Jonita Gandhi and Divine’s first collaboration was last year when the duo, along with ace rapper Badshah, teamed up for a promotional song, a rejig of R.D. Burman’s Bach ke rehna re baba, for Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot and Ryan Reynolds starrer Red Notice. Ideas bounced off and the two artistes decided to team up again for an original number — Sitara, a part of Divine’s 12-track full-length studio album, titled Gunehgar, which dropped recently. Jonita’s energetic vocal delivery that has gifted us songs like The breakup song, Chennai Express title song and others, intertwined with Divine’s smart wordplay and husky vocal texture in this love anthem. A tete-a-tete with Jonita Gandhi.
How was it collaborating with Divine again?
I first collaborated with Divine for a Netflix project, along with Badshah, but this was my first studio album with him. It was a very organic experience. We both bounced ideas off each other and Sitara was born within our first recording session together. Also, we both are fans of each others’ work and wanted to collaborate and since Divine was working on his third album, I think he thought of featuring me. He called me to his studio and that’s what led to Sitara. It was a great experience.
A romantic number, Sitara has the vibe of the noughties. How did you and Divine bring your distinct styles together.
Sitara is reminiscent of early 2000s, urban desi songs, which I grew up listening to. For me, it’s very nostalgic, but it also has a desi but modern vibe with funk elements in it. The song has an infectious beat that makes you want to bob your head to it. It’s also a love song that makes everyone want to move. The rap adds a romantic element to the song and Divine has done a great job. Sitara is about how a girl makes a guy feel but the girl is a little sceptical and weary of what his intentions are.
Which is your favourite song from his album?
Frankly speaking, I love all the songs of Gunehgar. The sounds and style used in the album is quite diverse and that’s one of the high points of the collective. However, I do like a few songs more than others and have listened and jived to them multiple times. The first one has to be Sitara and the others are Bornfire, Baazigar and Blessings. If you haven’t heard the songs then you should and it will take you on a different journey and you will see the hard work of Divine and the other artistes who are a part of it.
Can we expect more collaborations in the future?
Of course! I would love to work with him again and again. We click on a different level and we have great love and respect for each other’s craft.
Will there be another collaboration or a new single from you?
I have a few projects in the pipeline and I can’t wait to share it all. Some tracks are in the Punjabi space with Treehouse V.H.T, and some English music and collaborations, along with film songs and regional songs continuing in the background. Stay tuned to my social channels to know more.