Nikhita Gandhi at Miranda’s Tempest ’24: Naach Meri Rani!
Sisterhood and joy prevailed amid a sea of thousands when Bollywood playback singer Nikhita Gandhi performed at the finale of Tempest ’24, the cultural fest of Miranda House, recently. Peppy songs more than made up for some peeved audience members who had waited for almost two hours for the singer to take the stage.
“The star night was scheduled for 5.30pm but it wasn’t until 7.30pm that Gandhi made her grand entrance, and it really tested the patience of some, but not us,” said Manya Jain, a second-year student of BA (Prog), adding, “Although Nikhita wasn’t on time for the performance, it didn’t affect me or my friends, as the DJ was playing throughout and we had fun dancing... We completely enjoyed the concert and hadn’t expected Tempest this year to be this great.”
The frustration stemming from the long wait evaporated as Gandhi gave an electrifying performance, singing hits such as Naach Meri Rani and Tere Pyaar Mein (Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, 2023) — performing for an hour and making up for lost time. Each song from the artiste radiated such energy and emotion among the young women, that tunes were sung and feet were tapped by the attendees until long after.
For Gandhi, it wasn’t just about performing at an all-girls college, as she revealed on stage, “My mom and maasi, both graduated from Miranda House.” Soon, the singer switched to a playful tune and encouraged the audience to let loose and embrace the moment. “I am gonna ignore the guys today because women are the party starters... There are no boys here, so who cares? Aaj bura dance karte hain!”
Everything Gandhi said elicited cheers and laughter from the crowd, as the rhythm of Kya Baat Haii 2.0 pulsed through the air. Dancing along was Vrindaa Parashar, a first-year student of BA (Prog), who told us, “The footfall was quite a lot, but it didn’t feel suffocating since everyone was enjoying. I’m happy that students from other DU colleges weren’t allowed because there wasn’t enough space for any more people. Also, after the traumatising incident last year at Indraprastha College for Women, it’s only better that the entry was restricted to Mirandians.”
I am gonna ignore the guys today because women are the party starters... Aaj bura dance karte hain! Who cares?
NIKHITA GANDHI, Singer