02x01 - Panditji

[bunniefuu]

Introducing the exemplary
singer of this kingdom.

Sangeet Samrat Pandit
Radhe Mohan Rathod.

He has been Jodhpur’s Sangeet Samrat
for the last twenty-five years.

When he sings, even his
highness bows in admiration.

I too want to be a Sangeet
Samrat just like Panditji.

I’m so close to living my dream
of singing with Queen Eli.

Here, they’re discussing
about canceling your contract.

I’ll make a banger song that
will leave them speechless.

Who’s your sexy friend?

- I’m Radhe.
- Tamanna.

You’re awesome, I’m awesome. So for
my next song, you’ll sing with me.

In classical music,

the Guru rewards their most honorable
student with the sacred thread.

Now it’s your responsibility to
take this Gharana's music further.

Is your grandfather cool with the
fact that you’re singing with me?

No, he doesn’t know
anything about it.

I think we have to role-play
to crack this song.

You mean we have to act
like boyfriend-girlfriend.

I love you, Tamanna.

I love you too.

For the first time, pop and classical
music are going to fall in love

and this love is called…
"Bandish Bandits."

Panditji married twice
and Digvijay is his son?

You have no right to my Gharana.

If I win this year’s
Sangeet Samrat competition

then I'll stake claim
over this Gharana.

Panditji is losing
his sense of hearing.

He’s in a bad state right now, please
don’t take away his music from him.

Digvijay may be arrogant

but he is a renowned artist.

I’m going deaf. To save this
family, you’ll sing instead of me.

I’ve got you another
shot at Queen Eli!

- What the f*ck…
- But there’s a catch.

You’ll have to sing live.

When you sing live your
voice becomes a bit shrill.

You just told all my fans
that I don’t know how to sing

and you’re saying that you
were trying to help me?!

What is this? Shut it.

It’s from your Gharana.

Take off your sacred thread.

You give me any punishment.

I’ll go through the
purification process…

The mistake was made by me,

so I’ll sacrifice both,
my music and my voice.

I’m really sad to inform you
that Bandish Bandits is over.

Radhe just wanted to
prepare for Sangeet Samrat.

We all have made mistakes.

Including you.

Learn to fight from
these tough times.

I’m even ready to sacrifice
my life for this Gharana.

But how will I win against Digvijay?
Who will prepare me for it?

The one who won against
Panditji twenty-six years ago.

We will start your practice
by finding your inner voice.

Step down from Sangeet Samrat, if you
lose then Mohini will be very sad.

Why do you care about
my mother so much?

Mohini and I used
to love each other.

When I fell in love for
the first and last time

in my life, that was
also snatched from me.

Do you still love him?

Father thought I was
useless all my life.

I used to think that at
least Mohini supported me.

I’ll tell his highness that this
year we won't take part in the event.

Wait. I would’ve handed the Gharana
to Digvijay myself if he deserved it.

SANGEET SAMRAT CEREMONY

Give a huge round of applause to our
new Sangeet Samrat, Radhe Rathod.

Our Gharana is
safe in your hands.

But this Gharana is mine and
I’ll do anything to take it back.

Today I fell in love
with music again.

I’ve taken admission
in a music school.

Just like you, I want
to be a real talent.

I’m leaving, Radhe.

Devendra.

Radhe.

Get hold of yourself.

The elder son should come forward
to light the funeral pyre.

BANDISH

As per the tradition, Panditji hosted a
recital like this every Makar Sankranti.

We will always
regret his passing.

But Panditji always said an artist's
duty goes beyond his joy and sorrow.

As his family and
as his Gharana,

we will attempt to showcase one of
his favorite compositions to you.

Excuse me. Hi.

Hi.

- Nakul.
- Tamanna.

- Should I come inside?
- Hi.

Hi, Tamanna.

- Isn't that Tamanna?
- Hi.

- Yes.
- Her songs are still trending.

What is she doing here?

She had blue hair, right?

You gotta sing…

Sing!

You have a good pitch.

But you are singing from your
throat, not your diaphragm.

Okay?

- You've got a great sense of beat.
- Thank you, ma'am.

- But your mandibles need to be relaxed.
- Sorry, ma'am?

The lower jaw? Like a yawn?

That's right.

Smoking won't make
your voice grainy.

