The first song from Alia Bhatt starring Gangubai Kathiawadi is out, and it features the actress performing Garba for the first time on screen. The song, titled Dholida, stars Alia as Gangubai, who is seen doing garba with her friends in the Kamathipura area.
Her perfect moves, body language, expressions, energy – all of it is like Gangu and not Alia. But it’s this girl’s attitude on stage that elevates the song to new heights. We’ve seen Alia dance in a number of films, but this is something special. Perhaps it’s the Sanjay Leela Bhansali magic rubbing off on her.
The song is built around Alia’s confidence as Gangubai, a vulnerable girl turned brothel owner and matriarch who goes on to fight in the election.
Dholida is a composition by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself, with lyrics by Kumaar. The foot tapping number has been sung by Jahnvi Shrimankar and Shail Hada.
The brilliant choreography is done by Kruti Mahesh.
Alia’s Garba was an instant hit with her fans. A fan reacted on YouTube, “Alia’s expressions at the end, she has outdone herself as Gangubai.” Another said, “Woah! Her own body language changed! She’s such a superb performer. Go girl!” One more said, “She killed it.”
Sharing the song link on Instagram, Alia wrote, “An absolute dream come true to dance to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s music. My heart forever beats to #Dholida.”
The period drama has been adapted from one of the chapters of noted author Hussain Zaidi’s book, Mafia Queens of Mumbai and features Alia in the lead role of Gangubai, one of the most powerful, loved and respected madams from Kamathipura during the 1960s.