Pic courtesy/ IMDb
Two years have elapsed since the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s cinematic splendor ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, an opus that has seared its narrative and visual grandeur into the annals of film history. Yet, as the curtains rise on this second anniversary, it’s the film’s deeply moving soundtrack that continues to enchant audiences, echoing the emotions and journey of its unforgettable characters. Bhansali, who is equally a virtuoso of visuals and symphony, once more graced the world with a musical collection befitting the movie’s stature—a collection that remains a stunning and poignant backdrop to the film’s dramatic tapestry.
With Bhansali’s hallmark of finesse and a keen devotion to classic Indian music traditions, the ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ soundtrack eschews mere background status, standing proud as a significant artistic entity in its own right. Each melody weaves through the cinematic narrative like threads of gold, binding the viewer to the film’s soul. As we reminisce on these tracks today, their timeless allure is unmistakable, their imprint on our hearts as fresh as the day they were first heard.
‘Meri Jaan’, the album’s opening act, is more than just a song; it is the embodiment of yearning and an emblem of the human spirit’s resilient core. Neeti Mohan lent her voice to this composition, pouring in a passion that adds an extra dimension to the music, transforming it into an anthem of the enduring soul. This track’s melancholic strings and whispering chorus declare Bhansali’s unmatched ability to draw forth the wellsprings of emotion through his melodies.
An anthem of vitality, ‘Jhume Re Gori’, gets the blood pumping with its throbbing rhythm and effervescent orchestration. Embodying the film’s heroine’s indomitable spirit, the song is a vibrant echo of Kathiawadi vitality, weaving the tale of triumph amid strife. Bhansali’s love for the folk genre shines through, endearing the song instantly to anyone who hears it, and cementing it in the annals of celebratory scores.
In ‘Dholida’, we find an exuberant explosion of joy—an elation that captures the quintessence of love and Kinship. The track is an homage to the Gujarati tradition, fully charged with vigorous beats and a myriad of instrumental colors, all arranged to perfection under Bhansali’s exacting eyes. This song manages the delicate balance of mass appeal with an artist’s touch, striking a chord with audiences of all walks.
The stirring ‘Jab Saiyaan’, performed by the iconic Shreya Ghosal, delves into an intimate exploration of love’s complexities. This number stands tall as a jewel in the soundtrack, its hauntingly beautiful music coupled with heartfelt lyrics. This track is the subtler, more reflective side of romance—a counterpoint to the album’s livelier numbers.
Last but not least, the heart-wrenching ‘Shikayat’ evokes a sense of intimate sorrow, Bhansali’s composition bringing forth a melody wrapped in grief and reflection. The music stirs the listener, a spectral beauty that continues to resonate long after the last note has faded into silence.
Alia Bhatt’s portrayal of Gangubai stands as a powerful centerpiece in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, a narrative that charts the extraordinary ascension of a woman sold into the depths of a notorious red-light district, who rises like a phoenix to become a figure of reverence within the underworld. Her story inspires, just as the music score of ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ captivates, both masterpieces dually contributing to the lasting legacy of this film.
As the anniversary of ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is celebrated, it beckons us to take a reflective journey through its music—an undying legacy of a film that has etched its name in the heart of cinematic lore. Its soundtrack endures as a key piece of Bhansali’s artistic vision, where notes and chords are crafted with as much care as the film’s magnificent vistas. Let’s honor the moment, indulge once more in the graceful, soulful symphonies that are as much a portrait of Gangubai’s spirit as the film itself.
