatility is her strongest suit. Her ability to embody the on-screen persona is remarkable. She famously sang as the face of Deepika Padukone in the film Raabta for its enchanting title track, "Raabta," a performance that garnered widespread acclaim. While she doesn't have a traditional "album" discography like an independent artist might, her contributions to film soundtracks make each of them a collection of her diverse talents.

Nikhita Gandhi's Chart-Topping Anthems:

Let's dive into five of the most popular Nikhita Gandhi songs that highlight why she is a force to be reckoned with:

"Jugnu" (with Badshah)

"Jugnu" wasn't just a song; it was a phenomenon. This collaboration with rap superstar Badshah saw Nikhita step firmly into the Indipop realm. Her smooth, melodious vocals provided a perfect counterpoint to Badshah's signature rap verses, creating an earworm that dominated airwaves and social media trends. The song's infectious beat, catchy hook, and futuristic music video made it a viral sensation, amassing hundreds of millions of views. Nikhita's contribution was pivotal, lending a fresh, global pop appeal to the track. It showcased her ability to transcend playback singing and conquer the independent music scene.

"Qaafirana" (from Kedarnath)

This soulful duet with Arijit Singh is a masterclass in romantic expression. Picturized on Sushant Singh Rajput and Sara Ali Khan, "Qaafirana" is a beautifully composed track where Nikhita’s voice exudes a gentle yearning and heartfelt emotion. Her intonation and the subtle nuances she brings to Amitabh Bhattacharya's poignant lyrics elevate the song beyond a simple love ballad. It became an instant favorite for its melodic richness and the palpable chemistry between the two singers' voices, solidifying Nikhita’s reputation as a singer capable of profound emotional depth.

"Ullu Ka Pattha" (from Jagga Jasoos)

Showcasing a completely different side of her vocal personality, "Ullu Ka Pattha" is a quirky, playful, and incredibly catchy number. Nikhita's energetic and spirited singing perfectly complements Arijit Singh's vocals and matches the eccentric vibe of the film and its picturization on Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. The song’s unique rhythm, whimsical lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, and Nikhita's expressive delivery made it a standout hit. It demonstrated her versatility and her flair for tracks that demand a distinct character in the voice.

"Raabta (Title Track)" (from Raabta)

While the original "Raabta" from Agent Vinod was already popular, Nikhita Gandhi breathed new life into the recreated title track for the film Raabta. Singing as the voice of Deepika Padukone in a special appearance, Nikhita’s rendition is sophisticated, contemporary, and imbued with a haunting allure. Her smooth, almost ethereal vocals glide over Pritam's lush arrangement, capturing the film's theme of timeless love and connection. This track significantly boosted her visibility in Bollywood, associating her voice with one of its biggest stars.

"Naa Ready" (from Leo)

Marking a massive chartbuster in the Tamil film industry, "Naa Ready" saw Nikhita share vocal duties with the film's lead, superstar Thalapathy Vijay, and composer Anirudh Ravichander. Her energetic and punchy portions in the song provide a fantastic contrast and add a fiery female energy to this predominantly male-led dance anthem. The song became an instant rage, thanks to its thumping beats, Vijay's screen presence, and the combined vocal power. Nikhita's contribution, though part of a larger ensemble, was crucial in making the track a well-rounded party hit, proving her mettle in high-octane South Indian film music.

Beyond the Hits: A Versatile Discography

Nikhita Gandhi’s talent isn’t confined to these five songs. Her discography is rich with other notable tracks like "Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe" (Stree), a fun, item number, and "Poster Lagwa Do" (Luka Chuppi), another peppy track that got audiences dancing. She has lent her voice to diverse film soundtracks, including Sachin: A Billion Dreams, Jab Harry Met Sejal, Sooryavanshi, and the recent Tiger 3. Her work in regional cinema is equally impressive, with significant contributions to Tamil films like Varisu and Bengali projects such as Cockpit and Kishmish.

Nikhita Gandhi represents a new generation of Indian singers – multilingual, genre-fluid, and incredibly talented. From soulful playback renditions that tug at your heartstrings to upbeat pop numbers that make you want to dance, her voice has an undeniable appeal.