‘A dot is small but significant’: Actor-musician Aditi Saigal aka Dot on finding her artistic voice

In a world saturated with aspiring singers, Aditi Saigal, known by her stage name Dot, has carved a niche for herself. Her journey from singing in school choirs to debuting in Zoya Akhtar’s directorial venture ‘The Archies’ is a testament to her dedication and unwavering passion for the creative arts.

We had the opportunity to interview Aditi Saigal on the sidelines of her performance at The Piano Man in New Delhi.

On her beginnings

The daughter of rock musician Amit Saigal and actor Shena Gamat, Dot’s love for music blossomed at a young age. She vividly recalls dancing around her Delhi home to the beats of jazz. “I was always involved in choirs and talent shows,” she says. While she did not initially envision music as a career path, it remained a constant source of joy and self-expression.  “It wasn’t a conscious decision,” she admits, “but just something I loved doing.”

 

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The story behind ‘Dot’

She must have been around the age of 10, colouring in a book with her mother. As Aditi meticulously stayed within the lines, her mother began creating a pattern of dots outside the designated areas. Intrigued, she had to ask why. The answer, delivered with a smile, became a cherished motto: “Dots never hurt anyone, and they make it look so interesting.”

Now, the name ‘Dot’ perfectly embodies her artistic persona. “A dot is small but significant,” she explains. “It can completely change the meaning of a sentence depending on where it is placed.” This idea resonates in Dot’s approach to music, where she strives to leave a lasting impact.

 

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From YouTube to The Archies

An unexpected opportunity arose when Zoya Akhtar, director of ‘The Archies’, stumbled upon her music on YouTube.

Dot, whose first song ‘Everybody dances to techno’ became a massive hit on YouTube, was initially brought on board the project as a musician. But her undeniable screen presence led Akhtar to suggest that she audition. Landing the role of Ethel Muggs marked a turning point in Dot’s career, introducing her to the world of acting.

Advice for aspiring artists

Dot draws inspiration from a wide range of artists — from vocal jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald to contemporary pop icons like KT Tunstall.

Her advice for aspiring artists is simple yet profound: “Trust your gut.”  In a world filled with external voices, she emphasises the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision. “There are a lot of people telling you what you should and should not do,” she says.  “Ultimately, trusting yourself helps you see your way a little bit clearer.”

 

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What’s next for Dot?

She is currently working on her next musical venture, tentatively titled ‘Sea Creature on the Sofa’, and hints at potential acting projects.  Though tight-lipped about the specifics, her enthusiasm is palpable.

Performing at The Piano Man holds special significance for Dot. Growing up near the venue, she witnessed its rise as a hub for music lovers in Delhi. “It was a big deal,” she says. Finally gracing the Piano Man stage after years of yearning, was a momentous occasion, marking a significant milestone in her musical journey.

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