Introducing the exemplary singer of this kingdom.
Sangeet Samrat Pandit Radhe Mohan Rathod.
He has been Jodhpur’s Sangeet Samrat for the last twenty-five years.
When he sings, even his highness bows in admiration.
I too want to be a Sangeet Samrat just like Panditji.
I’m so close to living my dream of singing with Queen Eli.
Here, they’re discussing about canceling your contract.
I’ll make a banger song that will leave them speechless.
Who’s your sexy friend?
-I’m Radhe. -Tamanna.
You’re awesome, I’m awesome. So for my next song, you’ll sing with me.
In classical music,
the Guru rewards their most honorable student with the sacred thread.
Now it’s your responsibility to take this Gharana's music further.
Is your grandfather cool with the fact that you’re singing with me?
No, he doesn’t know anything about it.
I think we have to role-play to crack this song.
You mean we have to act like boyfriend-girlfriend.
I love you, Tamanna.
I love you too.
For the first time, pop and classical music are going to fall in love
and this love is called… "Bandish Bandits. "
Panditji married twice and Digvijay is his son?
You have no right to my Gharana.
If I win this year’s Sangeet Samrat competition
then I'll stake claim over this Gharana.
Panditji is losing his sense of hearing.
He’s in a bad state right now, please don’t take away his music from him.
Digvijay may be arrogant
but he is a renowned artist.
I’m going deaf. To save this family, you’ll sing instead of me.
I’ve got you another shot at Queen Eli!
-What the fuck… -But there’s a catch.
You’ll have to sing live.
When you sing live your voice becomes a bit shrill.
You just told all my fans that I don’t know how to sing
and you’re saying that you were trying to help me?!
What is this? Shut it.
It’s from your Gharana.
Take off your sacred thread.
You give me any punishment.
I’ll go through the purification process…
The mistake was made by me,
so I’ll sacrifice both, my music and my voice.
I’m really sad to inform you that Bandish Bandits is over.
Radhe just wanted to prepare for Sangeet Samrat.
We all have made mistakes.
Including you.
Learn to fight from these tough times.
I’m even ready to sacrifice my life for this Gharana.
But how will I win against Digvijay? Who will prepare me for it?
The one who won against Panditji twenty-six years ago.
We will start your practice by finding your inner voice.
Step down from Sangeet Samrat, if you lose then Mohini will be very sad.
Why do you care about my mother so much?
Mohini and I used to love each other.
When I fell in love for the first and last time
in my life, that was also snatched from me.
Do you still love him?
Father thought I was useless all my life.
I used to think that at least Mohini supported me.
I’ll tell his highness that this year we won't take part in the event.
Wait. I would’ve handed the Gharana to Digvijay myself if he deserved it.
SANGEET SAMRAT CEREMONY
Give a huge round of applause to our new Sangeet Samrat, Radhe Rathod.
Our Gharana is safe in your hands.
But this Gharana is mine and I’ll do anything to take it back.
Today I fell in love with music again.
I’ve taken admission in a music school.
Just like you, I want to be a real talent.
I’m leaving, Radhe.
Devendra.
Radhe.
Get hold of yourself.
The elder son should come forward to light the funeral pyre.
BANDISH
As per the tradition, Panditji hosted a recital like this every Makar Sankranti.
We will always regret his passing.
But Panditji always said an artist's duty goes beyond his joy and sorrow.
As his family and as his Gharana,
we will attempt to showcase one of his favorite compositions to you.
Excuse me. Hi.
Hi.
-Nakul. -Tamanna.
-Should I come inside? -Hi.
Hi, Tamanna.
-Isn't that Tamanna? -Hi.
-Yes. -Her songs are still trending.
What is she doing here?
She had blue hair, right?
You gotta sing…
Sing!
You have a good pitch.
But you are singing from your throat, not your diaphragm.
Okay?
-You've got a great sense of beat. -Thank you, ma'am.
-But your mandibles need to be relaxed. -Sorry, ma'am?
The lower jaw? Like a yawn?
That's right.
Smoking won't make your voice grainy.
So quit it.
