"Ranveer Singh has made Malhari massive," says Bajirao Mastani lyricist Prashant Ingole

After winning hearts with songs like Ziddi Dil, Adhure from Mary Kom, Party On My Mind from Race 2, lyricist Prashant Ingole is back with two huge numbers in his kitty - Malhari and Gajanana from year's most anticipated film Bajirao Mastani. In a quick chat, Prashant tells us how the two songs happened, working with SLB for a second time and more!

This is the second time you are working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. How was the experience?

There was a great comfort level with him. When I was working with SLB in Mary Kom I understood his preferences and hence it was easier. Also, Bhansali sir has lot of faith and trust in me. Initially I was offered only one song Malhari. When I cracked that one, he asked me to pen lyrics for Gajanana.

Gajanana and Malhari have been huge hits. How did you go about writing it?

For Malhari, I was briefed that the song comes at a point where the Peshwas have come after winning a huge battle. So I had to make sure it had the Marathi flavour but at the same time, the words should connect with the audience. Hence I have used common words. As far as Gajanana goes, Sanjay sir told me that the song comes at a crucial point and will play in the background. So I had to make sure it is a song but it doesn't reveal much story. That's when I decided to make a song on Ganpati using his 17 names. The two antaras of Malhari were approved in 2 sittings but the mukhdas took a month or half. So overall it took almost 5-6 sittings. Gajanana was approved immediately. It took me only 2 days to write.

Were you expecting such great response to these songs?

No not all. In fact I didn't even expect Gajanana to open the promotions for the film. It went into the Guiness Book of World Records and that was a huge surprise for me. As far as Malhari goes, I love the way Ranveer has danced. The crazy choreography is amazing. When I wrote this song, I knew it was going to be big.

Ranveer Singh has taken Malhari to next level. What was your reaction to the song and Singh's performance?

Definitely, Ranveer has absolutely taken it to next level. I was awestruck and speechless. The song is huge with amazing grandeur and it depicts Bhansali's taste. But Ranveer has made it massive. 

Gajanana has registered itself in Guiness Book of World Record. How proud are you about it?

Getting a song in Guiness Book of World Record is a surreal feeling. I felt numb and unbelievable.

Bajirao Mastani was initially offered to Salman-Aishwarya 12 years back. Now Ranveer-Deepika and Priyanka have done it. Have they done full justice to it?

There are no other actors in Bollywood who could have done Bajirao Mastani. You can see the passion, energy in them. Nobody can play Bajirao as Ranveer, Mastani as Deepika and Kashibai as Priyanka Chopra. They have done an awesome job.

The film is clashing with Dilwale. Do you think Bajirao Mastani would have done better had it released solo?

I respect the filmmakers who are giving something unique to the audience. I admire SLB, Anurag Kashyap, Vishal Bharadwaj films unlike the cliche films that others give. For me it won't make any difference to Bajirao Mastani. I agree had they opened solo, both films would have done well. But here I feel, Bajirao Mastani is going to stand along because of the content, promotions and material.