Heeramandi song ‘Azadi’: Bhansali’s heartfelt ode to the freedom struggle

The song ‘Azadi’ from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar was released by the makers on Monday. Composed by Bhansali, the song is written by AM Turaz and sung by Archana Gore, Pragati Joshi, Aditi Prabhudesai, Arohi, Aditi Paul, Tarannum Malik Jain and Dipti Rege.

The song is an ode to the freedom struggle featuring visuals of people revolting against British rule. Different characters take part in their own ways to join the fight. The vocals by Archana are sharp and manage to bring out the pain of the era. The words of Turaz are full of nationalistic fervour and collective strength. At one point in the song, the characters of Sonakshi Sinha, Manisha Koirala and others are holding lamps in their hands as they sing the song in front of a police officer. One by one, they get beaten up until an old lady leads the march.

The show is set in pre-independent India against the backdrop of the freedom movement and is an epic saga of love, power, betrayal, struggle and, ultimately, freedom. It stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Sehgal and Sanjeeda Sheikh. It will also mark the comeback of Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman and his son Adhyayan Suman.

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar will premiere on Netflix on May 1.