-What's your name? -Soumya, ma'am. Soumya Mehta.
Your vibratos are excellent.
Thank you.
A little more confidence would do.
You need to find your voice.
How, ma'am?
That’s what you’ve come here to learn.
So, everyone is here on their music journey to learn something.
On piano, drums, vocals…
But first, you must seek the music within you, not outside…
with the one instrument that is your own.
Your voice.
So on that note with no pun intended, we start our first vocal session.
GODDESS SARASWATI YANTRA
Mohini.
You sang so well.
The bass…
May I take blessings?
BANDISH
Panditji wrote a book?
It's not a book.
He put together all the compositions of the Gharana.
Can I have some kind of a memento of Panditji to take away?
Yes, of course, brother.
Thank you.
-You played very well. -Greetings.
Okay, see you.
Greetings.
Thank God, everyone's not wearing white. I was so nervous!
You sang so well! Amazing!
How would you know? You just got here.
Have you ever sung less than amazing?
-Brother… -Talent.
Rajasaheb was trying to locate you.
He needs to prepare for the new Sangeet Samrat.
-Oh, that was Rajaji? -Yes.
Sorry, I thought it was my landlord who was calling from a different number.
But don't worry, Munshiji. We will have an amazing show this year as well.
And uncle, I feel this is your time.
This is your year. You're going to knock it out of the park.
-I dig you, Digvijayji! I dig you. -Alright.
-It's going to be a great show. -Yes.
-No tension. -Okay.
-Offering's almost over, I'll get it. -We'll take your leave now.
I'm leaving.
Arghya, I told you, I am not interested in a band.
This is your kind of band.
Fusion music.
Sitar and rock.
And it's good news. Their lead singer was a bit of a junkie debauch.
So the NCB arrested him.
-Is that good news? -Obviously!
Their lead singer is out and our lead singer is in!
They need a classical singer. You need an audience.
It's a match made in heaven. It's written in the stars.
It's more than a perfect match.
I can't come, Arghya.
Classes are doing well here too.
You and your never-ending granddaddy problems.
For me. Just hear them. Please. Just Google them.
Rage N Raga. R-A-G-A.
Okay.
Thank you.
Have you spoken to Tamanna?
Yes! I keep in touch. She's in the college game.
She sent her condolences.
-Really? -Yes.
What else did she say?
I didn't speak to her, okay?
I fucking moved on! She is out of my life, okay?
Clean cut.
Are you still waiting for a rebound or something?
No.
I'll leave too.
You were unnecessarily worried that he would take the compilation.
Brother has changed a lot after Panditji passed away.
It's a charade.
He is still gunning for Sangeet Samrat and our Gharana.
Hi! Tamanna!
Actually, she is a huge fan of yours.
Can we…
Tamanna, if you don't mind, please?
-Sure, come. I'll take it. -Thank you.
Smile!
Oops.
Awkward selfie, holding books.
Hopeful gaze… First years, right?
Yeah, hi. I am Kunal.
She is Priya, my friend.
-And this is of course… -Tamanna.
Ayaan. Third-year piano major.
Minor in photobombing. Shall we go?
Where?
What is it?
The third years give the first years the tour. It's a ritual. Come.
Actually, I'm just going to head to the hostel.
Wait a minute. Did Nandini petrify you already?
It's the first day, man! Come!
Come on. This loser would be pleased too.
-Please? -Shut up, Priya!
-Guys, let's go. Come. -Okay.
This school was established in 1847 during the British rule.
But don't get fooled by the old-world charm.
Here even bedbugs are treated like royalty.
This chapel was built in 1858.
The local kids come for choir practice on the weekends.
Nandini ma'am conducts it.
The path worries where I will go
I will wander in the house Of your memories
Imroz Dehalvi.
Correct. The most popular alumni of our school.
This is the auditorium where he wrote that famous song.
-Wow! -Guys.
He used to always sit in the last row, third seat.
They say every fresher who sits there always becomes famous.
-Really? -Go!
Let's go.
There's also a trivia about Imroz.
I am sure it's especially for me.
People think of "Yaadon Ke Ghar" as a romantic song.
