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New Delhi: Jonita Gandhi might now be celebrated for her melodious voice and soaring stage presence, but behind the spotlight lies a story of quiet struggle and transformation. In a recent heartfelt interview with Hauterrfly, the singer took us back to her early years, revealing the painful experiences that shaped her into the artist and woman she is today.

Raised in Canada after being born in Delhi, Jonita recalled how growing up was anything but easy. She faced relentless bullying in school, much of it centered around her appearance. “They used to call me Godzilla,” Jonita revealed, referring to the taunts she received about her facial hair, many of which came from Punjabi boys in her own community. “Even those from my own background made me feel like I didn’t belong,” she added, highlighting the cultural alienation she endured.

Jonita Gandhi's Body Image Issues 

Jonita also opened up about her long-standing body image issues. “Growing up, I was convinced that I was never going to have sex because of the same issues. I couldn't accept my own body; how can someone else accept it?” she said candidly. The scars of that self-doubt still linger, she admitted, but it was music that became her saving grace. “Music helped me. It made me feel I am doing something different in life. That made me feel cool when nothing else made me feel cool.”

Even during her early performances in Toronto, Jonita didn’t quite fit the glamorous mold. “I used to wear a kurti, whereas everyone wore a lehenga. I feel like I am the ugly duckling who became the swan,” she shared.

But when she moved to India, she was once again boxed into stereotypes. “By the time I came to India, I had the glow-up and transformation, and suddenly I was the ‘cute’ girl,” she recalled. “People used to think just because I’m a ‘firang’, I must be easy.”

Jonita Gandhi's career took off after her YouTube covers of Bollywood hits went viral. Over the years, she has lent her vocals to numerous hit numbers such as 'The Breakup Song', 'Gilehriyaan' and 'What Jhuka'.