Rekha Bhardwaj’s Soulful Voice Brings 'Bhaisa Zaibo' To Binodiini On Binodini Dasi’s 84th Anniversary

Pramod Films and Dev Entertainment Ventures in association with Assorted Motion Pictures, hosted the launch of the song “Bhaisa Zaibo”, sung by Rekha Bhardwaj, composed by the musical duo Sourendro-Soumyojit from the recently released film Binodiini - Ekti Natir Upakhyan, directed by Ram Kamal Mukherjee. The song launch event also commemorated the 84th death anniversary of the legendary theatre icon Binodini Dasi. The song serves as the ultimate musical embodiment of her extraordinary life—her triumphs, struggles, and sacrifices.

In a journey through Binodini’s life, Bhaisa Zaibo seeks to encapsulate the very essence of her tale. The filmmakers turned to folk music—a genre transcending time and boundaries—to articulate the philosophy of sacrifice and success. Ram Kamal Mukherjee, who is also the lyricist of the song, penned deeply philosophical lines that resonate with Binodini’s legacy, while the evocative melodies of Bhawaiya perfectly drape her story.

The song’s musical arrangement is a grand blend of earthy and ethereal elements. The rustic resonance of the DoTara, complemented by a larger-than-life symphonic arrangement, sketches Binodini’s journey in a hauntingly beautiful manner. Given its role as the end scroll track, Bhaisa Zaibo had the significant task of summarizing the protagonist’s life, making it a crucial sonic element of the film.

To depict Binodini’s evolution through different phases of life, multiple voices were initially explored. However, the team unanimously chose the legendary Rekha Bhardwaj to lend her soulful voice to the track. With her signature Sufi touch, Rekha Bhardwaj’s rendition enriches the Bhawaiya narrative, capturing the duality of Binodini’s life—simplicity yet depth, loudness yet silence.

During the recording process, meticulous attention was given to perfecting Rekha ji’s Bengali pronunciation while seamlessly incorporating folk dialects. Director-lyricist Ram Kamal Mukherjee personally guided her through Binodini Dasi’s journey, which led to an extraordinary and immersive performance. Rekha Bhardwaj’s voice breathes life into the song, making it an unforgettable tribute to the legendary actress.

The song’s musical arrangement, crafted by Saikat Biswas, features intricately layered string sections, giving it a cinematic and expansive feel reminiscent of Hollywood-style compositions. The fusion of traditional folk with a contemporary orchestral touch makes Bhaisa Zaibo a powerful and moving musical piece.

Eminent artist Prithviraj Choudhury, who was also there at the music launch gifted a painting, Binodini Dasi, to the lead actor Rukmini Maitra. When he was quizzed about how he have come out of a thought of painting on Binodini Dasi he said, “I am thrilled to share the story behind my latest painting, inspired by the timeless character Binodini Dasi. This painting is a heartfelt tribute to the incredible movie "Binodiini: Ekti Natir Upakhyan" by National Award Winner Director Ramkamal Mukherjee featuring the incredibly talented actor, Rukmini Maitra who played Binodini Dasi in the movie. As I watched the movie premiere at Binodini Theatre, I was deeply moved by Rukmini's outstanding performance. The storytelling, visuals and every frame by Ramkamal seemed like a painting, sparking my imagination. I wanted to capture the essence of Binodini's story in one art form – a painting that would do justice to Ramkamal and Rukmini's beautiful tribute. Binodini's journey, marked by societal prejudice and challenges, is a testament to her strength and resilience. Through my art I aim to honor Binodini's legacy, celebrating her triumph over adversity and her enduring impact on Bengali theatre.” 

The release of Bhaisa Zaibo on Binodini Dasi’s death anniversary adds a profound emotional significance, serving as an ode to her enduring spirit and the indelible mark she left on Indian theatre. Binodiini - Ekti Natir Upakhyan is set to be a landmark film, and with Bhaisa Zaibo, it promises to leave an everlasting impact on audiences, much like the legend it celebrates. The movie is still running successfully in multiple single screens & multiplexes across West Bengal.