Actress Rituparna Sengupta’s upcoming Hindi film Hum Tumhein Chahte Hain is all set to release in theatres today. The film is almost like a tribute from the Lahiri family to the ‘Disco King’ of Indian music, Bappi Lahiri, as it is produced by his daughter and son-in-law Rema Lahiri Bansal and Govind Bansal. The singer and music composer who passed away last year has also played the role of a music director and composer in this film. His grandson, Rego B, debuted in the film as a singer, carrying forward the lineage left behind by his grandfather.
“This is my debut. I was missing my grandfather’s physical presence a lot as I was doing my debut on his tunes. I have come to Calcutta so many times. I have done so many shows with dadu in Calcutta at Fatakeshto. I have come here to promote dadu today and make all of you dance to his tunes,” said 13-year-old Rego B, whose song Seva seva has already hit over a few million views on YouTube.
On October 5, a part of the team Hum Tumhein Chahte Hain, touched down Calcutta to promote the film at Hotel Hindustan International. Directed by director Rajan Lyallppuri, the film will see Rituparna Sengupta playing the role of a corporate lady. “This film has a sentimental value for me because the Lahiri family is like an extended family to me. They have been very affectionate towards me always. Rema, Bappida have always loved me. We always shared a relationship beyond films. Bappida and Buddhadeb Dasgupta did the film Lal Darja, which won the National Award. Bappida gave music to many of my films. Rema and Govind wanted to produce this film. It is a very nice love story. I love to do emotional films,” said Rituparna Sengupta explaining why she chose the film.
Talking about the cast and crew, Rituparna said: “Janmejaya got introduced in this film as well. He worked well. The music is very strong. It is an ensemble cast. I loved that. This year I am doing quite a few Hindi films. I am waiting to see how my films in other languages are doing. I do only what my heart says, not what anyone else wants me to do. And my heart is very much here because it is not only a film but a sentiment for me. I am so happy that Rema and Rego are here. Rego is so talented. He is following in the footsteps of Bappida. He can sing in so many languages. So we are encouraging the next young person in the family who can take the lineage forward. The new talents should be encouraged. Bappa, Rema’s brother, did the background score for this film. The music is of a different level with so many senior artistes. I must mention Alkadi as she is a darling. We have been friends for many years.”
The cast also includes Janmejaya Singh making his debut in Bollywood, Govind Namdev, Anup Jalota, Rajpal Yadav, Zakir Hussain, Anusmriti Sarkar, Arun Bakshi, Surendra Pal, Tinaa Ghaai, Anil Nagrath, Kaushal Shah, Sangeeta Singh and Hitesh Sampal. The song Seva seva also features comic actor Rajpal Yadav. “I said yes to this project because the story is beautiful. Overall it is a great project for my career. My first film, Bhorer Alo, I did with Ritudi and she had only recommended me for that film. Working with Ritudi is such a pleasure. She doesn’t show off at all despite being in the industry for so long. She is always very welcoming,” said Anusmriti Sarkar, who came to promote the film in Calcutta.
Her co-star Janmejaya said: “Debut film is very special for every actor. The feeling is very magical. I always wanted to be an actor. I was never much interested in academics. Rituparna is a legendary actress and she made me feel very comfortable on the set. It was a pleasure working with her.”
Music is obviously a strong focus of the film. The music of the film has been composed by the legendary Bappi Lahiri, with Rema Lahiri as the associate music director and Bappa B Lahiri handling the background music. The lyrics of the songs have been penned by the director himself. The film’s songs will feature the voices of an incredible line-up of singers from the Indian music fraternity, including Bappi Lahiri, Shaan, Rego B, Palak Muchhal, Alka Yagnik, Sana Aziz, and Anup Jalota.
“There are so many memories of Calcutta. We were born in Bombay but Calcutta is in our hearts. I have grown up here. So many stage shows. I have seen people love my father and his charismatic, magical voice. It has always been magical here. We are Bengalis and we belong to a Bengali family. My father used to tell me those who have not set foot in Calcutta can’t grow as artistes. He used to say no one can love an artiste like the people of Calcutta. This is special because the tune was still unfinished. So like a family, we started this together with my dad’s blessings,” said Rema Lahiri Bansal during the promotions in Calcutta.
