Girish Malik Reflects On Band Of Maharajas Entering Oscars 2025 Race And Upcoming Song Release

The Hindi film 'Band Of Maharajas' has achieved a significant milestone by being the only Hindi entry eligible for Oscars 2025 in two categories. The Punjabi song 'Ishq Walla Daku', composed by Bickram Ghosh, is competing for nominations in 'Best Original Song' and 'Best Original Score'. This recognition brings pride to India.

Following this announcement, Filmibeat spoke with director Girish Malik about his thoughts on the film's Oscar eligibility and plans for releasing 'Ishq Walla Daku'. He expressed excitement over the film's recognition and shared insights into its unique musical journey.

Malik described the last 24 hours as an honour, seeing their film listed in two categories. He believes this is just the beginning. "It's definitely a heartwarming feeling to see the Academy has selected our film," he said. The film aims to resonate globally, showcasing how music unites people despite historical divisions between India and Pakistan.

'Band Of Maharajas' tells the story of three musicians living in a border village between India and Pakistan. Despite political divides, music serves as a universal language that connects people from both nations. Malik highlighted how this theme makes the film stand out among other musical films.

The song 'Ishq Walla Daku' is expected to be released within 10 days, with plans to release the film in India next year. Malik emphasized that the movie's narrative reflects today's global scenarios where neighbouring countries share common cultural tastes through music.

Reflecting on his journey from 'Jal' to 'Band Of Maharajas', Malik described it as filled with ups and downs but ultimately rewarding. Over the past decade, he has faced challenges but remains optimistic about future projects.

Collaborative Success with Bickram Ghosh

The collaboration between Malik and composer Bickram Ghosh has been fruitful, gaining recognition on platforms like the Oscars. Malik attributes their success to their shared passion for sound exploration. "We both are very crazy about sounds," he noted, highlighting their mutual love for world music.

Bickram Ghosh's role in front of the camera was also discussed. Having acted in Bengali films before, Ghosh was comfortable during filming. Malik praised his performance, recalling his own transition from acting to directing despite advice from late actor Irrfan Khan.

This achievement marks a significant step for Indian cinema on an international stage. As anticipation builds around 'Band Of Maharajas', audiences eagerly await its release and potential Oscar nominations.