The cinematic juggernaut Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, is not just conquering box offices worldwide but is also scripting history with its music. The film's soundtrack, composed and produced by Shashwat Sachdev, has achieved an unprecedented milestone by becoming the first Bollywood film to have every single track from its album chart simultaneously on the Spotify Global Top 200. In an exclusive revelation, Sachdev delves into the creative genesis of this monumental score.
The DNA of a Blockbuster: Crafting the Dhurandhar Anthem
The powerful title track was embedded in the film's blueprint from the very beginning, stemming from early dialogues between composer Shashwat Sachdev and director Aditya Dhar. Interestingly, Sachdev had been subconsciously nurturing the sonic idea for six to seven years, even tinkering with its fragments during Veere Di Wedding.
The initial version came together instinctively overnight with Ojas Gautam. However, Sachdev credits singer Jasmine Sandlas for shaping the track's final emotional core. "Jasmine played a deeply integral role... the emotional architecture of the final version owes a lot to her sensibility," he stated. The track transformed into a "force" after Ranveer Singh suggested incorporating the distinctive voices of Hanumankind and Suraj, making it feel massive and uncontrollable in the best way possible.
Authenticity and Fusion: The Stories Behind the Hits
One of the film's most explosive pieces, the background theme "Fa9la – Flipperachi," originated from director Aditya Dhar's instinct. Instead of recreating it, the team licensed the original track. Sachdev built a score around it to weave it organically into the narrative, a move that paid off beyond expectations. "I never expected a background theme to travel the way it did. But when something is honest, people don't just hear it - they recognize it," Sachdev admitted.
The emotionally layered "Ishq Jalakar – Karvaan" was born from Sachdev's passion for merging modern sound design with Indian classical music. Built on the poetry of Sahir Ludhianvi, the song's melody navigates between the gravitas of Darbari Kanada and the yearning of Bhimpalasi, voiced with grace by Shehzad. Sachdev highlights the harmonious conversation between these diverse elements that gives the song its profound meaning.
Full Circle Moments and Electric Creativity
The collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh on "Ez-Ez" was a poignant full-circle moment for Sachdev, who first met the star as a young professional during Phillauri. The song gained a personal touch with guitars played by his childhood friend, Youngmin Kim, who flew in from Korea. For Sachdev, this track symbolizes "memory, friendship, and time folding into music."
In a burst of spontaneous creativity, the song "Run Down The City – Monica" was born from a moment of creative block. A random beat led Sachdev to hum the word "Monica" while looking at his wife, who immediately declared it the hook. The track was completed in a rare, electric four to five hours. Sachdev also shared his emotional attempt to seek blessings from the legendary Asha Bhosle, knowing the song would make his mother, a lifelong admirer, very happy.
Reflecting on the journey, Shashwat Sachdev emphasized his profound creative partnership with Aditya Dhar, who has been a guiding force since his early days in Mumbai. He also expressed admiration for his work with Yami Gautam on Article 370 and acknowledged the indispensable, quiet contributions of Shivkumar Panicker to the musical spine of his films. As Dhurandhar continues its unstoppable run, its soundtrack stands as a testament to visionary collaboration and musical innovation.
