Featuring Marathi television actors Akshay Waghmare and Pratiksha Mungekar, the song blends Maharashtra’s traditional Gondhal folk music with a contemporary sound and a social message
PUNE: Padma Shri awardee and acclaimed singer Shankar Mahadevan has lent his voice to ‘Swami Aaicha Gondhal’, a new devotional music video released by Swami Aai Films. Dedicated to the divine feminine form of Swami Samarth, the song brings together Maharashtra’s traditional Gondhal folk music and contemporary musical arrangements, with a story centred on faith, relationships and respect for women.
Composed by the musical duo Snehal-Swapnil, with lyrics by Mandar Ingle, the song features Marathi television actors Akshay Waghmare and Pratiksha Mungekar in the lead roles. The music video is directed by Harshavardhan Jadhav, with Omkar Markale handling the story, screenplay and creative direction. Amit Rajendra Bahirat has produced the project.
Rooted in the traditional Gondhal folk performance associated with devotional worship in Maharashtra, the music video explores how workplace stress and the pressures of everyday life can affect personal relationships. Its narrative also reflects the belief that divine grace can reach people through unexpected individuals and circumstances, while highlighting the importance of empathy, emotional sensitivity and respect for women.
Speaking about the project, director Harshavardhan Jadhav said, “Through this music video, we have tried to convey not only devotion but also the sensitivity that relationships require and the importance of respecting women. We hope this emotional story resonates with audiences and touches their hearts.”
Omkar Markale, who led the story, screenplay and creative direction, said, “We believe that God often reaches out to us through other people, especially during difficult times, helping us overcome challenges through grace and compassion. Through this song, we have tried to express this connection between faith and humanity.”
The project also carries a social commitment. Producer Amit Bahirat said that the commercial proceeds generated through the project would be dedicated to the education of girls from underprivileged backgrounds.
“We believe this project is an inspiration bestowed upon us by Swami Samarth and that it has come to fruition through His blessings. We have decided to dedicate the commercial proceeds from this project to the education of girls from underprivileged backgrounds. Through this initiative, we hope to fulfil our social responsibility and contribute towards creating better educational opportunities for girls in need,” he said.
‘Swami Aaicha Gondhal’ marks the debut project of Swami Aai Films, a production house established with the aim of bringing together devotional storytelling and social responsibility through creative work. According to the production team, the song is among the highest-budgeted standalone music productions in Marathi.
Released during Navratri on the auspicious occasion of Ashtami, ‘Swami Aaicha Gondhal’ is available on the official YouTube channel of Swami Aai Films. Through its combination of devotional music, traditional cultural influences and a contemporary narrative, the team hopes to connect with audiences across generations.
