The much-awaited song Kanha Tose Hriday Na Jorungi from the film Binodiini: Ekti Natir Upakhyan, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee, was unveiled at a grand event held at Ahindra Mancha, Kolkata. The highlight of the event was actress Rukmini Maitra’s captivating Kathak performance, which brought the emotions of the song alive on stage.
Set during a pivotal moment in the film, Kanha Tose Hriday Na Jorungiportrays the instance where Binodini Dasi agrees to support Gurumukh Rai in his endeavors, playing a significant role in fulfilling her dream of establishing a theater. The film showcases Binodini not as a victim of her circumstances but as a resilient artist who embraced her craft with strength and determination despite emotional challenges.
Penned by Ram Kamal Mukherjee and composed by music directors Sourendro-Soumyojit, the song has been exquisitely sung by renowned vocalist Shreya Ghoshal. The composition is steeped in the rich tradition of Hindustani classical music and is based on Raag Manjh Khamaj. It incorporates elements of Kathak, evoking the grandeur of a bygone era. The choreography of the song was done by Manisha Basu, Souvik Chakravorty, and Avyaan Roy.
In the film, Kanha Tose Hriday Na Jorungi unfolds as a mujra sequence, meticulously choreographed to reflect the essence of the period. The lyrics, written in Hindustani, transport the audience to a different time, mirroring Binodiini’s inner turmoil and artistic aspirations.
“This song is a heartfelt tribute to one of Bengal’s most celebrated theater personalities, Binodini Dasi. Rukmini looked stunning in the sequence, and I believe audiences will love her graceful portrayal of a courtesan,” said director Ram Kamal Mukherjee.
“Almost two years ago, when Ram Kamal mentioned his first Bengali feature film Binodiini, I was thrilled for him. I’ve known Ram Kamal Dada since his days as a journalist. He was probably one of the first people to interview me after my debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas. Music composers Sourendro-Soumyojit took me on a journey into Hindustani classical music. I still remember recording the song at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai while Dada was shooting in Kolkata. After recording, I inquired about the lyricist and was surprised to learn that Ram Kamal himself had written the song. His precise and eloquent use of language in this composition amazed me. Binodini Dasi was an iconic figure who stood against a male-dominated society almost 150 years ago. She is revered as a goddess of theater, and even Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa blessed her for her acting prowess. I wish Rukmini Maitra all the best for her portrayal of Binodini and this beautiful song,” said acclaimed singer Shreya Ghoshal.
Presented by Dev Entertainment Ventures and jointly produced by Pramod Films and E Motion Pictures, Binodiini: Ekati Natir Upakhyan is set to release worldwide on January 23.
