New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) Oscar-winners A.R. Rahman and Resul Pookutty, along with veteran vocalist Pandit Jasraj and music director Uttam Singh on Tuesday launched the music of forthcoming biopic of Guru Nanak, titled “Nanak Shah Fakir”.
Produced by Harinder Sikka, the film is based on the life and teachings of the first Sikh guru, depicted through the voice of his friend, companion and disciple ‘Bhai Mardana’, a Muslim fakir.
The Mozart of Madras, who has mentored the background score of the film — originally been composed by Finnish composer Tuomas Kantelinen — said: “I did 12 movies last year, so I was totally jam-packed. I was travelling between US, Iran, Chennai, Mumbai and other places. So, when they asked me to do background score, I said I’ll get them the right person and Tuomas got ready for it.”
“I told producers that he is correct person as he has been a spiritual student in Delhi and has knowledge of the ragas,” he added.
The music of “Nanak Shah Fakir” has been composed by Uttam Singh, who has previously made songs for films like “Dil To Pagal Hai” and “Gadar: Ek Prem Katha”.
“People will get to hear a totally different music in the film, something which is not at all similar to the ones which are currently in demand in the industry. This is unlike a film soundtrack as the songs are hymns in praise of the Lord,” Singh said.
The shabads (hymns) composed by Singh have been sung by Padma awardees Pandit Jasraj and Bhai Nirmal Singh.
Also available at the event were Bollywood playback singers Kailash Kher and Harshdeep Kaur, who have lent their vocals for the album.
Apart from them others include, Sonu Nigam, Roop Kumar Rathod, Bhupinder Singh, Harbhajan Mann, Jiya Wadekar, Tej Boodardekar, Saapna Mukerjee, Master Saleem, Sukhjit Singh, Manjit Singh, Harshdeep, Ishwanik Kaur and Puneet Sikka.
“Nanak Shah Fakir” is all set to release on April 17.