Rakh Tu Hausla: The Inspirational Lockdown Song That Captured Mumbai's Spirit During COVID-19

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, fear, uncertainty and isolation became part of everyday life. Yet even in those darkest days, countless frontline workers continued to serve with extraordinary courage. It was during this period that the idea for Rakh Tu Hausla was born—a song of hope dedicated to Mumbai, its brave police force, frontline workers and the indomitable human spirit.

I wanted to create more than just a music video. I wanted to document history as it unfolded and tell the story of a city that refused to give up.

Creating a Film During the Lockdown

Making Rakh Tu Hausla was one of the most challenging projects of my career. Since the song was not about me as a film maker or photographer but as a person experiencing something extraordinary. 

At a time when movement across the city was severely restricted and uncertainty surrounded every step, me and Rupali travelled across Mumbai to capture the reality of life during the lockdown. Empty roads, deserted landmarks, silent neighbourhoods and the tireless efforts of frontline workers became the visual language of the film.

Filming under these extraordinary conditions demanded meticulous planning, courage and determination. Every shoot carried its own logistical and emotional challenges, making the project as much an act of commitment as it was of filmmaking.

A Cinematic Portrait of an Unprecedented Time

One of the defining highlights of Rakh Tu Hausla is its spectacular aerial cinematography of Mumbai during the lockdown. The drone footage captured a city in a way never witnessed before—its iconic roads, landmarks and skylines standing still, while thousands of frontline personnel continued their battle against an invisible enemy.

These rare visuals transformed the project into far more than a music video. They created a cinematic record of one of the most extraordinary chapters in Mumbai's history.

Today, those images remain an invaluable visual archive of the pandemic era.

A Song That Inspired Millions

Released on T-Series in support of the Mumbai Police Foundation, Rakh Tu Hausla quickly resonated with audiences across the country, generating millions of views across digital platforms.

Its message of resilience, hope and gratitude touched viewers during a period when the world desperately needed optimism. The film became a tribute not only to the courage of Mumbai Police but also to every doctor, nurse, healthcare worker, firefighter, disaster management official, sanitation worker, armed forces personnel and volunteer who stood on the frontlines during the pandemic.

The Voice Behind the Emotion

The song features the soulful vocals of Swarit Nigam, whose heartfelt performance beautifully complemented the emotion behind the lyrics.

The lyrics were written by Pravin Talan and Poonam Talan, while the music was composed by Nippu Khound. Together, they created an uplifting anthem that celebrated hope, courage and humanity in the face of adversity.

Rani Mukerji's Memorable Contribution

One of the film's most special moments came through the generous participation of celebrated actress Rani Mukerji, whose powerful narration added emotional depth and dignity to the film.

Her presence helped reinforce the message that courage is not measured by the absence of fear, but by the strength to continue despite it.

A Tribute to Every COVID-19 Warrior

Rakh Tu Hausla is dedicated to everyone who stood between society and the pandemic.

The film pays tribute to:

• Mumbai Police
• Mumbai Police Foundation
• Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
• Health Department personnel
• Disaster Management teams
• Mumbai Fire Brigade
• Indian Navy
• Indian Air Force
• Doctors, nurses and healthcare workers
• Countless volunteers and unsung heroes who served during the COVID-19 crisis

Their courage, sacrifice and selfless service inspired every frame of this film.

Behind the Film

The project was conceived, written and directed by Pravin Talan, whose work has long focused on documenting the courage, sacrifice and professionalism of India's men and women in uniform.

Produced by The Art of Visuals, Rakh Tu Hausla continues that commitment by preserving one of the defining moments in contemporary Indian history through the power of cinema.

Credits

Written & Directed: Pravin Talan

Narration: Rani Mukerji

Co-writer & Visualiser: Poonam Talan

Creative Director: Rupali Talan

Produced by: The Art of Visuals

Singer: Swarit Nigam

Music: Nippu Khound

Director of Photography & Editor: Pravin Talan

Technical Support: Mohd Faruk

Aerial Cinematography: Piyush Parmar

DI: Madan Choudhary

Colorist: Pankaj Halder

Artwork: Sheetal Kumbhare

Technical Support: Madhukar

Special Thanks

With heartfelt gratitude to every COVID-19 warrior who inspired this film, especially Mumbai Police, Mumbai Police Foundation, BMC, Disaster Management Department, Mumbai Fire Brigade, Health Officials, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Dr. Sushant, Vijayalaxmi Parshuram, and every individual who risked their own safety to protect others.

A Film That Preserves History

The pandemic changed the world forever. While the crisis has passed, its stories deserve to be remembered.

Rakh Tu Hausla stands today as more than a music video. It is a tribute to courage, a salute to humanity, and a cinematic time capsule that preserves the spirit of Mumbai during one of the most difficult periods in modern history.

Some stories entertain.

Some stories inspire.

And a few become part of history.