Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the maestro of grand Indian cinema, has once again made waves internationally! His iconic song “Malhari” from the 2015 blockbuster Bajirao Mastani has recently found its way into the Marvel Universe, creating a delightful blend of two immense storytelling realms.
In the second episode of the animated series Marvel’s What If…? Season 3, Kumail Nanjiani makes a spirited return as Kingo, the Bollywood superstar turned superhero from Marvel’s Eternals. This time, fans were thrilled to see Kingo groove to the electrifying beats of “Malhari” in a dazzling sequence that seamlessly melds Marvel’s epic storytelling with Bhansali’s majestic musical grandeur.
Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani recreated in Marvel’s “What If…?” Season 3😮 pic.twitter.com/dZo5uKR9r5
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Originally performed by Ranveer Singh, the recreation of “Malhari” maintains the high-energy celebration while adding a superheroic twist. Indian Marvel fans were ecstatic to witness this cultural crossover, with Kingo leading a vibrant, Bollywood-style dance routine rich in intricate choreography and bright visuals. The sequence has been praised for staying true to the spirit of the original song while fitting perfectly into the Marvel narrative, marking a proud moment of representation for Indian cinema on a global stage.
As excitement builds around the inclusion of “Malhari” in the Marvel narrative, fans are also eagerly anticipating Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming magnum opus, Love. This cultural melding represents not only the growing influence of Bollywood but also a celebration of its universal appeal.