Sanjay Leela Bhansali signs 3-project deal with Saregama, 'Gangubai' included
Saregama will be collaborating with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on three upcoming projects, which include the highly-anticipated Gangubai Kathiawadi. Other than the Alia Bhatt-starrer, the deal includes Bhansali's next untitled directorial and his first non-film Hindi originals album, which will have him as the music composer. It is to be noted that Gangubai's music rights have already been acquired from Pen Studios.
Bhansali called the deal an 'absolute delightful moment'
Speaking on the new deal, the director said, "What an absolute delightful moment it's for me then that the music of three of my most zealous projects in the near future will add to [the] rich legacy of Saregama." He recounted how "Saregama library" was an integral component of his childhood. "These songs have been an essential part of my formative years," he added.
His music sense is unparalleled, says Saregama India MD
Saregama India's Managing Director Vikram Mehra was also all praises for the auteur. "[Bhansali's] music sense is unparalleled - it imparts his stories a narrative purpose, and the songs stand on their own as that which transcend the immediate to find a more permanent place in our hearts," he said. He added the upcoming music will be an "apt addition" to Saregama's portfolio.
Lead actor Bhatt is also touted to sing in 'Gangubai'
Meanwhile, Bhansali's next on Gangubai Kothewali, Kamathipura's famed brothel owner, had impressed all with its teaser. In it, Bhatt plays the titular role and the movie will show Gangubai's journey from being a red-light area "madam" to a politician. Earlier, it was reported that Bhatt will be singing one of the tracks of the film. She has previously sung Samjhawan and Humsafar.
In other news: Is Bhansali making 'Inshallah' after all?
Separately, speculations are rife about another high-scale Bhansali project, Inshallah. To recall, Salman Khan, who was signed-in to star opposite Bhatt, had walked out due to a disagreement with Bhansali, indefinitely shelving the film. After that, news suggested the director was mulling getting his Guzaarish star Hrithik Roshan aboard. A recent report hinted talks have escalated with Roshan and he "has liked the idea."