XuHzRuDLW at 17:46, 6 March 2026

2026-03-06T17:46:10Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}{{Use Indian English|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox album|cover=Qala (soundtrack).jpeg
| name = Qala
| type = soundtrack
| artist = [[Amit Trivedi]] and Sagar Desai
| released = {{Start date|df=yes|2022|11|11}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gaana.com/album/qala-music-from-the-netflix-film|title=Qala (Music From The Netflix Film) {{!}} Amit Trivedi|date=11 November 2022|publisher=[[Gaana (music streaming service)|Gaana]]|access-date=24 February 2023|archive-date=25 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125040901/https://gaana.com/album/qala-music-from-the-netflix-film|url-status=live}}</ref>
| recorded = 2021{{ndash}}2022
| genre = [[Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = {{duration|m=25|s=24}}
| language = [[Hindi]]
| label = [[Sony Music India]]
| producer = [[Amit Trivedi]]
| prev_title = Thai Massage
| prev_year = 2022
| next_title = [[Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway]]
| next_year = 2023
| chronology = [[Amit Trivedi]]
| misc = {{Extra chronology
| artist = Sagar Desai
| type = soundtrack
| prev_title = Tora's Husband
| prev_year = 2022
| title = Qala
| year = 2022
| next_title = Sukhee
| next_year = 2022
}}
}}

'''Qala''' is the official soundtrack to the 2022 Indian psychological drama of the [[Qala_(film)|same name]], directed by [[Anvita Dutt]], and produced by [[Clean Slate Filmz]]. The soundtrack was composed by [[Amit Trivedi]], with lyrics by [[Amitabh Bhattacharya]], [[Varun Grover (writer)|Varun Grover]], [[Swanand Kirkire]] and [[Kausar Munir]]. The drama's chronology was by Sagar Desai. The album is known for its fusion of classical Indian music and modern cinematic elements.

==Background==
''Qala'' is set in the 1940s, during the early days of the [[Hindi film]] industry. Trivedi aimed to create melodies that felt authentic to vintage Hindi musical films while appealing to contemporary listeners. He studied the works of [[C. Ramchandra]], [[S. D. Burman]], and [[Naushad]] to inform his compositions, focusing on Dutt's "mother-daughter" story, which he felt had a "real haunting quality."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Mukherjee |first=Tatsam |title=The Talented Mr. (Amit) Trivedi |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/indepth-stories/the-talented-mr-amit-trivedi |website=[[Film Companion]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=IANS |date=2022-11-25 |title=Amit Trivedi Is Elated To Have Created Music For Babil & Tripti Dimri Starre Qala! |url=https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-news/amit-trivedi-is-elated-to-have-created-music-for-babil-tripti-dimri-starre-qala/ |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=Koimoi |language=en-US |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224175156/https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-news/amit-trivedi-is-elated-to-have-created-music-for-babil-tripti-dimri-starre-qala/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In an interview with Swati Chopra of ''[[The Quint]]'', when asked about the soundtrack's inspiration from Guru Dutt's filmography, Dutt stated, "We never specifically talked about any particular director or composer while working on the songs, because we didn't want anybody to be influenced. We only spoke about the character and the story."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Chopra |first=Swati |date=2022-12-15 |title=Anvitaa Dutt & Amit Trivedi Decode the Music of 'Qala' |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/anvitaa-dutt-amit-trivedi-decode-the-soundtrack-of-qala-tripti-dimri-swastika-mukherjee-babil-khan |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=TheQuint |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224175155/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/anvitaa-dutt-amit-trivedi-decode-the-soundtrack-of-qala-tripti-dimri-swastika-mukherjee-babil-khan |url-status=live }}</ref>

