Gangubai Kathiawadi (soundtrack) explained

Gangubai Kathiawadi (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Type:Soundtrack
Artist:Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Cover:Gangubai Kathiawadi (soundtrack).png
Released:18 February 2022[1]
Recorded:2021
Genre:Feature film soundtrack
Length:45:20
Label:Saregama Music
Prev Title:Malaal
Prev Year:2019
Year:2022
Next Title:Heeramandi
Next Year:2024

Gangubai Kathiawadi (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is the soundtrack album to the 2022 film of the same name, directed and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and starring Alia Bhatt in the titular role. The film was loosely based on the life of Indian sex worker and social activist Gangubai Kothewali and documented in the novel Mafia Queens of Mumbai, written by S. Hussain Zaidi. Besides directing, Bhansali also composed the film's soundtrack while the score was composed by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara. The lyrics for the songs were written by Kumaar, A. M. Turaz and Bhojak Ashok "Anjam". The album was released under the Saregama record label on 18 February 2022 with a simultaneous Telugu version which had lyrics written by Chaitanya Prasad.

Background

Gangubai Kathiawadi is Bhansali's sixth film as a composer. Like all of his earlier films, Bhansali would curate the tunes after reading the script owing to his belief on music that would be expressed in certain moments over dialogues.[2] The soundtrack accompanied mostly female singers except for one song, while Bhansali also introduced Janhvi Shrimankar and Archana Gore in their playback debuts as they rendered two songs for the film.[3] [4] The musical palette accompanied the use of traditional instrumentation that served the multitude of genres such as Indian folk, qawwali and Indian classical music.[5] It was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in 2021 where the musicians had to work remotely. The album was arranged by Shail Hada and Raja Pandit, with music production handled by Jackie Vanjari and programmed by Sanjay Jaipurwale and Shivansh Kapil.

In April 2021, Bhansali had signed a long-term partnership contract with Saregama India Ltd. which allowed the label to collaborate with three projects, including Gangubai Kathiawadi.[6] This initiative eventually marked the label's return to film music acquisition after six years, where it had paid for the music rights.[7] Bhansali cited this as a special and personal collaboration which he attributed to listening the "golden classics of Hindi cinema" which the label's music catalogue holds, in his formative years, that had shaped his storytelling and worldbuilding.[8]

Release

The first single from the album "Dholida" was released on 10 February 2022.[9] [10] It is a garda dance number set in the backdrop of Navaratri festival and was choreographed by Kruti Mahesh.[11] [12] The second single "Jab Saiyaan" was released in conjunction with Valentine's Day (14 February).[13] [14] [15] The album was released on 18 February 2022 in Hindi and Telugu languages. Post release, the music video of the song "Meri Jaan" was unveiled on 21 February.[16] [17] It was followed by the videos for the song, "Jhume Re Gori" on 25 February,[18] [19] and "Shikayat" on 9 March.[20]

Reception

In his review for Film Companion, Prathyush Parasuraman summarized that "the songs of Gangubai Kathiawadi move quickly between genres of feeling. You cannot listen to it as a single mood piece neatly transitioning, like you would for his longer albums." Anish Mohanty in his review for Planet Bollywood stated that "With Gangubai Kathiawadi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali shows some growth as a composer. Unlike the albums he has put together in the past, it consistently engaging and does not really offer a dull moment."[21] Lakshmi Govindarajan Javeri in her review for Firstpost stated "the poignant ones are leaps ahead of the dance numbers even though the latter will command more airplay [...] Listen to the album for what Bhansali is not projecting: the underlining sensitivity of human emotions."[22]

Monika Rawal Kukreja of Hindustan Times wrote "Meri Jaan and Jab Saiyaan are soft romantic tracks while Dholida and Jhume Re Gori let you groove to some peppy folk beats."[23] Sneha Bengani of CNBC TV18 compared the music and score to that of Spencer (2021) that "elevates the narrative, makes it river-like—free-flowing, uncontainable, with a life of its own."[24] Shilajit Mitra of Cinema Express wrote "'Dholia' and 'Jhume Re Gori' are nods to earlier songs, though there's much invention to the lush, entertaining 'Meri Jaan'."[25] Ronak Kotecha of The Times of India, however wrote, "Each song is masterfully and colourfully picturised [...] but none of the songs, other than Dholida, are too memorable."[26]

