Dhirendra Mulkalwar shares how a visit to Kainchi Dham inspired his work on the film Hanuman Ansh, blending spirituality with patriotism.
Dhirendra Mulkalwar, a musician and producer, has revealed that his journey with the film Hanuman Ansh began unexpectedly through a visit to Kainchi Dham, an ashram associated with Neem Karoli Baba. After attempting to visit the site for four years, the composer finally made the trip last April. Just a few months later, he was approached by director Vishal Chaturvedi regarding the film focused on the spiritual leader. Mulkalwar stated, “I could not believe what was happening. I was just surprised, and it felt like a miracle.”
Further coincidences unfolded for Mulkalwar during the film’s production. The popular song Siyavar Ramchandra Ki Jai, which has emerged as a key musical piece of Hanuman Ansh, originated not as a traditional song but during the creation of the background score. This occurred amid a critical scene involving a revolutionary character and Neem Karoli Baba, who aids him in evading British authorities by disguising him as a sanyasi. “I just got this idea that the chants of Sita Ram should happen, and Vishal ji said yes. Basically, we combined patriotism with spiritualism,” he recalled. The initial portion was later adapted into a full song, which even found its way into the film’s trailer.
Mulkalwar’s connection with Neem Karoli Baba goes back over a decade to around 2010. He first encountered a video featuring American spiritual teacher Ram Dass, a disciple of Baba, which piqued his interest. Subsequently, he delved into readings about Baba’s life, learning about his impact and the stories of notable devotees, including Julia Roberts and Steve Jobs.
Since its release in August, Hanuman Ansh has garnered more attention than the production team initially anticipated, enjoying a successful theatrical run and even reaching international audiences. Mulkalwar reflected on the emotional reactions from viewers, stating, “When we had the previews, we were very satisfied and happy because we put all our heart and soul into it… We knew people would like the film. But the commercial success that it received is beyond our imagination.”
Originally from Chandrapur, Maharashtra, which is near the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Mulkalwar grew up in modest surroundings where pursuing a career in music seemed unlikely. His musical journey commenced under the guidance of the late tabla player Rajiv Pillai and later through influences from his elder brother, which inspired him to envision a life in music.
He explained, “I somehow started thinking that I can be a music director. I basically came to Mumbai to learn audio engineering… I have composed more than 500 ads and jingles.” Throughout his childhood, Mulkalwar would listen to audio cassettes and imagine himself conducting an orchestra, drawing inspiration from the natural sounds while involved in wildlife rescue efforts in the forests around Tadoba.
Despite his extensive passion for music, he faced challenges in understanding the business side of the industry. “A lot of my friends advised me to understand the business part… What I learnt is basically music but realised there are other important factors too,” he noted.
His previous projects, including Uri: The Surgical Strike and Article 15, caught the attention of director Vishal Chaturvedi, leading to the opportunity of scoring for Hanuman Ansh—a project he had long awaited. With the film’s success, Mulkalwar has started receiving interest for new projects, though he remains cautious, saying he is not rushing to announce his next steps.
In summary, Dhirendra Mulkalwar’s journey from a small town to becoming a recognised composer showcases a blend of spiritual exploration and musical ambition, resulting in a significant milestone in his career with Hanuman Ansh.
