Indian powerhouse pop star Jonita Gandhi joined forces with Ed Sheeran for the official remix of “Heaven,” bringing an authentic desi touch to heartfelt offering.
The remix of the emotive track, which was originally featured on Ed Sheeran’s latest album Play, is part of a new collection of remixes featuring other well-known Indian artists including Karan Aujla on “Symmetry” and Hanumankind, Dhee, and Santosh on “Don’t Look Down.”
Elevated by Gandhi's delicate Hindi verse as she evokes a sense of romance, the new version of "Heaven" offers a seamless blend of East meets West. Leading us into a minimal yet impactful tale of finding comfort and home in someone's arms, Ed and Gandhi deliver a love song that comes to life as a celebration of cultures and languages.
Showcasing Gandhi's vast musical experience, which spans both playback and non-film music, her collaboration with Ed is an alluring glimpse of the rich talent that has Indian music scene shining on the global stage. In conversation with Earmilk, Jonita dives into working with Ed, experimenting with her craft, her hope for more cross-cultural collaborations in the future and much more.
1. How did the collaboration with Ed Sheeran on “Heaven” come about? And what was the creative process behind it?
I met Ed when he visited India early last year and then again when I opened for him in Chennai earlier this year. I’ve been a fan of his for several years and I’m so honoured that I got called to collaborate with him on the remix of Heaven! It all came together really organically – I recorded my vocals between shows, travel and shoots and worked closely with the team to make sure the Hindi lyrics blended seamlessly with Ed’s original vibe. The goal was to keep the soul of the song intact while adding an authentic Indian touch. Hearing our voices together for the first time gave me chills.
2. What do the Hindi lyrics add to the track in terms of its message or vibe?
The Hindi lyrics add this extra layer of emotion and warmth to the song. Heaven already has such a heartfelt meaning, but combining the two languages somehow made it feel even more intimate – there’s a certain softness and depth to it. It was important for me to make sure the delivery felt honest and natural, so that even people who don’t understand Hindi could still feel the emotion behind it.
3. How has your sound evolved over time?
I think my sound has evolved as I’ve evolved as a person. When I started out, I was mostly focused on playback singing – interpreting what composers and directors envisioned. But over the years, through various film and non-film projects and collaborations, I’ve been able to explore more of me – my tone, my stories, my influences. I’ve become more confident in experimenting with genres, languages, and sounds that feel authentic. I think now my music reflects a blend of my Indian roots and my global upbringing.
4. You’ve struck a great balance between playback singing and music releases. How do they each influence each other in your artistry?
They definitely complement each other. Playback singing has taught me versatility – how to adapt to different characters, moods, and languages. Non-film music, on the other hand, gives me the freedom to express myself more personally and creatively. When I bring those two worlds together, I feel like I grow as an artist and that pushes me to stay inspired.
5. As someone representing India and Indian music on a global stage, what’s been the most rewarding experience of your journey so far?
There have been so many beautiful moments, but the most rewarding thing is seeing people from different parts of the world connect with the music. When someone who doesn’t even speak the language comes up and tells me how a song made them feel, that’s the best reward. It’s also really fulfilling to be part of this wave where Indian music and artists are gaining more visibility globally – it makes me proud to represent where I come from.
6. You’ve already sung across several languages and cross-cultural music is becoming more common. If you could further experiment with your craft in the future, what’s something you’d love to try?
Collaborating with artists from completely different musical backgrounds fascinates me. I’m also very interested in creating music that bridges languages – like songs that move effortlessly between Hindi, Tamil, English or even Korean. That kind of cultural crossover feels very true to who I am.
7. As Indian pop music becomes more mainstream, is there a piece of advice you’d give to other aspiring musicians looking to make their breakthrough?
Stay true to your sound and your story. It’s easy to get caught up in trends, but authenticity always resonates. Also, be patient – building a sustainable music career takes time. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Most importantly, enjoy the process. The music industry can be unpredictable, but if your love for music stays at the core, it’ll always guide you in the right direction.
8. Finally, what’s one question no one has asked you in an interview that you wish you were asked?
Hmm… maybe “What keeps you grounded?” I think that’s such an important question, especially in this industry. For me, it’s my family, my friends, and the people who remind me why I started singing in the first place. Gratitude keeps me grounded – just taking a moment to remember how far I’ve come and how humbled I am to do what I love.
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