'Queen Victoria Aar Goyenda Kanaichawron': Srijit Mukherji reveals why only Anirban Bhattacharya could sing the title track

Working with composer Srijit Mukherji, actor-singer Anirban Bhattacharya said, "My association with Srijit da, can be said as a whole sum now, from his film direction to music direction.

"From Uma till today, most of my artistic journey is connected to him. I have discovered him in new ways through this journey. We discuss things over the phone but when I enter the studio I feel like Srijit-da wants me to be a contributor to the film rather than just being a singer. I really enjoy doing so."

Actor-singer Anirban Bhattacharya lending his voice to Srijit Mukherji's next film. Photo: Avishek Mitra

Best known as one of Bengali cinema's acclaimed directors, Srijit has written and composed the title track for his upcoming detective mystery, adding another creative dimension to the film's music.

On working with singer Anirban Bhattacharya, Srijit said, "I didn't want anyone except Anirban. The period when he was not working was very suffocating to me. A work is like a matter of collaboration and artists like him are very few here in Kolkata. We learn and teach each other things which have always been a two way process and his contribution makes the outcome something else."

The collaboration also marks a first for the duo as composer and singer.

Actor-singer Anirban Bhattacharya and director-composer Srijit Mukherji reminiscing their chemistry both on and off screen. Photo: Avishek Mitra

Though they have worked together on several cinematic projects in the past, this is their first partnership where Srijit composed and Bhattacharya performed.

Anirban Bhattacharya added, "We've been through a lot of social changes together. But whatever our equation, primarily both of us want to entertain the audience be it through acting or singing. A big takeaway of this collaboration to me is how we make the audience feel through our work."

Apart from his work as an actor, Anirban has earned recognition as the vocalist of the Bengali band Hooliganism.

For Queen Victoria Aar Goyenda Kanaichawron, he lends his voice to the film's title track, which is expected to play a significant role in the narrative.

Director-composer Srijit Mukherji directing his newly composed song to actor-singer Anirban Bhattacharya, first time as Anirban's music composer. Photo: Avishek Mitra

"I always look forward to working with Anirban. Every time it's something new we discover in our work. Late night discussions and our bitter-sweet relationship is what makes our work special. I keep returning to him because, even after so many years, his core is still intact which is commendable, and we sync comfortably," Srijit added.

The film is currently in its pre-production stage and features Jisshu U Sengupta as Detective Kanaichawron alongside Idhika Paul, Tota Roy Choudhury and others.

With music now becoming part of its storytelling journey, Queen Victoria Aar Goyenda Kanaichawron continues to take shape ahead of its release.

(Reporting by Aaheli Chakraborty, Photos by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)