Malaal song ‘Aai Shappat’: Rutvik Talashikhar belts out a declaration of love

The fourth song from the Malaal (2019) soundtrack, 'Aai Shappat', has Meezaan Jaaferi's character Shiva stepping out in public and declaring his love for Astha, played by Sharmin Segal.

Seeing Astha leaving the public gathering in the chawl (where they both live) with another man, Shiva grabs the mike and avows ‘Aai Shappat’ that he is in love. The character is hesitant, at first, but warms to declaring his affections out in the open.

The object of his affections, meanwhile, watches for a bit and retreats to her balcony to watch the show. It is unclear here whether she shares the feeling.

'Aai Shappat' features filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali as composer again. The Malaal soundtrack has been a mixed bag of melodies, with most not eliciting much response in terms of repeat listening. Here, with Prashant Ingole penning the lyrics, the end result is as awkward as Shiva making himself vulnerable on that small stage.

Singer Rutvik Talashikhar gives it his best, but somehow his voice does not match Meezaan. In the previously released song ‘Zara Suno’, the singer fared better, probably as that number was not lip-synced.

Malaal, directed by Mangesh Hadawale, is due to be released on 5 July.