But he composed it after his break up.
His girlfriend broke his heart. They met on this campus.
But, art and romance are bound to be in conflict and that’s what happened.
By the way, who was the girl?
Nobody knows.
It's been always one of those mysteries.
She must be around somewhere with two kids and an oversized husband.
I think if the love is real it will inspire music.
Right?
I don't know why this tour is inspiring me so much.
Are you getting inspired?
Then you must make the most of it.
I'll leave you to it, Mr. Piano Major.
You have to inspire the rest of the campus too.
I heard that you don't want to be part of Sangeet Samrat, this year.
I am extremely sorry, Your Highness.
But Panditji just passed away.
I am not in the mood for any kind of contest or competition.
I hope you'll understand.
I miss Panditji too.
But the Sangeet Samrat has it's own tradition.
Yes, of course. But, Your Highness, all I am saying is…
I won't challenge Radhe this year. That's all.
Please forgive me. I am really, really…
Panditji was deeply associated with Sangeet Samrat.
Yes.
So we won't host the contest this year.
Your Highness?
-We… will host a musical event -I…
in memory of Panditji.
You will be wholly responsible for that.
Okay, I accept.
You can tell me the name of any Indian singer.
I will speak to them personally. I will speak to Radhe too.
What about my personal favorite?
Your…
If the family allows it, your wish will be fulfilled.
I will sing too.
It's not a wish. Consider it a command.
As you command.
A huge star has entered our tiny family.
This calls for a welcome on behalf of the college.
-Print it. Come. Let's sit. -Thank you.
Ms. Tamanna, you know you took admission in the perfect year.
Please, please. Sit.
We are setting up a band this year.
We will select the best students from the whole school.
Guess where the band will perform.
-Where? -IBC.
India Band Championship.
I am sure you've heard of the EBC.
Euro Band Championship.
That's it. It's coming to India as IBC.
There will be millions of musicians, there will be thousands of bands.
And only ten will qualify.
So I would like you to be part of this band on behalf of the college.
As the lead singer.
-The lead singer? -Yes.
Your popularity and charisma will increase our chances of qualification.
Sir, I just joined the school.
I am just learning. I haven't even had practice sessions.
Why do you need to learn?
You just get onto the stage and cast your spell.
With you in the band, forget qualifying
even the chances of winning will be greater.
Sir, performances, videos…
I have given up all of that.
I came here to start off with the basics of music.
Just like other students.
Ms. Tamanna, this IBC band
will be trained and mentored by our celebrity professor Nandini Singh.
You will get one-on-one, direct training and feedback sessions with her.
You can't get any of that with her in the classroom.
So think about it.
I believe this is your best chance.
You and Ms. Nandini, Ms. Nandini and you.
India Band Championship.
Ma'am, I couldn't introduce myself yesterday.
-I am… -I know who you are, Ms. Sharma.
I feel very inspired.
Really?
Yeah.
Have you heard of Imroz Dehalvi?
No.
Do you see how organized her side is?
Yours is such a mess.
Because I just started unpacking.
Just give it a rest, Avantika!
Does your new roommate know how lucky she is?
She is going to share a room with a pop sensation, after all!
Okay, so if she is a fan don't be too modest. Give her an autograph.
Dad, stop it!
Oh! Hello, dear!
Hello, uncle.
Welcome to your new home.
Well, I finally met your mom's fiancé yesterday.
-He is so cute! -Harsh!
Come on. A pass-out senior must offer tips to a fresher, right?
The poor guy is getting married for the first time.
-Please support… -Please wait, let me find my earphones.
Could you ever find a more supportive ex-husband?
-Mom, Dad, I need to go. -I'll come to your bachelorette party too.
Listen, girl. Work hard. It is a music school.
Dad won't come there to fire the piano teacher.
I will land up there as well. You'll see.
Tamanna, if you need anything remember dad is there. I love you.
I am sorry I couldn't find my earphones.
Sorry?
Before we break I have an important announcement.
Our college is taking part in the India Band Championship.
We have to form a college band to do that.
We will have selections for it.
There will be auditions for the selections.
Auditions?
Auditions.