So quit it.

- What's your name?
- Soumya, ma'am. Soumya Mehta.

Your vibratos are excellent.

Thank you.

A little more
confidence would do.

You need to find your voice.

How, ma'am?

That’s what you’ve
come here to learn.

So, everyone is here on their
music journey to learn something.

On piano, drums, vocals…

But first, you must seek the
music within you, not outside…

with the one instrument
that is your own.

Your voice.

So on that note with no pun intended,
we start our first vocal session.

GODDESS SARASWATI YANTRA

Mohini.

You sang so well.

The bass…

May I take blessings?

BANDISH

Panditji wrote a book?

It's not a book.

He put together all the
compositions of the Gharana.

Can I have some kind of a
memento of Panditji to take away?

Yes, of course, brother.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

- You played very well.
- Greetings.

Okay, see you.

Greetings.

Thank God, everyone's not
wearing white. I was so nervous!

You sang so well! Amazing!

How would you know?
You just got here.

Have you ever sung
less than amazing?

- Brother…
- Talent.

Rajasaheb was trying
to locate you.

He needs to prepare for
the new Sangeet Samrat.

- Oh, that was Rajaji?
- Yes.

Sorry, I thought it was my landlord who
was calling from a different number.

But don't worry, Munshiji. We will
have an amazing show this year as well.

And uncle, I feel
this is your time.

This is your year. You're going
to knock it out of the park.

- I dig you, Digvijayji! I dig you.
- Alright.

- It's going to be a great show.
- Yes.

- No tension.
- Okay.

- Offering's almost over, I'll get it.
- We'll take your leave now.

I'm leaving.

Arghya, I told you, I am
not interested in a band.

This is your kind of band.

Fusion music.

Sitar and rock.

And it's good news. Their lead
singer was a bit of a junkie debauch.

So the NCB arrested him.

- Is that good news?
- Obviously!

Their lead singer is out
and our lead singer is in!

They need a classical
singer. You need an audience.

It's a match made in heaven.
It's written in the stars.

It's more than a perfect match.

I can't come, Arghya.

Classes are doing well here too.

You and your never-ending
granddaddy problems.

For me. Just hear them.
Please. Just Google them.

Rage N Raga. R-A-G-A.

Okay.

Thank you.

Have you spoken to Tamanna?

Yes! I keep in touch.
She's in the college game.

She sent her condolences.

- Really?
- Yes.

What else did she say?

I didn't speak to her, okay?

I f*cking moved on! She
is out of my life, okay?

Clean cut.

Are you still waiting for
a rebound or something?

No.

I'll leave too.

You were unnecessarily worried
that he would take the compilation.

Brother has changed a lot
after Panditji passed away.

It's a charade.

He is still gunning for
Sangeet Samrat and our Gharana.

Hi! Tamanna!

Actually, she is a
huge fan of yours.

Can we…

Tamanna, if you
don't mind, please?

- Sure, come. I'll take it.
- Thank you.

Smile!

Oops.

Awkward selfie, holding books.

Hopeful gaze…
First years, right?

Yeah, hi. I am Kunal.

She is Priya, my friend.

- And this is of course…
- Tamanna.

Ayaan. Third-year piano major.

Minor in photobombing.
Shall we go?

Where?

What is it?

The third years give the first
years the tour. It's a ritual. Come.

Actually, I'm just going
to head to the hostel.

Wait a minute. Did Nandini
petrify you already?

It's the first day, man! Come!

Come on. This loser
would be pleased too.

- Please?
- Shut up, Priya!

- Guys, let's go. Come.
- Okay.

This school was established in


But don't get fooled
by the old-world charm.

Here even bedbugs are
treated like royalty.

This chapel was built in 1858.

The local kids come for choir
practice on the weekends.

Nandini ma'am conducts it.

The path worries where I will go

I will wander in the
house Of your memories

Imroz Dehalvi.

Correct. The most popular
alumni of our school.

This is the auditorium where
he wrote that famous song.

- Wow!
- Guys.

He used to always sit in
the last row, third seat.

They say every fresher who sits
there always becomes famous.

- Really?
- Go!

Let's go.

There's also a
trivia about Imroz.

I am sure it's
especially for me.

People think of "Yaadon Ke
Ghar" as a romantic song.

