Imtiaz Ali Celebrates Punjab’s Musical Soul In ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’

MUMBAI – Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has described the music album of his film ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ as a celebration of Punjab’s rich musical heritage, highlighting how the soundtrack draws from the region’s folk traditions and Western musical influences of the 1947 era.

Imtiaz Ali said, “Music was always going to be exciting in ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’. First of all, music is the heart of Panjab and Panjab in 1947 had folk as well as Western influences that we were very excited to showcase. That is seen in songs like ‘Ishq Mastana’ and ‘Maskara’. Music is the heart of Panjab, which is the heart of ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’.”

The filmmaker also praised Academy Award-winning composer A.R. Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil for their work on the project.

“I have seen A.R. Rahman and Irshad in a new form in this film where they have worked with greater excitement and gone deeper in the exploration of musical gems. I’m very excited at the prospect of this album going out to listeners. I hope they love these songs as much as we loved making them. Also, this album marks the beginning of many new singers — Deepali, Heer, Antara, Adithya and Vipin. We are very proud that we could carry the energy of these wonderful new singers. I hope that the listeners show them their love,” he added.

Composer A.R. Rahman said the music was designed to give voice to the emotions embedded within the story.

“There are certain stories where music becomes the language of the unspoken. It expresses what cannot be explained and reveals what cannot always be shown. In ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, the songs and score have been an attempt to listen to the silence within the story and give it a voice. I hope people find a part of themselves in this music.”

The makers have released the film’s complete music album, including ‘Dheere Dheere’, sung by Faheem Abdullah, Shilpa Rao and Antra Nandy; ‘Heer; Tere Paas Main’, presented in female and male versions by Deepali Sahay and Vipin Aneja, respectively; and ‘Dariya’, sung by Armaan Khan and Romy.

‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ stars actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, actress Sharvari and actor Vedang Raina. The film was released in theatres on June 12, 2026. (IANS)