Meet the IPS officer who penned a hit item song in a movie. Who is Murlidhar Sharma?

Time of India

3 days ago

In an unexpected blend of law enforcement and cinematic artistry, senior Indian Police Service officer
Murlidhar Sharma
, currently serving as Inspector General in West Bengal, has stepped into the world of film music. Renowned for his sharp investigative instincts and distinguished service in both Bengal and Kolkata police departments, Sharma has now added another dimension to his multifaceted career by writing the lyrics for a
Hindi item number
in the upcoming Bengali film Mrigaya, slated for release on June 27.
The track, titled Shor Machaa, is a high-octane dance number brought to life by the powerful vocals of
Sunidhi Chauhan
and
Rana Mazumder
. With an infectious rhythm and celebratory lyrics, the song has already caught the attention of music lovers. The opening line, bursting with energy and defiance, sets the tone for a track designed to captivate dance floors and cinematic audiences alike.
Many assumed the lyrics had been crafted by a seasoned writer from the Bollywood or Tollywood circuit. Instead, the creative mind behind the words is a 2005-batch IPS officer who has long nurtured a love for poetry and Urdu literature. Sharma, who began writing during his student years nearly three decades ago, has authored a wide array of ghazals steeped in introspection and emotion. His body of work is shaped by a deep appreciation for classical poetry rather than film scripts or dance rhythms.
The opportunity to contribute to Mrigaya came through music director Rana Mazumder and Debasish Dutta, a fellow officer who also wrote the film's script. Initially hesitant to depart from his usual poetic style - Urdu poetry—Sharma found the proposition unfamiliar; writing lyrics for a commercial item song was a sharp departure from the deeply personal verses he was accustomed to. However, after some persuasion and a trial attempt, his words resonated with the composers and became the heartbeat of the track.
'I was approached by music director Rana Mazumder and Debasish Dutta (OC, Maniktala Police Station, and also the writer of the film). When they told me it was for an item song, I declined. I usually write Urdu ghazals born out of personal reflection, not based on scripted situations. I said it wasn't my cup of tea. But they persuaded me..." he told News 18.
Directed by Abhirup Ghosh, Mrigaya features an ensemble cast that includes Ritwik Chakraborty, Vikram Chatterjee, Anirban Chakrabarti, and Saurav Das. The film weaves a taut narrative around a complex murder investigation, promising action, intrigue, and emotional depth. Within this intense storyline, Sharma's song provides a vibrant interlude, showcasing another facet of storytelling through music.
The inclusion of a real-life police officer's creative voice in a film about crime and justice creates a compelling parallel. With Mrigaya, audiences are offered not just thrilling cinema but a rare glimpse into how creativity can flourish even in the most disciplined professions.
As per his LinkedIn profile, Sharma is a JNU alumnus. He holds an MPhil in Political Science and Government.