But he composed it
after his break up.

His girlfriend broke his
heart. They met on this campus.

But, art and romance are bound to be
in conflict and that’s what happened.

By the way, who was the girl?

Nobody knows.

It's been always one
of those mysteries.

She must be around somewhere with
two kids and an oversized husband.

I think if the love is
real it will inspire music.

Right?

I don't know why this tour
is inspiring me so much.

Are you getting inspired?

Then you must make
the most of it.

I'll leave you to
it, Mr. Piano Major.

You have to inspire the
rest of the campus too.

I heard that you don't want to be
part of Sangeet Samrat, this year.

I am extremely
sorry, Your Highness.

But Panditji just passed away.

I am not in the mood for any
kind of contest or competition.

I hope you'll understand.

I miss Panditji too.

But the Sangeet Samrat
has it's own tradition.

Yes, of course. But, Your
Highness, all I am saying is…

I won't challenge Radhe
this year. That's all.

Please forgive me.
I am really, really…

Panditji was deeply associated
with Sangeet Samrat.

Yes.

So we won't host the
contest this year.

Your Highness?

-We… will host a
musical event -I…

in memory of Panditji.

You will be wholly
responsible for that.

Okay, I accept.

You can tell me the name
of any Indian singer.

I will speak to them personally.
I will speak to Radhe too.

What about my personal favorite?

Your…

If the family allows it,
your wish will be fulfilled.

I will sing too.

It's not a wish.
Consider it a command.

As you command.

A huge star has entered
our tiny family.

This calls for a welcome
on behalf of the college.

- Print it. Come. Let's sit.
- Thank you.

Ms. Tamanna, you know you took
admission in the perfect year.

Please, please. Sit.

We are setting up
a band this year.

We will select the best
students from the whole school.

Guess where the
band will perform.

- Where?
- IBC.

India Band Championship.

I am sure you've
heard of the EBC.

Euro Band Championship.

That's it. It's coming
to India as IBC.

There will be millions of musicians,
there will be thousands of bands.

And only ten will qualify.

So I would like you to be part of
this band on behalf of the college.

As the lead singer.

- The lead singer?
- Yes.

Your popularity and charisma will
increase our chances of qualification.

Sir, I just joined the school.

I am just learning. I haven't
even had practice sessions.

Why do you need to learn?

You just get onto the
stage and cast your spell.

With you in the band,
forget qualifying

even the chances of
winning will be greater.

Sir, performances, videos…

I have given up all of that.

I came here to start off
with the basics of music.

Just like other students.

Ms. Tamanna, this IBC band

will be trained and mentored by our
celebrity professor Nandini Singh.

You will get one-on-one, direct
training and feedback sessions with her.

You can't get any of that
with her in the classroom.

So think about it.

I believe this is
your best chance.

You and Ms. Nandini,
Ms. Nandini and you.

India Band Championship.

Ma'am, I couldn't
introduce myself yesterday.

- I am…
- I know who you are, Ms. Sharma.

I feel very inspired.

Really?

Yeah.

Have you heard of Imroz Dehalvi?

No.

Do you see how
organized her side is?

Yours is such a mess.

Because I just
started unpacking.

Just give it a rest, Avantika!

Does your new roommate
know how lucky she is?

She is going to share a room
with a pop sensation, after all!

Okay, so if she is a fan don't be
too modest. Give her an autograph.

Dad, stop it!

Oh! Hello, dear!

Hello, uncle.

Welcome to your new home.

Well, I finally met your
mom's fiancé yesterday.

- He is so cute!
- Harsh!

Come on. A pass-out senior must
offer tips to a fresher, right?

The poor guy is getting
married for the first time.

- Please support…
- Please wait, let me find my earphones.

Could you ever find a more
supportive ex-husband?

- Mom, Dad, I need to go.
- I'll come to your bachelorette party too.

Listen, girl. Work hard.
It is a music school.

Dad won't come there to
fire the piano teacher.

I will land up there
as well. You'll see.

Tamanna, if you need anything
remember dad is there. I love you.

I am sorry I couldn't
find my earphones.

Sorry?

Before we break I have an
important announcement.

Our college is taking part in
the India Band Championship.

We have to form a
college band to do that.

We will have selections for it.

There will be auditions
for the selections.

Auditions?

Auditions.

