When A.R. Rahman presented a revamped Vande Mataram in 1997, to mark India’s 50th Independence Day, it made every Indian extremely proud.
Now, a group of artistes have done a rejig — a combination of Bollywood, classical and rock tunes is what you can find in the Bankimchandra original.
A collaboration of 21 artists comprising of Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shaan, popular band Indian Ocean and others have sung this new version, which was released on the 63rd Republic Day. The song has been picturised on the lines of the 1988 song Mile Sur Mera Tumhara.
Drummer Amit Kilam of Indian Ocean says, “This track is a spin on contemporary India and what the nation stands for today. Vande Mataram is an eternal song and has widespread relevance.”
Ever since the video went viral, the feedback has been encouraging. Most youngsters feel that a periodic revamp is necessary, for the sake of posterity, to show what the nation stood for at that time.
Graphic designer Parul Kanodia says, “The song is a fabulous attempt at national integration. It instills patriotism as youngsters can relate to what is being shown. 40 years from now when we will look at the video again, people will know what the nation stood for.”
And what better way than music and visuals to propagate this message? Dance teacher Preethi Bharadwaj says, “Visual art and music are so vibrant that it stays in public memory.”
The six-minute long video has generated a lot of curiosity especially since it features only musicians, “Several artistes do not get duly recognised but I hope that changes eventually,” adds Amit.
Entrepreneur Sheeba Mathew says, “The song is appealing in many ways. It’s a tad long, but does showcase all the elements of our country.”
