Utkarsh Shinde's Song ‘Hundabali’ Expresses Pain of Vaishnavi Hagavane’s Tragic Death

A powerful wave of emotion and outrage has swept across Maharashtra following the release of Hundabali, a song by actor and singer Dr. Utkarsh Shinde. The song, which addresses the heart-wrenching reality of dowry harassment, is inspired by the tragic death of Vaishnavi Hagavane, a young woman from Pimpri, Pune.

Featuring emotional lyrics like "Dira pulled me, Nanande pulled me...", the song captures the trauma and suffering of women who are victims of dowry-related abuse. Shinde, known for his appearances on Bigg Boss Marathi and his social activism, uses Hundabali to give voice to victims silenced by domestic violence.

The Vaishnavi Hagavane Case: A Tragedy That Sparked Statewide Outrage

On May 16, 2025, 24-year-old Vaishnavi Hagavane was found dead in her marital home. Initially reported as a suicide, her family strongly contested the claim, alleging that she was murdered by her husband and in-laws after enduring prolonged abuse.

Vaishnavi had married Shashank Hagavane in a love marriage, going against the wishes of her family. However, their relationship reportedly turned toxic, with Shashank becoming suspicious of her character. The family alleged that Vaishnavi was repeatedly harassed and tortured by her husband, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law.

In a shocking revelation, Vaishnavi’s family stated that they had given 51 tolas of gold, expensive utensils, a silver idol, a mobile phone worth ₹1.5 lakh, and were expected to provide a Fortuner car as dowry. Despite this, the abuse allegedly continued.

Arrests and Investigation

Following public outrage and pressure from activists, police arrested Shashank Hagavane, along with Vaishnavi's mother-in-law and brother-in-law. However, her father-in-law Rajendra Tukaram Hagavane and another brother-in-law, Sushil Rajendra Hagavane, were initially on the run. After a seven-day manhunt, the Pimpri Chinchwad Police successfully apprehended both absconding accused.

Music as a Medium for Justice

Utkarsh Shinde’s Hundabali has struck a chord with audiences. The song sheds light on the hidden and often ignored suffering of women caught in abusive marriages and toxic family dynamics. Since its release, Hundabali has gone viral on social media, with thousands expressing their support and outrage.

Netizens have flooded social platforms with emotional reactions to the song, praising Shinde for giving voice to Vaishnavi and countless other women in similar situations. Many have called for stricter implementation of dowry laws and faster delivery of justice in domestic abuse cases.

As the investigation into Vaishnavi’s death continues, Hundabali has become more than just a song—it has emerged as a symbol of resistance, awareness, and a plea for justice.