People come, they perform.

They get selected
on merit. Auditions.

Of course, ma'am.

So the auditions will be in pairs.
You have to prepare an original score.

You can talk to your seniors,
choose wisely, and good luck.

Thank you, ma'am.

IBC is happening!

Oh, my God! I am so excited!
We have to take part.

- Let’s go for the auditions…
- I can do the guitar riff.

- Okay, and I should…
- Mix it together and I think…

Guys, IBC auditions,
this is huge!

I think we should
all work together.

If we play that chord within the
keyboard, I think it will match…

Ms. Tamanna.

Don't worry. I'm here.

I have the best partner for you.

Gold medal, third year.
He's a front-runner.

Trust me.

- Greetings.
- Greetings.

This is our publisher,
Mr. Patwardhan.

- Hello.
- Hello.

- Radhe. His mother, Ms. Mohini.
- Hello.

- This is his uncle, Devendra.
- Yes, Arghya?

Radhe! My darling,
my berry pulao!

It's a miracle.

Your step-uncle is now
Salman Khan from Baghban.

He requested His Highness
to make this year's

Sangeet Samrat concert
a tribute to Panditji.

Did Digvijay say that?

Yes! And His Highness
confirmed with me.

Listen, now. Did you
listen to Rage N Raga?

No. I will listen to it later.

A book has been written
about Panditji's life.

We came for its vimochan.

Hear Rage N Raga!

I am trying to make
you a rockstar here!

While you are going for
some f*cking vimochan?

What is a vimochan, either way?

Let me call you
later, Arghya. Bye.

Alexa, what is the
meaning of vimochan?

Imroz Dehalvi says,

This was the contract between
us To keep the scent alive

Every petal of the flowers
Will stay alive in my books

Oh, my God, Ayu,
that's so beautiful.

Goodbye.

They don't make men
like these anymore.

I am just going to go. This
was a mistake, I am sorry.

- I am just… I am leaving.
- Tamanna, wait, wait, wait.

- Listen!
- What is it?

When Prashant mentioned you,
I knew this was a mistake.

So, let's not waste
each other's time.

No, Prashant wasn't wrong
in pairing us together.

Prashant told me you want to
be noticed by Nandini, right?

You want to crack the auditions,
so… and you need me, I'll help you.

How generous!

But I think I will manage.

Okay, okay, one moment.
Please, please, just…

He allows me to live here off
campus for my creative freedom.

I help him out
with his shows, so…

Whatever you have going
on, I am not interested.

Besides, you love giving campus
tours, right? Stay with that.

Okay, okay, wait.
Let's jam once.

Okay? If it doesn't work
out then you can leave.

- Okay.
- But reject me for musical reasons, okay?

I have selected a composition from
my bank that suits my vocal range.

Unless you have something
that we can use.

Sure, we can just listen
to whatever you have.

Of course.

What do you think?

Can I try something?

Yeah, sure.

Damn.

It took me a month
to compose this song.

You heard it for a minute

and added minor chords, changed
it from a 4/4 rhythm to 3/4.

You made it so much better.

It's easy to improvise
on someone else's song.

But you compose original music.

I haven't composed a single
original song, so far.

I have been here for two years.

You will learn it all after
a couple of semesters.

In all the songs,
fun, and whatnot…

you will sound much better
musically, seriously.

Thanks.

Sorry, I didn't mean
it in that way. I just…

- It's fine.
- I mean…

I know the entire college
thinks I am a blue tick bimbo.

Listen, what you are
doing takes guts.

Coming here even after becoming so
famous, not everyone would do that.

It's a brave thing, seriously.

Mr. Kailash Mandrekar, please tell
us about the objective of your book.

Most of the musical books only
mention Western musicians.

There is very little literature
about our gurus and teachers.

For example, in Jodhpur, we
have Pandit Radhe Mohan Rathod.

I consider him to be one of the
greatest gurus in Rajasthan.

But I believe we often elevate
gurus to the position of Gods.

We never consider
them to be human.

If one wishes to understand
an artist's creation properly

then we must examine
his life very closely.

His talents as
well as his flaws.

His colorful vibrance and his
deep dark secrets, as well.

For example?

For example, Radhe Mohanji.

He was Sangeet Samrat until
the 38th year of his life.

