Jonita Gandhi, the Canadian singer known for her contributions to the Indian film and music industry, recently shared her experiences with racism and bullying during her childhood in Canada. In an interview, the "Sitara" singer opened up about the insecurities she faced growing up and how those experiences shaped her journey to becoming a confident performer.
Gandhi, who was born in Delhi and raised in Canada, revealed that she was often subjected to racist comments about her facial hair. She recounted being called "Godzilla" by her peers, including some Punjabi boys from her own community. This bullying made her feel like an outsider and impacted her self-esteem.
"I used to get a lot of racist comments about my facial hair while growing up," Gandhi said. "They used to call me Godzilla, and even the Punjabi boys in my class would make fun of me." She expressed her confusion and hurt, noting that she couldn't understand why people from the same background would treat her that way.
The singer admitted that these childhood insecurities affected many aspects of her life. "Growing up I was convinced that I was never going to have sex because of the same issues," she confessed. "I couldn't accept my own body; how can someone else accept it? I still have some of those issues; I still avoid swimming sometimes, but music made it better."
Gandhi's journey wasn't just about overcoming racism; she also faced body image struggles. She felt like the "ugly duckling" and had difficulty accepting her physical appearance. This lack of self-acceptance led to deeper insecurities that affected her personal relationships and her confidence in putting herself out there.
Despite the challenges, Gandhi found solace and strength in music. She credits music with helping her cope with her insecurities and transforming her into the "swan" she is today. Music became her outlet for self-expression and a source of empowerment.
After establishing herself in Canada, Gandhi decided to move to India to pursue her music career. However, she faced a new set of challenges upon arriving in India. She described how people perceived her as a "firang" (foreigner) and made assumptions about her character. "By the time I came to India, I had the glow-up and I had the transformation, and suddenly I was the 'cute' girl. People used to think initially that just because I am a 'firang', I am somehow easy," she explained.
Gandhi also noticed a difference in how women were treated in the industry. She observed gender bias and pay disparity, noting that male singers often received more preference. Despite these challenges, Gandhi found support and credibility within the music industry. She met people who made her feel empowered and helped her navigate the stereotypes she encountered.
Today, Jonita Gandhi continues to thrive in her career, releasing new music and performing in front of large audiences. Her latest single, "Beparwahi," was released on June 13, 2025. Her story serves as an inspiration to others who have faced similar experiences with racism, bullying, and body image issues. By sharing her journey, Gandhi hopes to encourage others to embrace their unique qualities and find strength in their passions.
