The ever-inspiring Sushant Divgikar is back with yet another groundbreaking collaboration, this time with BIG FM for Dhun Badal Ke Toh Dekho. In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, Sushant delves into the collab, breaking stereotypes, reflecting their lifelong mission to champion art without labels, highlighting radio’s transformative reach and more
Tejal Sinha
In a world that often seeks to define individuals by labels, Sushant Divgikar, also known as the dynamic Rani Ko-HE-Nur, emerges as a trailblazer, breaking barriers with grace and unwavering authenticity. Being the voice Dhun Badal Ke Toh Dekho on BIG FM, Sushant blends music, storytelling and inclusivity into an empowering anthem for self-expression and embracing diversity.
Celebrating the power of art without labels, it encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and step beyond societal judgments. The anthem at the show’s heart serves as an empowering call to action, inspiring people to rediscover their self-worth and pursue their passions unapologetically. Through its collaboration with BIG FM, Dhun Badal Ke Toh Dekho isn’t just a musical journey—it’s a movement that amplifies inclusivity, unity and the transformative power of music in today’s world.
In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, they reflects on their journey with BIG FM and expressed a heartfelt connection to the radio medium, tracing its influence back to childhood. “BIG FM has been a part of my life since childhood,” they shared, recalling how the radio served as a gateway to music and storytelling. “Growing up, I always listened to the radio—it connected me to music and stories in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”
Sushant described hearing their own songs on the radio later in life as a deeply fulfilling moment, marking what they described as a “full circle” experience. For an artist whose work often amplifies marginalised voices, collaborating with a platform that reaches the farthest corners of the country was a natural fit. “Radio is a medium that reaches places many other platforms can’t. For someone who’s often been described as a ‘voice for the voiceless,’ this collaboration was a natural fit,” Sushant remarked. At the heart of this partnership is the show’s anthem, a powerful musical statement that aligns perfectly with Divgikar’s values. Emphasising its significance, Sushant explained that the anthem is more than just a song; it represents inclusivity and the recognition of art without labels. “The anthem doesn’t just play on a massive platform—it’s symbolic. It’s a step toward inclusivity, giving art the recognition it deserves without labels,” they noted.
Sushant also lauded BIG FM’s vision, commending the platform for taking bold steps to embrace and amplify diverse voices. “Kudos to BIG FM for believing in this vision and for taking a bold step in the right direction,” Sushant said, highlighting the show’s mission to break barriers and inspire others to celebrate their true selves. Discussing the significance of this partnership, Sushant emphasised how BIG FM’s values align seamlessly with their artistic philosophy. “My journey has always been about breaking barriers,” Rani Ko-HE-Nur shared, highlighting how the collaboration resonates with their belief in appreciating art for its essence, rather than judging the artist.
BIG FM’s ethos of inclusivity struck a particularly deep chord with Sushant. They described how the partnership reflects a broader movement toward celebrating diversity and fostering acceptance. “BIG FM didn’t just choose me for who I am, but for the art I bring. That’s true inclusivity,” Sushant remarked, adding that this collaboration sets an important precedent for other brands to follow.
The impact of this inclusive approach has been profound, with listeners responding emotionally to the show’s anthem. Sushant shared moving accounts of messages and voice notes they’ve received from people who felt seen and inspired by the song. “People have told me how emotional this anthem made them feel—how they had tears in their eyes because they’d stopped believing in themselves. But seeing me in this space gave them hope, reigniting that fire to believe they are on the right path,” Sushant revealed, for whom, the anthem is more than just a musical creation; it is a powerful symbol of transformation and resilience. They noted that the feedback from listeners reaffirmed why they’ve worked so tirelessly to represent and inspire. “This isn’t just a song; it’s a movement,” Sushant said, underlining the anthem’s ability to touch lives and spark meaningful change.
Sushant sees this as a beacon of hope for other platforms and brands, encouraging them to base opportunities on talent rather than stereotypes. For Divgikar, radio has always been more than a medium—it’s a bridge connecting voices and stories across diverse landscapes. They regard it as a uniquely democratic platform, accessible to all without the barriers of technology or cost. “Radio doesn’t demand fancy gadgets or expensive subscriptions; it’s accessible, relatable, and deeply authentic,” Sushant said, highlighting the simplicity and intimacy that make radio special.
Reflecting on the essence of radio, Sushant described it as a medium where real voices tell real stories. “Whether it’s an RJ bringing life to a morning show with their energy, a caller sharing their personal journey, or a guest pouring their heart out on-air, these moments create an unmatched sense of intimacy.” For Sushant, being part of this legacy through their anthem feels like a profound honor, one that aligns perfectly with their belief in inclusivity. Sushant is particularly moved by how radio champions diversity in a way that few platforms can. They applauded its commitment to promoting independent artists, regional music, and underrepresented voices, saying, “Radio celebrates diversity like no other platform. It gives everyone a chance to be heard and celebrated.”
Music, for Sushant, is a unifying force that transcends all boundaries. They have always believed in its ability to break through the constraints of gender, nationality, and background, touching hearts in profound ways. “Music is pure art, and art has no barriers. It has the intensity to change worlds and shift conversations. I’ve seen it firsthand—music has saved lives, sparked joy, and inspired people to wake up and face another day.”
Speaking about the anthem for Dhun Badal Ke Toh Dekho, Sushant described it as a symbol of breaking boundaries and redefining narratives. “This anthem, for me, is more than just a song—it stands for everything I’ve championed in my 18 years as an artist: to see the art, not just the artist,” Sushant explained, underlining its significance in their journey.
Throughout the career, Sushant has faced societal judgments and preconceived notions about identity. Yet, they have remained steadfast in their mission to let art speak louder than labels. “People often box us in, questioning, ‘Is this a man? A woman? Why does she sound like that? What is she wearing?’ But I’ve always said—I am so much more than my gender, my orientation, or my name,” they said with conviction. As an artist, Sushant finds profound fulfillment in continuing the legacy of the goddess Saraswati through their work.
Concluding on an inspiring note, Sushant shared their philosophy on music and life. “Music doesn’t see who you are—it sees your soul,” they said, emphasising the universal language of music. Encouraging others to find joy in the world around them, Sushant added, “If you see beauty, even if it’s just a little bit in everything, life will become simpler and more enjoyable. So, keep enjoying, keep loving, and keep listening to my music.”
