Bhardwaj, Ajaneesh honour Lata Mangeshkar at IFFI’s Annual Memorial Talk

The Annual Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Talk at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) turned into a vibrant celebration of India’s musical spirit, as acclaimed composers Vishal Bhardwaj and B. Ajaneesh Loknath took audiences through an intimate journey of memories, melodies and creative inspirations.

Titled “The Rhythms of India: From the Himalayas to the Deccan,” the session was moderated by critic Sudhir Srinivas and opened with filmmaker Ravi Kottarakkara felicitating the speakers. He described music as a force that unites and uplifts — setting the tone for a warm, reflective and deeply musical evening.

A dialogue of admiration and influence

Sudhir framed the conversation by highlighting the legacy and evolution of Indian music represented by the two composers. Vishal Bhardwaj praised Ajaneesh’s celebrated ‘Kantara’ theme, calling it “one of the finest ever composed,” while Ajaneesh recalled being influenced since childhood by Vishal’s trademark rhythmic swing — even humming it for the delighted audience.

A touching moment arrived when Bhardwaj spoke about recording ‘Pani Pani Re’ with Lata Mangeshkar, remembering her intuitive precision and suggesting that she was “a composer in her own right.”

Inside the creative process

Ajaneesh shared humorous insights into his music-making, revealing how expressive syllables like ‘ayyayyo’ and ‘abbabba’ often form the emotional skeleton of his tunes before lyrics are added — and how directors frequently insist on keeping them. He also recounted the intense pressure leading up to the final composition of ‘Varaharoopam’ just 20 days before the film’s release.

The discussion turned philosophical as both composers reflected on the spiritual dimension of creativity. “The closest we come to silence is music,” Bhardwaj said, describing the mysterious arrival of a melody. Ajaneesh agreed, noting that he never takes personal credit for Kantara: “It came from somewhere else.”

Language, folk traditions and India’s musical roots

Both artists explored the unique relationship between music and language. Ajaneesh spoke of cultural nuances that shape how songs travel across regions, while Bhardwaj recalled the rewarding challenges of composing in Malayalam with legends such as MT Vasudevan Nair and ONV Kurup.

Folk traditions took centre stage as Ajaneesh explained how Kantara relied heavily on tribal instrumentation, calling folk music “born from innocence.” Bhardwaj added that India encompasses “many cultures,” each with its own musical signatures.

AI, lyrics and the evolving future of music

During the audience interaction, questions ranged from songwriting to artificial intelligence. Ajaneesh acknowledged AI’s utility in specific contexts, while Bhardwaj insisted technology must be approached with calm curiosity: “We will learn what to use and what to leave.”

A tribute beyond remembrance

The session honoured the legacy of Lata Mangeshkar, not only in name but in essence—capturing India’s vast musical heritage, from folk rhythms to cinematic scores, from memory to spirituality. It offered a rare glimpse into the creative minds shaping Indian music today.

About IFFI

Established in 1952, the International Film Festival of India remains South Asia’s oldest and most prestigious film festival. Jointly organised by NFDC and the Government of Goa, the 56th edition—held from November 20 to 28—continues to showcase global cinema, masterclasses, cultural showcases and the dynamic WAVES Film Bazaar, celebrating India’s creative excellence on the world stage.