With her song Jhumka from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, singer Jonita Gandhi has created quite a buzz online. While it’s not an out-and-out remake, she feels the nostalgia of the tune “made it a hit”. “People do shower their love when they hear something that they already know and are familiar with. The hook line of the song is on a harmonium and was taken from the original version (Jhumka Gira Re from the 1966 film Mera Saaya) by Madan Mohan ji (composer),” Gandhi says.

Weighing in on the debate of remake culture and lack of original music, the 33-year-old shares, “The music industry is playing a balancing act. But, I feel platforms like these (social media and films) should be used to promote original music, too.”

While the singer credits social media for her fame, she is “disappointed to see that popularity is the biggest driver nowadays”.

“People in the industry have said, ‘Oh, this person is popular on Instagram’ and have replaced me in the past,” says Gandhi, adding, “It’s not that they don’t want me but the other person will make them more money. Hence, I worked on creating my fan base on social media so that no one can use the excuse, ‘She isn’t popular or good enough at her craft’.”