The songs were composed in three days during a [[Goa]] staycation with Dutt and lyricist Swanand Kirkire. The script narration took one day, and the scoring took two. He also mentioned that he almost abandoned the project before finishing it.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2022-12-01 |title=Qala: Amit Trivedi Reveals Composing All Songs In Just 3 Days But He Almost Gave Up {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/qala-amit-trivedi-reveals-composing-all-songs-in-just-3-days-but-he-almost-gave-up-exclusive-6508705.html |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224175155/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/qala-amit-trivedi-reveals-composing-all-songs-in-just-3-days-but-he-almost-gave-up-exclusive-6508705.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

To suit the early 1940s setting, the soundtrack avoided electronic instruments, opting for classical Indian instruments. These included the ⁣⁣tabla⁣⁣, ⁣⁣dholak⁣⁣, ⁣⁣rebab⁣⁣, ⁣⁣sitar⁣⁣, and ⁣⁣accordion⁣⁣. Sireesha Bhagavatula sang the songs, and Mallya described this experience as a "golden opportunity" and expressed gratitude to Amit Trivedi for trusting her.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-27 |title=Shahid Mallya, Babil Khan's Voice In 'Qala', All Praise For The Debutant |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/shahid-mallya-babil-khan-s-voice-in-qala-all-praise-for-the-debutant-news-240481 |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=Outlook India |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224175201/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/shahid-mallya-babil-khan-s-voice-in-qala-all-praise-for-the-debutant-news-240481 |url-status=live }}</ref> Bengaluru-based musician [[Pandit Iman Das]] contributed additional vocals to two tracks.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Anandraj |first=Shilpa |date=2022-12-13 |title=Bollywood film Qala has a Bengaluru connect |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/bollywood-film-qala-has-a-bengaluru-connect/article66257615.ece |access-date=2022-12-14 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224175152/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/bollywood-film-qala-has-a-bengaluru-connect/article66257615.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Songs==
The album consists of eight tracks, each designed to reflect the film's period setting and emotional depth:

# '''"Ghode Pe Sawar"''' – Vocals by Sireesha Bhagavatula
# '''"Shauq"''' – Vocals by Swanand Kirkire, Sireesha Bhagavatula, and Shahid Mallya
# '''"Rubaiyaan"''' – Vocals by Shahid Mallya and Sireesha Bhagavatula
# '''"Nirbhau Nirvair"''' – Vocals by Shahid Mallya
# '''"Phero Na Najariya"''' – Vocals by Sireesha Bhagavatula
# '''"Udh Jaayega"''' – Vocals by Swanand Kirkire
# '''"Kahani Kya Hai"''' – Vocals by Amit Trivedi and Rupali Moghe
# '''"Bikta Hai Sach Yahan"''' – Vocals by Romy

__________________________________________________________________________

Dutt and Trivedi drew inspiration for the songs from the film's narrative.<ref name=":3" /> The ballad "Shauq" depicts the relationship between Qala's mother and a record executive. Dutt visualized the scene with the characters in a boat at night, with the [[Howrah Bridge]] visible.<ref name=":0" />

"Phero Na Najariya" is described as a song of redemption for Qala, and "Nirbhau Nirvair" portrays the competition between Qala and Jagan.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2022-12-03 |title=Explained: The hidden meaning and foreshadowing in Qala's songs |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/explained-the-hidden-meaning-and-foreshadowing-in-qalas-songs-11744981.html |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224175156/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/explained-the-hidden-meaning-and-foreshadowing-in-qalas-songs-11744981.html |url-status=live }}</ref> "Udh Jayega" features imagery of death and freedom, playing after Jagan's death.<ref name=":2" />

