Kumar Bahukhandi
Jyotirmayee Nayak.
Jyotirmayee Nailk won Indian Idol 16 and she says it is her manifestation and divine blessings which gave her the confidence.
Mumbai: After months of unforgettable performances inspiring journeys, and musical excellence, Sony Entertainment Television’s Indian Idol Season 16 has crowned Jyotirmayee Nayak as the winner of this season. Hailing from Odisha, Jyotirmayee delivered a breathtaking rendition of the song ‘Saiyaan O Saiyaan.’ Her journey culminated in a spectacular victory.
Excerpts from an exclusive interview
Congratulations on winning Indian Idol. How did it feel when your name was announced?
Thank you so much! Honestly, I didn’t know what was going to happen. Of course, there were butterflies in my stomach, but deep inside, I had manifested this moment for a long time. More than anything, I felt immense gratitude. The entire journey has transformed me—not just as a singer but also as a person.
Your foundation in classical music is very strong. When did your musical journey begin, and who were your gurus?
I started learning Hindustani classical music when I was in Class 3 under Buddha Prasad Rao Sir in Rourkela, Odisha. Later, I continued my training in Bhubaneswar with my current guru, Balakrishna Bhaira Sir.
Alongside classical music, I also trained in light vocal music for Bollywood songs under Guru Sharada Prasanna Sahu. Sadly, he passed away in 2023, but his teachings continue to guide me. He taught me not just how to sing, but how to express emotions beautifully through every song. That learning has played a huge role in shaping my career.
You mentioned manifesting this victory. Did you always believe you would win Indian Idol?
Yes, I truly believed in it. I always visualised myself winning the trophy. Manifestation gave me confidence, but I also knew that hard work had to support that belief. Every day, I reminded myself of my dream, and today it has become a reality.
Winning Indian Idol comes with a cash prize of ₹20 lakhs. Have you planned how you will use it?
(Laughs) Not yet! My father is a Chartered Accountant, so I am sure he will make sure the money is managed wisely. Right now, I’m just enjoying this beautiful moment.
What are your immediate plans after becoming the winner?
The first thing I want to do is record a devotional bhajan dedicated to Lord Jagannath. My entire journey feels like His blessing, and I want to offer my first project as a tribute to Him.
Apart from that, I have several Hindi songs lined up for recording and a few Odia music projects that I have been waiting to begin. I am excited to get back to work. If one day you receive simultaneous offers for a Hindi song and an Odia song,
which one would you choose?
I don’t think language decides how far a song can travel. If the music is powerful, it can reach audiences across the world. Songs like Despacito or Gangnam Style became global hits even though many listeners didn’t understand the language.
Similarly, Odisha’s folk music has immense potential. Songs like Rangabati have already shown that regional music can gain worldwide recognition. If such a situation arises, I will try my best to balance both projects. Your parents have supported your dream from the very beginning.
What message would you like to give parents who hesitate to encourage their children’s creative ambitions?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have parents who always believed in me. My message to every parent is simple—trust your children. Give them the freedom to pursue what they truly love. Every child has unique talent, and with encouragement, they can achieve extraordinary things.
During Indian Idol, you sang in front of many legendary celebrities. Which meeting remains closest to your heart? Meeting Zeenat Aman ma’am was unforgettable. After I performed Laila Main Laila and later Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahani, she told me that if I had been singing during her era, my songs might have been picturised on her.
That compliment meant the world to me. Poonam Dhillon ma’am also appreciated my performance, and meeting Mithun Chakraborty Sir was another memorable experience. He even greeted me in Odia, which made me feel incredibly special.
Do you see yourself acting in the future as well?
Yes, but only in my own songs. I would especially love to feature in devotional music videos because those songs connect deeply with my heart. Your spiritual side has become quite prominent.
Has faith always been an important part of your life?
Not always. Over the last couple of years, I have become deeply interested in spirituality. Reading the Bhagavad Gita, watching Mahabharata, and learning more about Lord Jagannath completely changed my perspective.
The more I learnt, the more connected I felt. Spirituality now gives me strength, peace, and direction.
You are engaged. How has your fiancé supported your musical journey?
I am very lucky to have someone who understands my profession completely.
He comes from a corporate background, but he’s always supportive. He’s not very expressive, but he constantly motivates me, asks about my practice sessions, and encourages me to keep improving.
That silent support means a lot. Looking back, do you feel everything happened at the right time—from your victory to the many coincidences connected with Lord Jagannath?
Absolutely. There were so many beautiful coincidences during this journey that it truly felt like divine blessings. I simply feel grateful and pray that I continue to deserve this love and guidance. What advice would you give aspiring contestants
who dream of participating in Indian Idol?
My journey was full of ups and downs, and success definitely doesn’t come easily. But every challenge is worth facing if you believe in yourself. If you have been selected, remember that it means you already have something special. Keep working hard, stay patient, trust your abilities, and never stop learning. Your dedication will eventually lead you to success. Finally,
what does this victory mean to you?
This trophy is not just an achievement; it’s the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I am grateful to my family, my gurus, my mentors, the audience, and everyone who believed in me. I hope to continue making music that touches people’s hearts and makes them proud.