People come, they perform.
They get selected on merit. Auditions.
Of course, ma'am.
So the auditions will be in pairs. You have to prepare an original score.
You can talk to your seniors, choose wisely, and good luck.
Thank you, ma'am.
IBC is happening!
Oh, my God! I am so excited! We have to take part.
-Let’s go for the auditions… -I can do the guitar riff.
-Okay, and I should… -Mix it together and I think…
Guys, IBC auditions, this is huge!
I think we should all work together.
If we play that chord within the keyboard, I think it will match…
Ms. Tamanna.
Don't worry. I'm here.
I have the best partner for you.
Gold medal, third year. He's a front-runner.
Trust me.
-Greetings. -Greetings.
This is our publisher, Mr. Patwardhan.
-Hello. -Hello.
-Radhe. His mother, Ms. Mohini. -Hello.
-This is his uncle, Devendra. -Yes, Arghya?
Radhe! My darling, my berry pulao!
It's a miracle.
Your step-uncle is now Salman Khan from Baghban.
He requested His Highness to make this year's
Sangeet Samrat concert a tribute to Panditji.
Did Digvijay say that?
Yes! And His Highness confirmed with me.
Listen, now. Did you listen to Rage N Raga?
No. I will listen to it later.
A book has been written about Panditji's life.
We came for its vimochan.
Hear Rage N Raga!
I am trying to make you a rockstar here!
While you are going for some fucking vimochan?
What is a vimochan, either way?
Let me call you later, Arghya. Bye.
Alexa, what is the meaning of vimochan?
Imroz Dehalvi says,
This was the contract between us To keep the scent alive
Every petal of the flowers Will stay alive in my books
Oh, my God, Ayu, that's so beautiful.
Goodbye.
They don't make men like these anymore.
I am just going to go. This was a mistake, I am sorry.
-I am just… I am leaving. -Tamanna, wait, wait, wait.
-Listen! -What is it?
When Prashant mentioned you, I knew this was a mistake.
So, let's not waste each other's time.
No, Prashant wasn't wrong in pairing us together.
Prashant told me you want to be noticed by Nandini, right?
You want to crack the auditions, so… and you need me, I'll help you.
How generous!
But I think I will manage.
Okay, okay, one moment. Please, please, just…
He allows me to live here off campus for my creative freedom.
I help him out with his shows, so…
Whatever you have going on, I am not interested.
Besides, you love giving campus tours, right? Stay with that.
Okay, okay, wait. Let's jam once.
Okay? If it doesn't work out then you can leave.
-Okay. -But reject me for musical reasons, okay?
I have selected a composition from my bank that suits my vocal range.
Unless you have something that we can use.
Sure, we can just listen to whatever you have.
Of course.
What do you think?
Can I try something?
Yeah, sure.
Damn.
It took me a month to compose this song.
You heard it for a minute
and added minor chords, changed it from a 4/4 rhythm to 3/4.
You made it so much better.
It's easy to improvise on someone else's song.
But you compose original music.
I haven't composed a single original song, so far.
I have been here for two years.
You will learn it all after a couple of semesters.
In all the songs, fun, and whatnot…
you will sound much better musically, seriously.
Thanks.
Sorry, I didn't mean it in that way. I just…
-It's fine. -I mean…
I know the entire college thinks I am a blue tick bimbo.
Listen, what you are doing takes guts.
Coming here even after becoming so famous, not everyone would do that.
It's a brave thing, seriously.
Mr. Kailash Mandrekar, please tell us about the objective of your book.
Most of the musical books only mention Western musicians.
There is very little literature about our gurus and teachers.
For example, in Jodhpur, we have Pandit Radhe Mohan Rathod.
I consider him to be one of the greatest gurus in Rajasthan.
But I believe we often elevate gurus to the position of Gods.
We never consider them to be human.
If one wishes to understand an artist's creation properly
then we must examine his life very closely.
His talents as well as his flaws.
His colorful vibrance and his deep dark secrets, as well.
For example?
For example, Radhe Mohanji.
He was Sangeet Samrat until the 38th year of his life.
But do we know all that he did to maintain that status?