Deepansh Duggal of First-post interpreted "Ghode Pe Sawaar" as a critique of stalking in Hindi songs, depicting Qala's rebellion.<ref name=":2" /> Trivedi incorporated an accordion melody reminiscent of [[O. P. Nayyar]]'s signature style to evoke nostalgia.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /> [[Anushka Sharma]], the film's producer, made a brief [[Cameo appearance|cameo]] in the music video for "Ghode Pe Sawar".<ref>{{Cite web |last=ANI |title=Anushka makes special appearance in Qala's 'Ghode Pe Sawaar' song |url=https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2022/12/04/anushka-makes-special-appearance-in-qalas-ghode-pe-sawaar-song |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=DT next |date=4 December 2022 |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224180213/https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2022/12/04/anushka-makes-special-appearance-in-qalas-ghode-pe-sawaar-song |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ANI |date=2022-12-06 |title='Did 'Ghodey Pe Sawaar' in 'Qala' for the fun of it: Anushka Sharma |url=https://theprint.in/features/did-ghodey-pe-sawaar-in-qala-for-the-fun-of-it-anushka-sharma/1251603/ |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224180211/https://theprint.in/features/did-ghodey-pe-sawaar-in-qala-for-the-fun-of-it-anushka-sharma/1251603/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

"Rubaiyaan" was recorded but not included in the final film.<ref name=":1" />

== Track listing ==
{{Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Ghode Pe Sawaar
| length1 = 3:14
| lyrics1 = [[Amitabh Bhattacharya]]
| music1 = [[Amit Trivedi]]
| extra1 = Sireesha Bhagavatula
| title2 = Rubaaiyaan
| length2 = 4:13
| lyrics2 = [[Swanand Kirkire]]
| music2 = Amit Trivedi
| extra2 = [[Shahid Mallya]], Sireesha Bhagavatula
| title3 = Shauq
| length3 = 3:39
| lyrics3 = [[Varun Grover (writer)|Varun Grover]]
| music3 = Amit Trivedi
| extra3 = Swanand Kirkire, Shahid Mallya, Sireesha Bhagavatula
| title4 = Phero Na Najariya
| length4 = 4:00
| lyrics4 = [[Kausar Munir]]
| music4 = Amit Trivedi
| extra4 = Sireesha Bhagavatula
| title5 = Nirbhau Nirvair
| length5 = 5:08
| lyrics5 = [[Kabir|Sant Kabir]], Anvitaa Dutt
| music5 = Amit Trivedi
| extra5 = Shahid Mallya
| title6 = Udh Jaayega
| length6 = 4:37
| lyrics6 = Sant Kabir
| music6 = Sagar Desai
| extra6 = Shahid Mallya
| total_length = 24:57
}}

