The film 'Hanuman Ansh', created with a budget of only 20 million rupees, initially faced distribution difficulties and was even labeled a flop on its eighth day of screening. However, the film's plot took an unexpected turn, and the box office collection surprised all viewers. In 35 days, the film collected 153.13 crore rupees.
However, what is attracting more attention now is not so much the film's revenue, but the American singer Jeffrey Kegel, known by the name Krishna Das. He is not just a singer; he received a Grammy nomination, and his life is closely linked to a deep spiritual connection with Neem Karoli Baba.
Krishna Das's story resembles a movie script. In the late 1960s, he became involved in the world of rock music in America. He was part of a rock band but left it before the group's name was finalized. Several years later, his life changed in ways no one could have predicted.
In August 1970, Jeffrey Kegel arrived in India, where he encountered the spiritual world. He became a follower of Neem Karoli Baba, or Maharaj. From that moment on, his life, music, and self-identity were completely transformed, and people began calling him Krishna Das. A person whose journey began in American rock music later became a major figure in the world of Hindu devotional music and kirtan.
Krishna Das has released numerous albums since 1996 and is known worldwide for his devotional music and kirtans. His album 'Live Anand' was nominated in the 'Best New Age Album' category at the 2013 Grammy Awards.
It is interesting that the music in the film, which tells the spiritual journey of Neem Karoli Baba, features an artist who is himself a follower of Maharaj. This connection makes 'Hanuman Ansh' even more special.
Anupriya, the film's producer with 21 years of experience, described the collaboration with Krishna Das as exceptional. According to her, Krishna Das provided two versions for the film: 'Om Namah Shivaya' and 'Sita Ram'. Of particular significance is the moment when Maharaj is first shown at the beginning of the film—at this moment, a mantra from Krishna Das is played.
Anupriya mentioned that she watched this scene both with and without the mantras. In her opinion, both experiences were radically different, and when watching the scene with the mantra, she felt a tingling sensation on her skin. She believes that Maharaj connects with his followers in some way, and Krishna Das's participation in the film is part of this connection.
The most fascinating thing about Krishna Das is that his path was not limited to one genre. On one hand—American rock music, on the other—the spiritual world of India, and then kirtan and devotional music. And now, this man's voice sounds in the film 'Hanuman Ansh', dedicated to the story of Neem Karoli Baba.
The film also stars actors such as Shobhinov Satya, Vikhan Shedge, Chandan Ke. Anand, Purnima Tiwari, Anil Rastogi, Gulshan Pandey, and Bhagondas. Vishal Chaturvedi directed the film.
The film's plot revolves around a young man named Lakshminarayan, who, after his mother's death, embarks on a journey to find answers about life and God. His spiritual quest leads him through various parts of North India, and eventually, he encounters the revered saint Neem Karoli Baba. The film attempts to portray his teachings on love, service, and compassion.
Perhaps this is why the film, which started gaining momentum slowly, ultimately won the hearts of the audience, completely changing the situation in the box office market. But the most interesting story of 'Hanuman Ansh' is not just its income. The real twist is that the American rock singer, immersed in devotion to Neem Karoli Baba and once nominated for a Grammy, has today become the voice of this very story.