His passion, his ego,
and his hunger to be supremely best made him do all kinds of things.
When a young girl defeated him at Sangeet Samrat
he got her married into his family and asked her for her voice as dowry.
What nonsense!
Let's go.
Listen, don't get me wrong.
My intention is not to raise questions on the life
of a renowned musician like Panditji.
-Please, wait. -How true is this?
Sir, please wait. Where are you going? Why are you angry?
Whatever needs to be said, our lawyers will say it to you.
Excuse me, please.
Watch as all the masks of the masked man's grandpa come off.
This is the book that has exposed
Pandit Radhe Mohan Rathod's truth in front of everyone.
We will tell you truths that are not found even in Kailash's book.
While Panditji was teaching his students on one hand,
he was also visiting an occultist
to learn how to cast dark spells on the other.
He would feed his rivals vermilion
wrapped in a betel nut leaf
to make them lose their voice.
God knows if his winning streak…
-Superb session, bro. -was all about talent or dark magic.
This is your father, right?
Just rumors. Let's go for a take.
He took his daughter-in-law's voice as dowry and suppressed her.
Who does that to his daughter-in-law?
Where are the others?
We came to tell you that we can't come from now on either.
Every chord comes from its respective scale.
This area should not come under stress.
The Rathod family's silence contains all of the mysteries.
Do you think Panditji's Gharana
should participate in this year's Sangeet Samrat?
If your answer is "yes" then type "Panditji. "
And if your answer is "no" then type "Hypocrite Gharana" and message right now.
Down with…
-Rajaji. -Down with…
-Rajaji. -Panditji held a woman back.
But the royalty in Jodhpur is sitting around doing nothing.
Doesn't his highness know about all this?
Then why is this grand event still being hosted in honor of Panditji?
The people of Jodhpur want to know!
-Do you want to know? -Yes, we do.
RAGA JANAKI ART CENTER
BANDISH
Where are you taking the poster? I have a show.
It’s all because of you that we had to book another artist at the last moment
for double the cost.
We have heard enough from the press.
Now you need to leave with this poster. Please leave.
Just as the recording began,
he said that he wouldn't be able to do it.
Good morning, sir!
Sorry sir, my flight got delayed…
Shall we start the recording?
We've already recorded without you.
Vikram sir won't work with you anymore.
Come on, guys!
What do you mean?
What I mean is…
He has seen the news about your Panditji.
What happens if you end up being a crook like your father?
A copyright case will be filed against us.
You can go. We have hired another sarangi player.
Does writing a book entail this? Slinging muck posthumously?
It's ethically wrong, you know?
This isn't merely Panditji's life. It's about our entire family.
You didn't think you needed to ask anyone of us?
No, he wanted the publicity.
Did you get it?
I didn't write this only for the publicity.
-Please, read my entire book just once. -Please.
Let me handle this.
Give us evidence and sources about all that you have written.
Or we will meet you in court over a defamation suit next time.
Mr. Radhe.
You should have asked before saying what you did. Because we did.
Who did you speak to?
Ask your family about it.
I told you it's a sham.
I never thought Digvijay would do that.
Advocate.
If someone spoke while drunk,
would that still be considered as a valid source and proof?
Father thought I was useless all my life.
I was 16 years old when I became a disciple.
I kept waiting for Father's praise
with the hope that he would make me his successor.
I gave you one task! Couldn't you even do that?
Once more.
Pay off your tab and then you can call for once more.
-Give it to me, please. -Are you Rajendra Rathod?
Yes.
I would love to have a drink with a great singer like you.
Of course.
I admire Panditji tremendously.
Music lovers like us can only get inspired from a distance.
But you are a part of him. What was your experience like?
Of living with him? Of learning from him?
I mean, seeing a great musician like Panditji daily…
"Great. "
He is the Bodhi tree.
He didn't let anyone flourish. He sucked up all the water.
His voice is so wonderful to listen to.
But underneath it all he is a demon.
You are the elder brother. You could take on some responsibility.
I spoke to the lawyer.
He will work something out.
What will that do?
He has ruined everything.