== Reception ==
''Qala'' received positive reception. Deepansh Duggal noted that "the music is a character. There are times when it acts like an oracle prophesying future events."<ref name=":2" /> Vipin Nair stated that "Anvita Dutt makes up for the lack of songs in her [previously released] debut movie with style!".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-05 |title=Qala – Music Review (Bollywood Soundtrack) |url=https://www.musicaloud.com/2022/12/05/qala-music-review-bollywood-soundtrack/ |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=Music Aloud |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224175154/https://www.musicaloud.com/2022/12/05/qala-music-review-bollywood-soundtrack/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Manjeet Singh of Leisure Byte called the music "the core element of the film".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-27 |title=Qala Music Review: Symphony of Perfection |url=https://www.leisurebyte.com/qala-music-review-symphony-of-perfection/ |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=LeisureByte |language=en-US |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224175153/https://www.leisurebyte.com/qala-music-review-symphony-of-perfection/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Bhavya Sadhwani of India Times described the songs as "original and authentic".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-27 |title=Ahead Of Release, 'Qala' Has Already Been Declared Super Hit, Courtesy Its Magical Music Album |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/binge/ahead-of-release-qala-has-already-been-declared-super-hit-courtesy-its-magical-music-album-585889.html |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=IndiaTimes |language=en-IN |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224175155/https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/binge/ahead-of-release-qala-has-already-been-declared-super-hit-courtesy-its-magical-music-album-585889.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Anish Mohanty of Planet Bollywood wrote that "Qala serves as a reminder of how Amit Trivedi is a gifted composer."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-09 |title=Qala Music Review |url=https://planetbollywood.com/wp/reviews/qala-music-review/ |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=Planet Bollywood |language=en-US |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224175156/https://planetbollywood.com/wp/reviews/qala-music-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Roktim Rajpal of [[India Today]] offered a more mixed review, stating that "Amit Trivedi tunes prove to be a mixed bag."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Qala Movie Review: Watch it only for Triptii Dimri and Babil's earnest performances |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/reviews/story/qala-movie-review-watch-it-only-for-tripti-dimri-and-babil-khans-earnest-performances-2304061-2022-12-01 |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224175155/https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/reviews/story/qala-movie-review-watch-it-only-for-tripti-dimri-and-babil-khans-earnest-performances-2304061-2022-12-01 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The soundtrack was praised by some listeners for its "transcendental music and lyrics".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mishra |first=Pratikshya |date=2022-12-15 |title=Transcendental or Passable: How New-age Listeners Reacted to Qala's Soundtrack? |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/qala-soundtrack-old-bollywood-geeta-dutt-how-new-age-audience-reacts-rock-fans-pop-music |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=TheQuint |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224175156/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/qala-soundtrack-old-bollywood-geeta-dutt-how-new-age-audience-reacts-rock-fans-pop-music |url-status=live }}</ref> "Ghodey Pe Sawaar" gained popularity, leading to cover versions by fans and celebrities, including [[Madhuri Dixit]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-19 |title=Madhuri Dixit dances to Qala's Ghodey Pe Sawaar, fans say 'she did it better than Anushka Sharma' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/madhuri-dixit-grooves-to-qala-s-song-fans-say-she-did-better-than-anushka-101674103639875.html |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224180211/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/madhuri-dixit-grooves-to-qala-s-song-fans-say-she-did-better-than-anushka-101674103639875.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A fan-made male version by Jainam Barot received mixed reactions.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=NEON |first=Quint |date=2023-01-28 |title=Male Version Of Hit 'Qala' Song, 'Ghodey Pe Sawaar' Divides The Internet |url=https://www.thequint.com/neon/social-buzz/netizens-divided-over-male-version-of-hit-qala-song-ghodey-pe-sawaar-jainam-barot-music-cover |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=TheQuint |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224175153/https://www.thequint.com/neon/social-buzz/netizens-divided-over-male-version-of-hit-qala-song-ghodey-pe-sawaar-jainam-barot-music-cover |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Accolades ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|-