But do we know all that he
did to maintain that status?

His passion, his ego,

and his hunger to be supremely best
made him do all kinds of things.

When a young girl defeated
him at Sangeet Samrat

he got her married into his family
and asked her for her voice as dowry.

What nonsense!

Let's go.

Listen, don't get me wrong.

My intention is not to
raise questions on the life

of a renowned musician
like Panditji.

- Please, wait.
- How true is this?

Sir, please wait. Where are
you going? Why are you angry?

Whatever needs to be said, our
lawyers will say it to you.

Excuse me, please.

Watch as all the masks of the
masked man's grandpa come off.

This is the book
that has exposed

Pandit Radhe Mohan Rathod's
truth in front of everyone.

We will tell you truths that are
not found even in Kailash's book.

While Panditji was teaching
his students on one hand,

he was also visiting
an occultist

to learn how to cast
dark spells on the other.

He would feed his
rivals vermilion

wrapped in a betel nut leaf

to make them lose their voice.

God knows if his winning streak…

- Superb session, bro.
- Was all about talent or dark magic.

This is your father, right?

Just rumors. Let's
go for a take.

He took his daughter-in-law's
voice as dowry and suppressed her.

Who does that to
his daughter-in-law?

Where are the others?

We came to tell you that we
can't come from now on either.

Every chord comes from
its respective scale.

This area should not
come under stress.

The Rathod family's silence
contains all of the mysteries.

Do you think Panditji's Gharana

should participate in this
year's Sangeet Samrat?

If your answer is "yes"
then type "Panditji."

And if your answer is "no" then type
"Hypocrite Gharana" and message right now.

Down with…

- Rajaji.
- Down with…

- Rajaji.
- Panditji held a woman back.

But the royalty in Jodhpur is
sitting around doing nothing.

Doesn't his highness
know about all this?

Then why is this grand event still
being hosted in honor of Panditji?

The people of
Jodhpur want to know!

- Do you want to know?
- Yes, we do.

RAGA JANAKI ART CENTER

BANDISH

Where are you taking the
poster? I have a show.

It’s all because of you that we had to
book another artist at the last moment

for double the cost.

We have heard enough
from the press.

Now you need to leave with
this poster. Please leave.

Just as the recording began,

he said that he wouldn't
be able to do it.

Good morning, sir!

Sorry sir, my
flight got delayed…

Shall we start the recording?

We've already
recorded without you.

Vikram sir won't work
with you anymore.

Come on, guys!

What do you mean?

What I mean is…

He has seen the news
about your Panditji.

What happens if you end up
being a crook like your father?

A copyright case will
be filed against us.

You can go. We have hired
another sarangi player.

Does writing a book entail this?
Slinging muck posthumously?

It's ethically wrong, you know?

This isn't merely Panditji's life.
It's about our entire family.

You didn't think you
needed to ask anyone of us?

No, he wanted the publicity.

Did you get it?

I didn't write this
only for the publicity.

- Please, read my entire book just once.
- Please.

Let me handle this.

Give us evidence and sources
about all that you have written.

Or we will meet you in court
over a defamation suit next time.

Mr. Radhe.

You should have asked before saying
what you did. Because we did.

Who did you speak to?

Ask your family about it.

I told you it's a sham.

I never thought
Digvijay would do that.

Advocate.

If someone spoke while drunk,

would that still be considered
as a valid source and proof?

Father thought I was
useless all my life.

I was 16 years old when
I became a disciple.

I kept waiting for
Father's praise

with the hope that he would
make me his successor.

I gave you one task!
Couldn't you even do that?

Once more.

Pay off your tab and then
you can call for once more.

- Give it to me, please.
- Are you Rajendra Rathod?

Yes.

I would love to have a drink
with a great singer like you.

Of course.

I admire Panditji tremendously.

Music lovers like us can only
get inspired from a distance.

But you are a part of him.
What was your experience like?

Of living with him?
Of learning from him?

I mean, seeing a great
musician like Panditji daily…

"Great."

He is the Bodhi tree.

He didn't let anyone flourish.
He sucked up all the water.

His voice is so
wonderful to listen to.

But underneath it
all he is a demon.

You are the elder brother. You
could take on some responsibility.

I spoke to the lawyer.

He will work something out.

What will that do?

He has ruined everything.

