Will Urvashi Rautela face backlash for performing the iconic 'Apsara Aali' for 'Baap'?

Ahmed Khan’s upcoming action drama Baap has added a surprising twist of glamour and tradition. According to a report in Entertainment AF, Urvashi Rautela has shot a special dance number for the film, set to the recreated version of the Marathi classic Apsara Aali. The shoot wrapped in just three days but the impact of this number might last much longer, especially with the conversation it is bound to spark.

Rautela is joining a film already stacked with heavyweight names such as Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Sunny Deol, and Mithun Chakraborty. Yet all eyes may end up on her performance as she attempts to breathe new life into a song that carries deep cultural weight in Maharashtra.

A High-Stakes Move

Urvashi Rautela has often been celebrated for her dance numbers that thrive on spectacle and stage presence. From glamorous Bollywood item songs to music videos that rack up millions of views, she has created her own niche as a performer. Taking on Apsara Aali though is a different challenge altogether. The song is not simply a hit track; it is rooted in Marathi cultural identity and folk expression. Audiences associate it with grace, subtlety, and authenticity.

For Rautela, the challenge lies in breaking free from her usual glamorous image and slipping into a style that demands restraint, poise, and traditional nuance. It is less about big moves and more about capturing the soul of the dance form. That is where the gamble lies.

The Weight of Nostalgia

The original Apsara Aali holds a special place for Marathi audiences, not only because of its musicality but also because of the cultural pride attached to it. Recreating such a number often attracts scrutiny. Many might see this as a bold and risky attempt, while others could interpret it as unnecessary tampering with something already iconic.

This is not the first time Bollywood has attempted to revisit regional classics, and the results have always been polarizing. What makes this case particularly sensitive is the strong emotional bond Marathi audiences have with the song. If the recreation dilutes that essence or adds unnecessary glamour, it might be seen as disrespectful.

Urvashi's Record with Record Tracks

Rautela is no stranger to dancing on numbers that already had established popularity. She has previously been part of recreated songs and brought her own touch to them, often winning appreciation for her energy and screen command. However, moving into Maharashtrian territory presents a fresh test. Unlike Punjabi or Bollywood club tracks that thrive on extravagance, Marathi folk-inspired numbers demand earthiness and a different kind of energy.

This difference is what will determine whether Rautela’s performance resonates with audiences or alienates them. Even though she has the skill set, the question remains whether she can adapt it to a form where less is more.

The Makers’ Responsibility

Apart from Rautela’s performance, the way the makers of Baap have handled this recreation will also play a significant role. If the song is staged and shot in a way that respects the original flavor while adding cinematic flair, it could strike a balance. On the other hand, if the producers have leaned heavily on glamour and modern beats, the backlash could be immediate and intense.

Given how sensitive cultural adaptations can be, this could end up as one of the most talked-about aspects of Baap.

What Lies Ahead

For now, speculation is all that can be done. The song has been shot, the star cast of the film already guarantees attention, and Rautela’s presence will only add more spotlight. Whether this risk pays off will depend on how audiences receive her attempt to step into a tradition-heavy space.

Rautela was last seen in a special appearance in the song Touch Kiya from Jaat and has several projects lined up. With Apsara Aali, she is not just dancing for a film; she is stepping into a cultural legacy. It could either become one of her most memorable performances or one of her most debated ones. Time alone will tell where the dice lands.