Sound & Music of Ankhon Dekhi - Part 2

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Check out Part 1 of this series of article, in case you haven't already, in which I've shared my thoughts around the soundscape of Ankhon Dekhi: Music & Sound of Ankhon Dekhi: A Journey Through Emotions - Part 1


Rajat Kapoor's 2013 film, Ankhon Dekhi, is a masterpiece of unique storytelling and deep philosophical themes. It's a film that stays with you, and its music plays a significant role in that lasting impact.

Composer Sagar Desai created a soundtrack that's simple yet deeply evocative. There's a deliberate rawness to the music, reflecting the film's focus on raw human emotions and experiences. He uses traditional Indian instruments like the harmonium and tabla, along with sitar and many Indian classical ensembles. As per Wikipedia, "The soundtrack was well received with many calling it a 'breath of fresh air' due to the melodies being composed with classical instruments."

I feel the background score hasn't been appreciated enough. There have been moments while watching the film when I've been immersed into the scene further because of that one note of music!

Besides the soundtrack, the songs captures the essence of the moments. Varun Grover's lyrics perfectly speak what the audience & the characters felt. One of the standout tracks is "Aaj Laagi Laagi Nayi Dhoop", sung by Kailash Kher. This song captures the essence of the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and is marked by its soothing melody and heartfelt lyrics. Kailash Kher’s emotive voice adds depth to the song, making it resonate with the audience long after the film ends.

"Aayi Bahaar" is a more upbeat track, celebrating life's simple joys. The use of harmonium and tabla gives it a festive feel, while Kailash Kher's vocals convey a sense of optimism and hope.

"Dheeme Re Re" is a soulful melody that tugs at your heartstrings. The lyrics speak of slowing down and appreciating the present moment, a message that resonates throughout the film.

Coming back to the score that runs throughout the film. Sagar Desai uses a blend of traditional Indian instruments along with modern elements, to create a soundscape that feels both timeless and contemporary. This fusion of sounds mirrors the film’s exploration of traditional values in a modern context.

I really wish these soundtracks were also officially released, just like the songs, on all streaming platforms or as high quality purchases. After a lot of search, I finally found them on SoundCloud.

The music of Ankhon Dekhi is not just an accompaniment but a narrative device that amplifies the film’s themes of introspection and the search for truth. Each track is meticulously crafted to reflect the characters' emotional states, making the music a crucial element in the storytelling process.

In a film industry often dominated by commercial hits, Ankhon Dekhi’s soundtrack stands out for its artistic integrity and emotional depth. Sagar Desai’s compositions remind us of the power of music to convey complex emotions and elevate the cinematic experience.

For those interested in exploring the intricate relationship between music and storytelling in cinema, the soundtrack of Ankhon Dekhi offers a masterclass in subtlety and emotional resonance and I'm glad to conclude this two-part series of articles with the same music I started with. Enjoy!

Vimana M · Ankhon Dekhi End Titles


I had the opportunity of personally congratulating & thanking Rajat Kapoor for creating something that I can confidently call "my favourite". His play "Nothing Like Lear" with his Bheja Fry friend Vinay Pathak has shows going on now & then, in case you'd like to witness more amazing art.

Prashant Mishra and Rajat Kapoor

Let me know what you think about the sound & music of Ankhon Dekhi in the comments below. Share the article with everyone who will find it delightful, and if you haven't already, go watch the movie!