I chased him all my life, calling him my brother.
My Devlin was made into Audlin.
How long will the family bear the burden of your mistakes?
Devendra.
Forgive me, sister-in-law.
I am being a bit selfish.
But for the very first time, I'm earning some respect of my own.
So, from the Sangeet Samrat, the Gharana, and him…
Just spare me.
I won't be able to handle it.
Next.
She's singing so well, right?
Wow! Amazing!
Mind-blowing, Tamanna.
Very nice. Beautifully sung, right?
Yes? What do you say, Ms. Nandini?
We'll let you know. Thank you.
Hi. Congratulations, Tamanna.
Your performance was amazing.
Dean sir is waiting for you.
Sir, it was a very good song. Is she the best singer?
Sir, even in terms of singing Tamanna's performance was the best.
But you must think a bit practically.
If Tamanna is in the band it would be great for our school.
Sorry, sir. These things really do matter in all these contests.
When they go to the India Band Championship
and if they lose in the qualification rounds, the school will lose face.
Sir, may we come in?
Yes, please. Please come in.
Sir, may I come in?
Yes, yes, do.
That's Soumya, sir.
She is also a student of the foundation.
You were really good.
Thank you, sir.
Do you remember Tamanna's audition song?
-Yes, ma'am. -So you will both sing alternate lines.
Will you please share the lyrics with her?
Hold on, that's not fair, Ms. Nandini.
She has heard the song only once.
Is that enough?
Yes, ma'am.
Whenever you are ready, Ayaan.
E major.
I rest my case, sir.
Sir, did you see that? She was singing with her eyes closed.
If she can't open her eyes during the audition,
how can she even perform on the IBC stage?
You don't engage the audience like that.
This is the India Band Championship.
It's up to you now.
Prashant sir, I can't compromise with my music for
the sake of your school's popularity and image.
It's very clear, sir.
The choice isn't between Soumya and Tamanna.
The choice is between Tamanna and me.
Ma'am.
Ms. Sharma.
The band needs you more than me.
I know.
I got admitted to this school to learn from you.
I know that too.
You wish to learn, right?
Learn to walk before you run.
Focus on singing rather than your performance.
Absolutely, ma'am.
That's why I came here.
I know Soumya is a better singer than me.
I also know that Prashant sir and the Dean are
pressurizing you to make me the lead singer.
But if it's okay with you
I might have an idea.
Very proud to present, the official college band
for the India Band Championship.
Ayaan on keys.
Go, Ayaan!
Vishal on drums.
Come on, Vishal!
Sheela on bass.
Nidhi on guitar.
Nidhi…
Our lead vocalist, Soumya.
Not to forget our two backing vocalists, Kingshuk and Tamanna.
That's the band for our Royal Himalayan Music School.
After a ton of questions being raised,
the king of Jodhpur will finally address the people.
The Rathod Gharana and the royal family have had close ties for many years.
The royal family esteems good character
more so than the pristineness of music.
That is why I am canceling the Pandit Radhe Mohan event.
We are no longer connected in any way whatsoever
to the Rathod Gharana or its members.
The Rathod Gharana is banned from the Sangeet Samrat.
Rajaji responded by canceling
-this year's Sangeet Samrat event. -Sister-in-law…
-Yes? -I am leaving.
Yes. He just told the media…
-I'm getting late for the flight. -that he won't have…
-Call once you reach, Devendra, -a relationship with the Rathod family.
Yes.
And the Rathod family would be permanently banned from Sangeet Samrat.
Let's watch what the public has to say about this subject.
It's an artist's sacred duty to bring people together.
I learned that from you.
Now it’s your responsibility to take this Gharana's music further.
Why was this event in honor of Panditji being hosted?
Now you need to leave with this poster.
Our Gharana is safe in your hands.
We can't come from now on either.
Panditji held a woman back.
You will sing in the next event instead of me.
Our new Sangeet Samrat is Radhe Rathod.
I hereby ban the Rathod Gharana from Sangeet Samrat.
From today, you will only sing the music of the Rathod Gharana.
Arghya, that band, Rage N Raga…
Are they still looking for a singer?