For any singer, doing playback for a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film is indeed a dream come true moment. And if that is Alia Bhatt-starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi, which had its world premiere at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival, then one can only imagine the excitement. For young singer Tarannum Malik Jain, it was a life-changing experience to sing ‘Jhume Re Ghori’, the sixth song from Gangubai Kathiawadi, which hits theatres on February 25.

A foot-tapping number, Tarannum says, it was a “very different experience to record a SLB (read Sanjay Leela Bhansali) song. Interestingly, this is one of Bhansali’s favourite songs from the movie too.

For those who are not aware, Tarannum has sung Saiyaara for Ek Tha Tiger, Hum Tumhe Kaise Bataye for Ekkees Toppon Ki Salami, title track of Raees and several other hits in Bollywood. In Gangubai Kathiawadi, getting the opportunity to lend the voice for Alia Bhatt was always lucrative. “Every singer dreams to be heard on the 70mm wide screen. For me to have done that, and get the opportunity to do playback for such a powerhouse performer like Alia Bhatt is a moment to cherish for. She is looking stunning in the trailer and songs,” says Tarannum. The singer then went on to thank singer and music director Shail Hada, who has been working with Bhansali since Black (2005).

Song link: jhume re Gori

It was Shail Hada, who introduced Tarannum to Bhansali. She had known Shail for a long time. “One day I randomly received a call from him. He asked me to come over to the studio for a song. When I learnt it was for Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, my excitement knew no bounds,” says the singer.

So, what was Bhansali (also the music director of Gangubai Kathiawadi) to her? “Sanjay sir is a true genius. He told us that Jhume Re Gori is a group song. I am joined by Archana Gore, Dipti Rege and Aditi Pradudesai in the song. Also, when Sanjay sir is sitting in front of you while recording, you know it’s a lifetime opportunity,” she says.

Tarannum always wanted to be a singer. In fact, her father was a singer too. He wanted to shift to Mumbai to try his luck but he didn’t get the opportunity. “I am fulfilling my father’s wish,” smiled Tarannum.

The young singer is working on multiple singles and movies. Her last single, Mehram, with Abhinay Jain, which she had composed and sung did well. “We shot the song in the picturesque location of Pahalgam in Kashmir,” Tarannum signed off.