I chased him all my life,
calling him my brother.

My Devlin was made into Audlin.

How long will the family bear
the burden of your mistakes?

Devendra.

Forgive me, sister-in-law.

I am being a bit selfish.

But for the very first time, I'm
earning some respect of my own.

So, from the Sangeet Samrat,
the Gharana, and him…

Just spare me.

I won't be able to handle it.

Next.

She's singing so well, right?

Wow! Amazing!

Mind-blowing, Tamanna.

Very nice. Beautifully
sung, right?

Yes? What do you
say, Ms. Nandini?

We'll let you know. Thank you.

Hi. Congratulations, Tamanna.

Your performance was amazing.

Dean sir is waiting for you.

Sir, it was a very good
song. Is she the best singer?

Sir, even in terms of singing
Tamanna's performance was the best.

But you must think
a bit practically.

If Tamanna is in the band it
would be great for our school.

Sorry, sir. These things really
do matter in all these contests.

When they go to the
India Band Championship

and if they lose in the qualification
rounds, the school will lose face.

Sir, may we come in?

Yes, please. Please come in.

Sir, may I come in?

Yes, yes, do.

That's Soumya, sir.

She is also a student
of the foundation.

You were really good.

Thank you, sir.

Do you remember
Tamanna's audition song?

- Yes, ma'am.
- So you will both sing alternate lines.

Will you please share
the lyrics with her?

Hold on, that's not
fair, Ms. Nandini.

She has heard the
song only once.

Is that enough?

Yes, ma'am.

Whenever you are ready, Ayaan.

E major.

I rest my case, sir.

Sir, did you see that? She was
singing with her eyes closed.

If she can't open her
eyes during the audition,

how can she even perform
on the IBC stage?

You don't engage the
audience like that.

This is the India
Band Championship.

It's up to you now.

Prashant sir, I can't
compromise with my music for

the sake of your school's
popularity and image.

It's very clear, sir.

The choice isn't between
Soumya and Tamanna.

The choice is between
Tamanna and me.

Ma'am.

Ms. Sharma.

The band needs you more than me.

I know.

I got admitted to this
school to learn from you.

I know that too.

You wish to learn, right?

Learn to walk before you run.

Focus on singing rather
than your performance.

Absolutely, ma'am.

That's why I came here.

I know Soumya is a
better singer than me.

I also know that Prashant
sir and the Dean are

pressurizing you to
make me the lead singer.

But if it's okay with you

I might have an idea.

Very proud to present,
the official college band

for the India Band Championship.

Ayaan on keys.

Go, Ayaan!

Vishal on drums.

Come on, Vishal!

Sheela on bass.

Nidhi on guitar.

Nidhi…

Our lead vocalist, Soumya.

Not to forget our two backing
vocalists, Kingshuk and Tamanna.

That's the band for our
Royal Himalayan Music School.

After a ton of
questions being raised,

the king of Jodhpur will
finally address the people.

The Rathod Gharana and the royal family
have had close ties for many years.

The royal family
esteems good character

more so than the
pristineness of music.

That is why I am canceling
the Pandit Radhe Mohan event.

We are no longer connected
in any way whatsoever

to the Rathod Gharana
or its members.

The Rathod Gharana is banned
from the Sangeet Samrat.

Rajaji responded by canceling

- this year's Sangeet Samrat event.
- Sister-in-law…

- Yes?
- I am leaving.

Yes. He just told the media…

- I'm getting late for the flight.
- That he won't have…

-Call once you reach, Devendra, -a
relationship with the Rathod family.

Yes.

And the Rathod family would be
permanently banned from Sangeet Samrat.

Let's watch what the public
has to say about this subject.

It's an artist's sacred duty
to bring people together.

I learned that from you.

Now it’s your responsibility to
take this Gharana's music further.

Why was this event in honor
of Panditji being hosted?

Now you need to leave
with this poster.

Our Gharana is
safe in your hands.

We can't come from
now on either.

Panditji held a woman back.

You will sing in the
next event instead of me.

Our new Sangeet Samrat
is Radhe Rathod.

I hereby ban the Rathod
Gharana from Sangeet Samrat.

From today, you will only sing
the music of the Rathod Gharana.

Arghya, that band, Rage N Raga…

Are they still
looking for a singer?