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Jonita Gandhi Opens Up On Racist Bullying In Canada: 'They Called Me Godzilla'
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Jonita Gandhi recalls being called "Godzilla" due to facial hair, opens up about racism, body image issues, and how music helped her find self-love and confidence.
Jonita Gandhi may be one of India's most beloved playback singers today, but behind her soaring vocals and bright stage presence is a story etched with pain, self-doubt, and hard-won confidence. In a deeply personal conversation with Hauterrfly, the Canada-raised singer opened up about battling racism, body shaming, and internalized insecurities during her formative years.
Born in Delhi and raised in Canada, Jonita recalled the trauma she endured in school, where she was relentlessly bullied for her facial hair. 'They used to call me Godzilla," she revealed, adding that the cruel taunts often came from fellow Punjabi boys in her class. The bullying wasn't just limited to her peers—Jonita says that even those from her own community made her feel like she didn't belong.
These early experiences left lasting scars. 'Growing up, I was convinced I was never going to have sex because of the same issues," she admitted. 'I couldn't accept my own body—how can someone else accept it?" Even now, she says, remnants of those insecurities remain. 'I still avoid swimming sometimes, but music made it better. I feel like I'm the ugly duckling who became the swan."
Her journey toward self-love and success wasn't linear. After carving a name for herself through viral YouTube covers, Jonita moved to India to take her passion for music to the next level. But she found herself confronting a new set of stereotypes. 'By the time I came to India, I had the glow-up and transformation, and suddenly I was the 'cute' girl," she shared. 'People used to think just because I'm a 'firang', I must be easy."
Despite the initial assumptions, Jonita credits her growth to the people who saw her for more than just appearances. 'I ended up meeting a lot of people who made me feel credible and gave me the feeling that no one could mess with me," she said with pride.
Since making her Bollywood debut in Chennai Express (2013), Jonita has lent her voice to some of Indian cinema's biggest hits, including The Breakup Song (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil), Gilehriyaan (Dangal), and What Jhuka (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani). Her success is not just a testament to her talent, but also to her resilience.
From being called names in high school hallways to owning the spotlight on global stages, Jonita Gandhi's story is a reminder that the ugliest beginnings can sometimes shape the most powerful voices.
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