Personnel

Credits adapted from Saregama:Production and technical

Musicians

Accolades

Award! scope="col"
Date of the ceremonyCategoryRecipientsResult
Filmfare Awards27 April 2023Best Music DirectorSanjay Leela Bhansali[27]
[28]
Best Lyricist
Best Female Playback SingerJanhvi Shrimankar
R. D. Burman AwardJanhvi Shrimankar rowspan="2"
Best Background ScoreSanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara
International Indian Film Academy Awards26–27 May 2023Best Music DirectorSanjay Leela Bhansali[29]
[30]
[31]
Best Lyricist
Best Female Playback Singer
Mirchi Music Awards3 November 2023Album of the Year Gangubai Kathiawadi[32]
[33]
Song of the Year "Dholida"
Album of the YearGangubai Kathiawadi
Song of the Year"Jab Saiyaan"
"Dholida"
Female Vocalist of the Year
rowspan="2"
Janhvi Shrimankar
Music Composer of the YearSanjay Leela Bhansali
Lyricist of the Yearrowspan="5"
Best Song Producer – Programming & Arranging
Best Song Engineer – Recording & MixingTanay Gajjar, Kunal Dabholkar
Best Background Music ScoreSanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara
Zee Cine Awards26 February 2023Best Music DirectorSanjay Leela Bhansali[34]
[35]
[36]
[37]
Best Lyricist
Best Female Playback Singer
Reel Awards26 February 2023Best MusicSanjay Leela Bhansali[38]
[39]
Best Female Playback Singer

