Indian Idol 16 Winner Jyotirmayee Nayak FIRST Interview: What Shreya Ghoshal Told Her? She's Like God- EXCL!

Indian Idol 16 winner interview: I am jumping with excitement as Jyotirmayee has emerged as the ultimate winner of Indian Idol season 16, taking home the shiny trophy. Since the beginning of the show, I was rooting for her to secure victory.

After months of intense competition, power-packed performances and multiple rehearsals, Jyotirmayee won Indian Idol 16. I got an opportunity to talk to the talented singer after her victory over a phone call. Her excitement was easily evident in our call.

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In an exclusive conversation with Filmibeat Assistant Editor Abhishek Ranjit, Jyotirmayee opened up about her emotional victory and also got candid about the struggles behind the success.

As she spoke about her admiration for Shreya Ghoshal, Jyotirmayee Nayak revealed what the Bollywood singer told her after she won the Indian Idol 16 finale. Jyotirmayee also shared her thoughts on manifesting her victory on Indian Idol 16, her future aspirations, and why representing Odisha means everything to her.

Here are excerpts from the interview-

Q. Congratulations on winning Indian Idol 16! What was your first emotion after lifting the trophy?

Jyotirmayee Nayak: We had waited for this moment for a long time, so I was extremely happy. But honestly, the win wasn't easy at all. It was a very tough journey, and that's exactly why this victory feels so special.

Q. How has Indian Idol transformed you as an artist and as a person?

Jyotirmayee Nayak: There has been a huge transformation in me. Initially, I had faced many rejections, and I wasn't very confident about what would happen next. But after reaching the Top 16, everything changed. The rehearsals became more intense, the grooming sessions helped me grow, and I learned how to prepare myself professionally. That's when my real journey actually began.

Q. Throughout the season, you performed before several legendary singers. What was that experience like?

Jyotirmayee Nayak: It was an unforgettable experience. We grew up watching these artists on television, and suddenly they were sitting in front of us, listening to us sing. We celebrated them on the show, and they even performed for us. Watching them so closely helped us understand their singing techniques. I learned a lot from every guest who came on the show.

Q. How did your family react when they found out you had won Indian Idol 16?

Jyotirmayee Nayak: My parents were confident that I would win, and they were extremely happy. Coming from Odisha, I always felt a responsibility to make my state proud. My language isn't as widely spoken across the country, and not many contestants from Odisha get opportunities like this. My dream was always to do something meaningful for my state, and I'm happy I could achieve that.

Q. Looking back, which three performances from Indian Idol 16 are closest to your heart?

Jyotirmayee Nayak: If I have to choose three, they would be Meri Story, Nimbuda Nimbuda, and Hungama Ho Gaya. Each performance showcased a different side of me, and I thoroughly enjoyed performing them.

Q. Have you taken time to celebrate or pamper yourself after the victory?

Jyotirmayee Nayak: (Laughs) Not really. Right now I'm on my way to meet Hariharan Sir. Work has already started, and I don't want to stop. I've worked hard for the last two to three years, and I want to continue doing concerts, shoots, and music projects. I'll celebrate properly once I go back to my hometown.

Q. You mentioned believing in manifestation. Can you tell us more about that?

Jyotirmayee Nayak: Yes. I had actually kept a wallpaper on my phone imagining myself as the winner. It was my little message to the universe. But I was never overconfident. I always believed in working hard and staying grounded. When this finally happened, it felt completely surreal.

Q. What are your aspirations after Indian Idol 16? Playback singing or independent music?

Jyotirmayee Nayak: Right now, I feel independent music has tremendous potential. Even emotional independent songs can reach millions of people. There are already some people who want to work with me, so I'm focusing on creating good music. I'm sure the right opportunities will come with time.

Q. Are you prepared for the attention and fame that comes after becoming the Indian Idol winner?

Jyotirmayee Nayak: Yes, I think I'm ready. It's been a few days since the finale, and I'm still trying to absorb the fact that I'm the winner. At the same time, I'm also preparing myself to work even harder because this is only the beginning.

Q. Have you thought about how you'll use your prize money?

Jyotirmayee Nayak: Not yet. Once I receive it, I'd definitely like to invest it wisely. That's something I'll think about carefully.

Q. Shreya Ghoshal has always been one of your biggest inspirations. What did she say after your victory?

Jyotirmayee Nayak: You'll see it in the finale episode. She introduced me before my final performance, and that moment meant everything to me. She is like God to me. She's been my inspiration for years, and getting the opportunity to learn from her is one of the biggest blessings of my life. Shreya ma'am congratulated me and said that I deserved to win the show.

Q. Finally, what would you like to tell everyone who voted for and supported you throughout this journey?

Jyotirmayee Nayak: Honestly, I knew people liked me, but after the show ended, I realized just how much love I had received. So many people genuinely wanted me to win. I'm deeply grateful for every blessing, every vote, and every bit of support. I promise to keep working hard and making everyone proud.

We extend our heartiest congratulations to Jyotirmayee Nayak.