As a child, and before she became the Anushka Manchanda we know, she would tell people her name was “Nuka”, little realising she would use it as her alias. Her first release under this new name is the single “Don’t Be Afraid”. The singer, who brought back “Dum Maro Dum” for a new generation of listeners, is known for her bold statements like her “Lay You Down” video. As Nuka, she has again attempted visually powerful music videos.
What is Nuka?
I’m using Nuka as a platform to do creative work, whether it’s as an editor, content creator and music producer. Nuka is purely art driven. It is like an outlet where I can do my thing without any hindrance from somebody else.
How did you arrive at it?
It’s pretty crazy. Two years back, I was in Los Angeles at a friend’s house and was randomly talking about what I wanted to do in life. So we started discussing what it could be and I told them when I was young I used to call myself Nuka, and they were like, yes it could be what we were looking for. Initially, I didn’t agree because it didn’t make any sense. Then my friend showed me a video on YouTube which inspired me to stick with Nuka. The story doesn't end here. It was my last day in LA and I wanted to see the sunset. We went to an observatory and saw a green flash. I didn't know what it was, nobody actually knew. You see, life gives you signs pushing you into a particular direction. Later we went to a restaurant and got post cards. The postcards were of the observatory we went to. So that was the day I decided Nuka is going to be my artist name.
Tell us about your new single…
The song talks about the series of events after one dies and the fear attached to the unknown. I have worked hard on my voice and the vocals. While writing the song I visualised a tree. It is aimed at conveying the message, ‘relax; don’t be afraid’, you have your problems we have ours, but the ultimate answer to all the problems lies in the nature.
The music is slow, steady and euphoric and I have done it with all my heart. I believe whatever is done with one’s heart is always amazing. It's my first release as an independent artist. I have made the music video in collaboration with Walkabout Films. It is visually stunning, something you can’t resist!
You’ve done cameos in DulhaMilGayaand have worked in Angry Indian Goddesses. How was the experience?
DulhaMilGaya was just for fun but Angry Indian Goddesses is something very close to my heart. It helped me explore a new space. Racism I don’t know, but yes, sexism is something I have seen in the industry. I have been lucky: I’ve worked with people who never made me feel that way.
How did you manage to face the criticism of your ‘Lay You Down’ video ?
People come with many preconceived notions. So what they conceive about my video is always going to reside in their hearts. In the end, love is love. I mean people should focus on issues where humans force themselves on others. What two girls do inside a bedroom with consent is none of their business. Such criticism doesn’t bother me, but when it happens, I like to engage with people to talk to me about that. See my Instagram, I want to give them a chance to educate me and get educated by me.
Do you think that the final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment?
It’s difficult you know, at the end of the day, we are just humans. For me, it depends on where the criticism is coming from. Not criticism, but yes, I would say critique is something that makes you strong. But it doesn’t mean you accept something that is constantly trying to bring you down.
