Imtiaz Ali Says ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ Album Celebrates Punjab’s Musical Heritage

Mumbai — Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has described the album of his upcoming film “Main Vaapas Aaunga” as a celebration of Punjab’s rich musical heritage.

Ali said music is central to the story, which is set against the backdrop of 1947 and blends Punjabi folk traditions with Western influences.

“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,” Ali said.

He said the album also gave A.R. Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil an opportunity to explore a different creative space.

“I have seen A. R. Rahman and Irshad in 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.

Rahman said music in the film serves as a way to express emotions that cannot always be spoken.

“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,” Rahman said.

The makers have unveiled the complete music album, which includes “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; and “Dariya,” sung by Armaan Khan and Romy.

“Main Vaapas Aaunga” stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari and Vedang Raina in pivotal roles. The film is produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment, along with Mohit Choudhary and Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films, and is slated to release in theaters on June 12, 2026. (Source: IANS)