Janisht Joshi Interview
“The original felt like I was mocking my loneliness, but the alternate version stripped me bare — it was me admitting the things I’d been too scared to face.”
1. Could you tell us a bit about your journey into music and how you discovered your passion for it?
I watched Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar when I was really young, and from that moment, I thought guitars were the coolest thing since Enid Blyton. Songwriting came naturally because I was never the best communicator. It felt much easier to spill my feelings onto paper than to talk about them out loud.
2. Who have been your biggest musical inspirations over the years?
So many. Nirvana, The Strokes, Raman Negi, old Hindi film music, and Jack Antonoff’s entire discography. Everything A.R. Rahman has ever composed — in any language — has been a huge influence. Britpop, The Cure, and everyone who tried to be like The Cure. Nepalese music too.
More recently, The 1975 and John Mayer have inspired me, along with my friends and collaborators like Ramil Ganjoo, gini, and Unkill ji. Beyond music, the books I read and the people I meet also find their way into my work. Inspiration really is a bottomless pit.
3. Can you share the story or inspiration behind your track Yeh Duniya Jala Do?
The title makes it sound like I’m about to launch into some punk manifesto, but in reality, it’s just a lonely guy whining behind layers of synths and horns. It’s a kind of emotional arson — burning down my feelings quietly so I don’t have to confront them directly.
The title itself comes from the climax of Guru Dutt’s Pyaasa, where Mohammed Rafi sings, “Jala do, jala do, jala do yeh duniya.” It’s my homage to Sahir Ludhianvi’s writing and Guru Dutt’s cinematic genius, while also letting me vent about the meaninglessness of my own life.
4. What emotions or themes were you aiming to convey through the original version?
Alienation, loneliness, and the frustration of being unhappy with yourself. It’s about letting that unhappiness fester, looking for comfort outside yourself, and feeling like a total loser.
5. What inspired you to reimagine the song in a quieter, slower, and more emotionally raw version (Glittery Cut)?
Before becoming friends, I had always admired Anumita and Shikar’s work. When we eventually started collaborating, this track just clicked.
The original version almost felt like I was mocking my loneliness — like a half-hearted complaint sent out into the universe. With the Glittery Cut, I wanted to get real: strip everything down and give the lyrics the sad little spotlight they deserve. And honestly, who better to sing a sad song than (sorry, you’re the best) Anumita Nadesan? Sometimes you need someone else to express what you’re too ashamed to admit to yourself.
6. How did the creative process for the alternate version compare to the original?
Everything feels effortless when Timothy Thampy is involved. I show up at his studio, rant about the world, and describe — in outdated and incoherent terms — what I want to hear. He somehow makes it happen. Then Shikar comes in with these ridiculously weepy guitars, and Anumita adds that wispy voice we’re all obsessed with. That’s how the magic came together.
7. What can your fans look forward to next from you?
At least two songs every month. Reimagined versions of my older singles like Kindergarten Juliet and Nahi. Some exciting collaborations. A The Besharams EP. A full-length Janisht Joshi record. More music videos filmed in rainy Bombay. And even a newsletter — though that’ll mostly just be me rambling.
Bio:
Janisht Joshi is an Indian-Nepalese singer-songwriter based in Bombay, who began his musical journey as a cover artist before carving out his own identity with original compositions. Drawing from a diverse range of influences — from The Strokes, John Mayer, and Bleachers to the golden era of Bollywood — he crafts a sound that seamlessly blends modern freshness with nostalgic charm.
Deeply inspired by the timeless artistry of Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt, Janisht infuses his music with an old-world cinematic soul, while writing in both Hindi and English to showcase his versatility. His independent release Kaagaz Ke Phool has already crossed 250K streams across DSPs and 130K views on YouTube, marking a major milestone in his career.
With four new Hindi releases on the way, Janisht is set to captivate an even wider audience. His evolution from a cover artist to a distinctive singer-songwriter stands as a testament to his passion, artistry, and relentless dedication to his craft.
Interviewed by: Gurbani Kaur
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
){kind=link}
0 Comments