Prime Video’s popular musical drama Bandish Bandits returns with a new season after a gap of four years. The first season (2020) carved a special place in viewers' hearts with its touching storyline, unforgettable soundtrack, and its portrayal of love and legacy. At the end of Season 1, Radhe (Ritwik Bhowmik) was crowned the Sangeet Samrat, succeeding Pandit ji (Naseeruddin Shah) while Tamanna (Shreya Chaudhry) embarked upon a journey of honing her skills as an artist. Fans can look forward to an emotionally charged continuation of Radhe's and Tamanna’s story in Season 2. We caught up with Bhowmik, Chaudhry and one of the new additions to the cast, Divya Dutta, to learn about their character arcs in Season 2 and what we can expect.
It's been a while since Season 1 premiered. As a recap for new viewers, how would you describe the show’s evolution from S1 to S2?
Bhowmik: I feel that Radhe's journey has transitioned from focusing on the gharana in Season 1 to exploring the concept of ghar in Season 2. The story has progressed significantly, with many changes and new additions. To fully understand this evolution, you'll have to watch the new season.
Chaudhry: Season 1 beautifully united two distinct musical worlds: Hindustani Shastriya sangeet and Western pop. The portrayal of music and relationships through melodies was Bandish Bandits' novelty factor. We aim to continue this in Season 2, but we're taking things a notch higher. We've introduced even more musical genres this time. Along with Hindustani classical and pop, we've incorporated operatic elements and even a rock song. These new musical additions complement the fresh developments in the gharana and in Tamanna’s and Radhe's lives this season. Music is the show’s protagonist in Season 2. Each character’s story is woven through melodious narratives.
Divya, as a new character in Season 2, can you tell us about Nandini's role as a music school teacher and how she influences the storyline?
As our director Anand Tiwari very beautifully put it, Nandini is a teacher with a different philosophy towards music. Her idea of success is very different. She's incredibly fair and her backstory significantly influences Tamanna’s story which is very beautifully portrayed in the show. Anand compared Nandini's role to what Naseer (Shah) sahab means to him in real life and this highlights the immense responsibility I felt in portraying an ideal teacher figure.
I've absolutely loved playing Nandini. She has these subtle nuances that are intriguing, mysterious, and very endearing or romantic, in a way. It's given me a lot to work with as an actor. I'm thrilled to be part of this project, especially following Sharmaji ki Beti, for which I received some accolades. Having two consecutive projects with Amazon that I'm proud of is really exciting.
What do you think is the biggest challenge your characters face as they balance their personal growth as an artist with Radhe and Tamanna’s evolving relationship, all while also dealing with the competition between both of your bands?
Chaudhry: S2 marks a significant transformation for Tamanna. As we saw at the end of S1, she makes the mature decision to give up her stardom and popularity to return to being a student at the Royal Himalayan Music School. This decision stems from her relationship with Radhe, which pushes her to realise she doesn't want to be mediocre. Now, Tamanna is a woman on a mission, ready to embrace all the learnings that come her way and become a more mature and empathetic human being in the process. I believe Tamanna's journey this season is about finding her voice and becoming a complete person before she can reunite with Radhe, standing tall and confident.
Bhowmik: With Tamanna’s departure and Pandit ji’s death, Radhe has lost the two main inspirations in his life who shaped him into the artist he is. Moreover, Radhe has now become the uttar adhikari (heir) of the gharana. His arc in season two revolves around how he keeps the legacy alive, how he moves it forward, and whether he can reconcile with Tamanna.
Divya, as an experienced actor joining the cast, what was your approach to integrating into the established dynamics of Bandish Bandits?
Joining a show with a supremely successful first season, where everyone is loved for their roles, can be a little daunting. Even with my industry experience entering the show like stepping onto shaky ground. Also, working on a show based on music was new territory for me. Learning the notes, mastering lip-syncing, and developing the right body language wasn't easy. However, Anand and the entire team made the process incredibly joyful. When I finally saw the episodes and the show as a whole, I was absolutely delighted with the result. It's a matter of great joy to now be part of something I've loved as a audience.
Shreya, your character Tamanna has grown and matured a lot over the last season. How does her musical journey reflect this growth in Season 2?
Tamanna's personal growth and musical journey go hand in hand. The learnings she gains from her music school and her new mentor, Nandini, profoundly shape her development. Nandini, a remarkable and non-judgemental teacher, pushes Tamanna to become the best artist she can be. Nandini imparts one crucial lesson to Tamanna, which is highly relevant in today's discussions about mental health: instead of constantly questioning if you're good enough, you should tell yourself that you are enough, put in the work, and trust in your work—a principle you see Tamanna start to embody.
Ritwik, S2 begins with the aftermath of Pandit ji’s death. How does Radhe cope with this loss while pulling the weight of carrying on his family's legacy?
When the gharana loses Pandit ji, initially, it feels like the whole family will shoulder the responsibility of taking his legacy forward. However, Radhe, true to his character, takes on his role of being the uttar adhikari seriously and decides it is him who has to find the right path to take this legacy ahead. Radhe's mission isn't just to keep the legacy alive; he wants to expand its reach and ensure it's celebrated by more people. But this task proves to be more challenging than anticipated because Pandit ji's reputation is under attack. The legacy he built over 40-50 years is being trashed as people uncover some of the gharana's hidden secrets. This revelation presents a challenge for the Rathod family as they deal with the potential destruction of everything Pandit ji worked for while they grieve him.
Bandish Bandits is known for showcasing the vibrant culture and visuals of Rajasthan. How do you think the location adds to the storytelling and atmosphere of the show?
Dutta: The locations absolutely enhance the storytelling. The makers have expanded the narrative beyond the gharana in Rajasthan, incorporating western classical music scenes shot in Shimla and other parts of Himachal Pradesh. We still have plenty of beautiful shots in Rajasthan and it was stunning to be immersed in the folk music and ambiance of Rajasthan.
Chaudhry: The beauty of season two lies in its contrasting landscapes. Along with the canvas of Rajasthan, we also showcase the stunning mountains of Shimla, where RHMS (Royal Himalayan Music School) is located. These landscapes contribute significantly to the visual aspect of the music. Rajasthan, with its beautiful culture, food, and people, is deeply rooted in what Indian culture stands for, which is why it's so close to my heart. The serene hills of Shimla created the perfect atmosphere for a music school, where it is important for you to hear nothing but music, followed by silence.
Bhowmik: The locales and settings are closely tied to the story we're telling. We're showcasing the journey from the roots of India to modern India, while also including Western influences. The two styles of music are perfectly represented by the two contrasting locations: the hills of Shimla and the deserts of Rajasthan. The most beautiful aspect of this season is how it manages to amalgamate these diverse elements.
Bandish Bandits Season 2 is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video.
