Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 15, 2017)

Sanjay Dutt is no stranger to the recording studio. In his career spanning over nearly four decades, the actor has displayed his singing skills quite a few times. But, in his comeback film, Bhoomi, it is no ordinary ditty — the actor has crooned to a song titled Jai Mata Di. “I am reciting shlokas in the song. I’m an ardent believer of Mata Rani, who has given me the strength to face hard times. When the makers came up with the idea, I was immediately sold,” says Dutt.

Composers Sachin-Jigar reveal that Dutt’s deep baritone made him an ideal choice for a song such as this. “We always wanted to use his voice in the track. His baritone is impactful and adds heft to any track,” says Sachin Sanghvi.

Despite his previous brush with music — his last being Samjho Ho Hi Gaya for Lage Raho Munnabhai (2006) — Dutt doesn’t consider singing an easy job. “It’s slightly easier nowadays because there are instruments to enhance your tonality and voice. But during my early days, I’ve seen legendary singers like Lata ji [Mangeshkar] record songs in a single take. During Rocky (1981), I was in awe of her prowess. We are fortunate that our singers make us sound so good on screen. Singers and musicians need to be lauded more than they are today.”

He knows with the Omung Kumar-directed film, the stakes are high. “I feel fortunate that the audience cares so much for me. It’s because of my fans that I have overcome the hard times and am still around.”