Modi Gifts ‘Colonial Cousins’ Vinyl to Australian PM

During his official visit to Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese a vinyl edition of the iconic 1996 self-titled debut album Colonial Cousins by Hariharan and Lesle Lewis.

Known to be an avid collector of vinyl records, Albanese received the album as a symbolic tribute to India’s contemporary musical heritage and the strong cultural ties between the two nations.

Released in 1996, Colonial Cousins by the duo Hariharan and Leslee Lewis is celebrated as a landmark fusion of Indian classical music with Western pop, rock, and acoustic elements.

Reacting exclusively to the honour, singer-composer Hariharan said, “It was a wonderful surprise for our PM to present the vinyl version of the Colonial Cousins album. Felt very happy and proud to know that the album holds its magic and represents our Indian fusion culture. It is a premium Brand India!”