RAHMAN RAGA: Chennai-based vocalist Nikhita Gandhi, who shot to fame with the Tamil hit Ladio (from the film I; music by A.R. Rahman), was back in her hometown for a performance at the Science City mini auditorium recently. “Working with Rahman sir is really fun because he, despite being a larger-than-life personality and a brilliant musical icon, is very cool and comfortable to work with. I have honestly never seen someone work more efficiently and coolly under so much pressure and multi-tasking so many projects together,” smiled Nikhita, who has sung two Rahman songs, the second being Theera ulaa for the Mani Ratnam film OK Kanmani.

Nikhita has been working on original songs as well, even though she performed covers of old songs and new for the Calcutta concert titled Soulful. Nikhita’s rendition of Urvasi Urvasi, Mustafa Mustafa and Jee karda (dedicated to her father) had the audience swaying in their seats.

“Being on stage in Calcutta is spectacular and at the same time makes me incredibly nervous because it’s an audience filled with people who have known me since I was a toddler. And to perform in front of them is just so emotional,” said the 23-year-old who finds the adrenaline rush of live shows invigorating. Nikhita meanwhile is busy balancing medical school (Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute) with her passion for music.“I have been a multi-tasker right from my school days (La Martiniere for Girls),” she smiled. 
 

Picture: Sayantan Ghosh