!scope="col"| Award
!scope="col"| Category
!scope="col"| Recipients
!scope="col"| Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Refh}}
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="9"|8th FOI Online Awards
|Best Music Direction -Songs
|Amit Trivedi & Sagar Desai
|rowspan="2" {{won}}
|rowspan="9"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foionlineawards.com/post/8thfoioa-2023-nominations-announced|title=Nominations for 8th Foi Online Awards 2023|publisher=FOI Online Awards|date=13 January 2023|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-date=4 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304225303/https://www.foionlineawards.com/post/8thfoioa-2023-nominations-announced|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foionlineawards.com/post/8thfoioa-winners-announced-badhaai-do-bags-the-best-feature-film|title=Winners of 8th Foi Online Awards 2023|publisher=FOI Online Awards|date=20 January 2023|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-date=1 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301110018/https://www.foionlineawards.com/post/8thfoioa-winners-announced-badhaai-do-bags-the-best-feature-film|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Best Original Song
|Amit Trivedi, Swanand Kirkire & Shahid Mallya for "Rubaaiyaan"
|-
|rowspan="2"|Best Playback Singer - Male
|Shahid Mallya for "Rubaaiyaan"
|{{won}}
|-
|Swanand Kirkire & Shahid Mallya for "Shauq"
|rowspan="2" {{nom}}
|-
|rowspan="2"|Best Playback Singer - Female
|Sireesha Bhagavatula for "Ghodey Pe Sawar"
|-
|Sireesha Bhagavatula for "Phero Na Najariya"
|{{won}}
|-
|rowspan="3"|Best Lyricist
|Amitabh Bhattacharya for"Ghodey Pe Sawar"
|{{nom}}
|-
|Swanand Kirkire for "Rubaaiyaan"
|{{won}}
|-
|Varun Grover for "Shauq"
|{{nom}}
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="12"|17th RMIM Puraskaar
|Song Of The Year
|Amit Trivedi, Varun Grover, Shahid Mallya, Sireesha Bhagavatula & Swanand Kirkire for "Shauq"
|rowspan="3" {{won}}
|rowspan="12"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://awards.giitaayan.com/2022/index.htm|title=RMIM Puraskaar 2022|website=awards.giitaayan.com|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-date=3 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203153143/https://awards.giitaayan.com/2022/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Lyricist Of The Year
|Amitabh Bhattacharya for Ghodey Pe Sawar"
|-
|rowspan="4"|Best Composed and Arranged Song
|Amit Trivedi for "Shauq"
|-
|Amit Trivedi for "Ghodey Pe Sawar"
|rowspan="3" {{nom}}
|-
|Amit Trivedi for "Rubaaiyaan"
|-
|Amit Trivedi for "Phero Na Najariya"
|-
|rowspan="3"|Best Written Song
|Varun Grover for "Shauq"
|{{won}}
|-
|Swanand Kirkire for "Rubaaiyaan"
|rowspan="2" {{nom}}
|-
|Amitabh Bhattacharya for "Ghodey Pe Sawar"
|-
|rowspan="2"|Best Sung Song (Solo)
|Shahid Mallya for "Rubaaiyaan"
|{{won}}
|-
|Sireesha Bhagavatula for"Ghodey Pe Sawar"
|{{nom}}
|-
|Best Sung Song (Duet or Group)
|Shahid Mallya, Sireesha Bhagavatula & Swanand Kirkire for "Shauq"
|{{won}}
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="3"|Showsha Reel Awards
|Best Music (Film)
|Amit Trivedi
|rowspan="2" {{won}}
|rowspan="3"|
|-
|Best Playback Singer - Male
|Shahid Mallya for "Rubaaiyaan", "Shauq" & "Nirbhau Nirvair"
|-
|Best Playback Singer - Female
|Sireesha Bhagavatula for"Ghodey Pe Sawar" & "Phero Na Najariya"
|{{nom}}
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="11"|15th Mirchi Music Awards
|Album Of The Year
|Whole Musical Team
|rowspan="8" {{nom}}
|rowspan="11"|<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mirchi.in/mirchi-music-awards|title=Nominations for Mirchi Music Awards 2023|publisher=Mirchi.in|date=25 February 2023|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425131248/https://mirchi.in/mirchi-music-awards|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="2"|Song Of The Year
|Amit Trivedi, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Sireesha Bhagavatula for "Ghodey Pe Sawar"
|-
|Amit Trivedi, Varun Grover, Shahid Mallya, Sireesha Bhagavatula & Swanand Kirkire for "Shauq"
|-
|Female Vocalist Of The Year
|Sireesha Bhagavatula for "Phero Na Najariya"
|-
|rowspan="2"|Music Composer Of The Year
|Amit Trivedi for "Ghodey Pe Sawar"
|-
|Amit Trivedi for "Shauq"
|-
|rowspan="2"|Lyricist Of The Year
|Amitabh Bhattacharya for "Ghodey Pe Sawar"
|-
|Kausar Munir for "Phero Na Najariya"
|-
|rowspan="2"|Upcoming Female Vocalist Of The Year
|Sireesha Bhagavatula for "Ghodey Pe Sawar"
|{{won}}
|-
|Sireesha Bhagavatula for"Phero Na Najariya"
|{{nom}}
|-
|Listener's Choice - Album Of The Year
|Whole Team
|Cancelled
|-
|}

== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2022 soundtrack albums]]

Qala (soundtrack) - Revision history

XuHzRuDLW at 17:46, 6 March 2026