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Gangubai Kathiawadi – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack . 10 February 2022 . Jiosaavn . 18 February 2022 . 18 February 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220218082244/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/gangubai-kathiawadi/dhzdv5vMZ-Q_ . live.
  2. News: PTI . 2022-02-17 . Sanjay Leela Bhansali on making 'Gangubai Kathiawadi': We were never restricted . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221111131042/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sanjay-leela-bhansali-on-making-gangubai-kathiawadi-we-were-never-restricted/article65058587.ece . 2022-11-11 . 2024-10-23 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X.
  3. News: 2022-02-18 . Sanjay Leela Bhansali on composing ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ songs: I have always been passionate about music . 2024-10-23 . The Times of India . 0971-8257.
  4. Web site: 2022-02-18 . Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Gangubai Kathiawadi album: Shreya Ghoshal, Arijit Singh, Neeti Mohan have elevated songs to another level . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220506205507/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sanjay-leela-bhansali-gangubai-kathiawadi-album-shreya-ghoshal-arijit-singh-neeti-mohan-7779850/ . 2022-05-06 . 2024-10-23 . The Indian Express . en.
  5. Web site: Parasuraman . Prathyush . 2023-02-24 . Breaking Down The Music Of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231117065139/https://www.filmcompanion.in/music/gangubai-kathiawadi-sanjay-leela-bhansali-breaking-down-the-music-alia-bhatt . 2023-11-17 . 2024-10-23 . Film Companion . en.
  6. Web site: 2021-04-21 . Alia Bhatt’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ ropes in Saregama as music partner . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210507051325/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/alia-bhatt-s-gangubai-kathiawadi-ropes-in-saregama-as-music-partner-11618981092741.html . 2021-05-07 . 2024-10-23 . Mint.
  7. Web site: Mankad . Himesh . 2022-02-26 . Decoding the economics of Gangubai: When will this Sanjay Leela Bhansali & Alia Bhatt film be a HIT? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230517023958/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/decoding-economics-gangubai-when-will-sanjay-leela-bhansali-alia-bhatt-film-be-hit-1033153 . 2023-05-17 . 2024-10-23 . Pinkvilla . en.
  8. Web site: 2021-04-20 . Saregama strikes music deal with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Gangubai Kathiawadi . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211025032113/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2021/Apr/20/saregama-strikes-music-deal-with-sanjay-leela-bhansali-for-gangubai-kathiawadi-24069.html . 2021-10-25 . 2024-10-23 . Cinema Express . en.
  9. Web site: 2022-02-10 . Alia Bhatt dances with abandon in Gangubai Kathiwadi’s garba song, Dholida. Watch . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220506205345/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/gangubai-kathiawadi-dholida-garba-song-alia-bhatt-sanjay-leela-bhansali-7765541/ . 2022-05-06 . 2024-10-23 . The Indian Express . en.
  10. Web site: Chaubey . Pranita . 2022-02-10 . Gangubai Kathiawadi Song Dholida: Alia Bhatt Gets Her Big Sanjay Leela Bhansali Dance Number . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220214073409/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/gangubai-kathiawadi-song-dholida-alia-bhatt-gets-her-big-sanjay-leela-bhansali-dance-number-2760040 . 2022-02-14 . 2024-10-23 . NDTV . en.
  11. News: 2022-02-10 . Dholida: Alia Bhatt unveils Garba track from 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'; says dancing to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's composition is 'an absolute dream come true' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220511235548/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/dholida-alia-bhatt-unveils-garba-track-from-gangubai-kathiawadi-calls-it-an-absolute-dream-come-true-moment/articleshow/89471079.cms . 2022-05-11 . 2024-10-23 . The Times of India . 0971-8257.
  12. Web site: Britto . Anita . 2022-03-01 . Alia Bhatt is very aware of what she can or cannot do: Dholida choreographer Kruti Mahesh . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231017132457/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/alia-bhatt-is-very-aware-of-what-she-can-or-cannot-do-dholida-choreographer-kruti-mahesh-1919450-2022-03-01 . 2023-10-17 . 2024-10-23 . India Today . en.
  13. Web site: 2022-02-14 . Gangubai Kathiawadi song Jab Saiyaan: Shreya Ghoshal track features the innocent romance of Alia Bhatt-Shantanu Maheshwari . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220817071152/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/gangubai-kathiawadi-song-jab-saiyaan-shreya-ghoshal-alia-bhatt-shantanu-maheshwari-video-7774984/ . 2022-08-17 . 2024-10-23 . The Indian Express . en.
  14. Web site: Mukherjee . Anindita . 2022-02-14 . Alia Bhatt unveils new soulful track Jab Saiyaan from Gangubai Kathiawadi featuring Shantanu Maheshwari . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220311192214/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/alia-bhatt-unveils-new-soulful-track-jab-saiyaan-from-gangubai-kathiawadi-featuring-shantanu-maheshwari-1913305-2022-02-15 . 2022-03-11 . 2024-10-23 . India Today . en.
  15. Web site: 2022-02-14 . Gangubai Kathiawadi song Jab Saiyaan: Alia Bhatt and Shantanu Maheshwari’s love blossoms, fans get ‘goosebumps’. Watch . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220218003656/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/gangubai-kathiawadi-song-jab-saiyaan-alia-bhatt-and-shantanu-maheshwari-s-love-blossoms-fans-get-goosebumps-watch-101644917860851.html . 2022-02-18 . 2024-10-23 . Hindustan Times.
  16. Web site: Nagvanshi . Anushka . 2022-02-21 . Gangubai Kathiawadi New Song Meri Jaan: Alia Bhatt And Shantanu Maheshwari's Backseat Romance . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220304193418/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/gangubai-kathiawadi-new-song-meri-jaan-alia-bhatt-and-shantanu-maheshwaris-backseat-romance-2780529 . 2022-03-04 . 2024-10-23 . NDTV . en.
  17. Web site: 2022-02-21 . Gangubai Kathiawadi song Meri Jaan has Alia Bhatt and Shantanu Maheshwari stealing moments of intimacy. Watch video . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220506212254/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/gangubai-kathiawadi-song-meri-jaan-alia-bhatt-shantanu-maheshwari-romance-video-7784271/ . 2022-05-06 . 2024-10-23 . The Indian Express . en.
  18. Web site: 2022-02-25 . Gangubai Kathiawadi song Jhume Re Gori is sure to set the tone for Garba this season . live . https://archive.today/20241023104040/https://www.etvbharat.com/english/sitara/cinema/gangubai-kathiawadi-song-jhume-re-gori-is-sure-to-set-the-tone-for-garba-this-season/na20220225152610425 . 2024-10-23 . 2024-10-23 . ETV Bharat News . en.
