Panaji, Goa, November 23, 2025 – At the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Vishal Bhardwaj offered insights into the making of the acclaimed song "Paani Paani Re" and the transformative contribution of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. During the Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Talk, titled “The Rhythms of India: From the Himalayas to the Deccan,” Bhardwaj shared his experiences and admiration for the iconic singer, revealing how she elevated the song to a level he hadn't imagined.
The session, part of the IFFI 2025 Masterclass series, featured Bhardwaj in conversation with music composer B. Ajaneesh Loknath, moderated by critic Sudhir Srinivas. The discussion provided a platform for the two distinct musical minds to share their creative worlds, with filmmaker Ravi Kottarakkara felicitating the speakers.
Bhardwaj fondly recalled the creative process behind "Paani Paani Re", emphasizing the profound impact Mangeshkar had on the song. He described how the sound of water and the silence of a riverbank became the soul of the song. He recounted Mangeshkar's "instinctive perfection", noting that she not only remembered every note but also sang the song in a single take.
What truly stood out for Bhardwaj was Mangeshkar's ability to offer suggestions to refine the tune, ensuring it mirrored the natural flow of water. "She wasn't just a singer," Bhardwaj stated, "She was a composer in her own right". He expressed his astonishment at how Mangeshkar understood the song even more profoundly than he did, translating it into a rendition of unparalleled depth. Bhardwaj had a concept for the song, but Mangeshkar's rendition surpassed his expectations.
Bhardwaj shared that Mangeshkar had a unique way of complimenting artists. Instead of directly praising the composition, she would subtly express her appreciation through a smile or a slight fumble at a particular place during rehearsals, indicating her understanding and appreciation of the nuances.
The 56th edition of IFFI, taking place in Goa from November 20–28, includes international competitions, cultural showcases, masterclasses, and the WAVES Film Bazaar. The festival promises a celebration of Indian creativity, showcasing a diverse range of languages, genres, and innovations. This year, the Masterclass segment explores contemporary themes like Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability, along with technical workshops.
The Masterclass series at IFFI 2025 includes panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions, with contributions from film personalities such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, and Shekhar Kapur. This year marked a historic moment as the Masterclass inauguration was opened to the public, emphasizing the festival's commitment to accessibility.
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Loganathan Murugan, highlighted that IFFI 2025 will screen over 200 films, demonstrating India's increasing influence in global cinema. He also emphasized the participation of women filmmakers, with 50 films directed by women being showcased.