  19. Web site: S. . Shilpa . 2022-02-25 . Gangubai Kathiawadi song Jhume Re Gori: Alia Bhatt revels to catchy, colourful folk beats . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220225113058/https://www.ottplay.com/news/gangubai-kathiawadi-song-jhume-re-gori-alia-bhatt-revels-to-catchy-colourful-folk-beats/65f05a0168568 . 2022-02-25 . 2024-10-23 . OTTPlay . en.
  20. Web site: Prajapat . Sunidhi . 2022-03-02 . Gangubai Kathiawadi song Shikayat: A melodious heartbreaking track starring Huma Qureshi in Alia Bhatt's film . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220309004738/https://www.ottplay.com/news/gangubai-kathiawadi-song-shikayat-a-melodic-heartbreaking-track-starring-huma-qureshi-in-alia-bhatts-film/435432bdba702 . 2022-03-09 . 2024-10-23 . OTTPlay . en.
  21. Web site: Mohanty . Anish . 2022-02-21 . Gangubai Kathiawadi Music Review . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230925004245/https://planetbollywood.com/wp/reviews/gangubai-kathiawadi-music-review/ . 2023-09-25 . 2024-10-23 . Planet Bollywood . en-US.
  22. Web site: Govindarajan Javeri . Lakshmi . 2022-02-22 . Gangubai Kathiawadi music review: Sanjay Leela Bhansali harnesses unsaid emotions and sets them to memorable tunes . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220308000325/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/gangubai-kathiawadi-music-review-sanjay-leela-bhansali-harnesses-unsaid-emotions-and-sets-them-to-memorable-tunes-10393331.html . 2022-03-08 . 2024-10-23 . Firstpost . en-us.
  23. Web site: Kukreja . Monika Rawal . 2022-02-25 . Gangubai Kathiawadi movie review: Alia Bhatt shines in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's tale of pain and rage turned into victory . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230517030609/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/gangubai-kathiawadi-movie-review-alia-bhatt-is-impressive-in-this-tale-of-pain-and-rage-turned-into-victory-101645761652118.html . 2023-05-17 . 2024-10-23 . Hindustan Times.
  24. Web site: Bengani . Sneha . 2022-02-25 . Gangubai Kathiawadi movie review: A landmark film in Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Alia Bhatt’s cinematic oeuvre . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220816165613/https://www.cnbctv18.com/entertainment/gangubai-kathiawadi-movie-review-a-landmark-film-in-sanjay-leela-bhansali-and-alia-bhatts-cinematic-oeuvre-12628162.htm . 2022-08-16 . 2024-10-23 . CNBC TV18 . en.
  25. Web site: Mitra . Shilajit . 2022-02-25 . Gangubai Kathiawadi Movie Review: Empty Bhansali elegance . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220923063306/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/hindi/review/2022/Feb/25/gangubai-kathiawadi-review-empty-bhansali-elegance-29947.html . 2022-09-23 . 2024-10-23 . Cinema Express . en.
  26. News: Kotecha . Ronak . 2022-02-25 . Gangubai Kathiawadi Movie Review: A visual treat, but there’s a lot about Gangu’s story left to be told . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230907045114/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/gangubai-kathiawadi/movie-review/89811379.cms . 2023-09-07 . 2024-10-23 . The Times of India . 0971-8257.
  27. News: 24 April 2023 . Nominations For The 68th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2023 With Maharashtra Tourism . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230424083516/https://www.filmfare.com/features/nominations-for-the-68th-hyundai-filmfare-awards-2023-with-maharashtra-tourism-58094.html . 24 April 2023 . 24 April 2023 . Filmfare . en.
  28. News: 28 April 2023 . Winners of the 68th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2023 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230427192148/https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-2023/winners . 27 April 2023 . 28 April 2023 . Filmfare.
  29. Web site: IIFA Awards 2023. IIFA. 7 January 2023. 7 January 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230107133522/https://iifa.com/iifa-2023. live.
  30. News: IIFA Awards: Alia Bhatt's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', 'Brahmastra' lead nominations. Economic Times. 7 January 2023. 7 January 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230107060132/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/iifa-awards-alia-bhatts-gangubai-kathiawadi-brahmastra-lead-nominations/articleshow/96533889.cms. live.
  31. News: IIFA Technical Awards: 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2' Top Winners. Outlook India. 10 March 2023. 13 March 2023. 12 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312071759/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/iifa-technical-awards-gangubai-kathiawadi-bhool-bhulaiyaa-2-top-winners-news-268830. live.
  32. News: Mirchi Music Awards 2023 Nominations . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231003154704/https://mirchi.in/mirchi-music-awards . 3 October 2023 . 6 October 2023 . Mirchi Music Awards.
  33. News: 4 November 2023 . Mirchi Music Awards 2023: 'Brahmastra' dominates, while 'Laal Singh Chaddha' bags Best Album of the Year . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231106071508/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/mirchi-music-awards-2023-brahmastra-dominates-while-laal-singh-chaddha-bags-best-album-of-the-year/articleshow/104961056.cms . 6 November 2023 . 4 November 2023 . The Times of India.
  34. Web site: Zee Cine Awards 2023. Zee Cine Awards. 4 February 2023. 3 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230203152207/https://zeecineawards.com/zca23-voting/. live.
  35. News: Zee Cine Awards 2023 Winners. Zee Cine Awards. 5 October 2023. 24 April 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230424023330/https://zeecineawards.com/zca-2023/. live.
  36. News: Zee Cine Awards 2023 has an exciting line-up of performers. Tribune India. 4 February 2023. 4 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230204032918/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/lifestyle/zee-cine-awards-2023-has-an-exciting-line-up-of-performers-475844. live.
  37. News: 18 March 2023. Zee Cine Awards 2023: Check Full list of Winners, Best Film, Best Actor, Actress, Songs and more. Zee Business. 24 March 2023. 14 May 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230514213044/https://www.zeebiz.com/trending/entertainment/news-zee-cine-awards-2023-full-list-of-winners-best-film-best-actor-best-actress-songs-and-more-226531. live.
  38. News: News 18 Reel Awards 2023 Winners. CNN-IBN. 26 February 2023. 8 October 2023. 8 October 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231008132809/https://www.news18.com/reel-awards-2023/winners/#popular-choice-web. dead.
  39. News: News 18 Reel Awards 2023 Nominations. CNN-IBN. 23 February 2023. 8 October 2023. 23 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230223114615/https://www.news18.com/reel-awards-2023/list-of-nominees/#films-cat-BEST_DIRECTOR. dead.

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