On Independence Day, India's leading musicians recall their experiences of being part of diverse versions of Jana Gana Mana
Neeti Mohan
I contributed to Jana Gana Mana — The Soul Of India featuring Sonu Nigam, Nooran Sisters and P Unnikrishnan composed in August 2015. We paid tribute to the Indian Army. It was a reminder for the people to not take our freedom for granted.
Listen to it: bit.ly/2w5kqzj
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Sonu nigam
[What Neeti spoke about] was an initiative by Bickram Ghosh and myself. The serene version also featured Papon. The unique feature of that version was the supporting harmony. It lilts in the background like a harmony distinct from the original composition, but acts as counter support to the main melody.I shot the video in Kolkata. Riingo Banerjee directed it. We shot it a day after my birthday (July 30), so it was an absolute blast on set. The version was widely acclaimed for its istinctiveness.
Listen to it: bit.ly/2uFqMSr
Salim Merchant
I wanted my favourite singers Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shaan, who have contributed so much to our industry, to sing the National Anthem (released in 2015 as a tribute to the unsung heroes of 26/11). We wanted to create a contemporary version with minimal instrumentation, with just acoustic guitar, piano and some voices doing harmonies.
Listen to it: bit.ly/1Ny7NRk
Kailash Kher
I did a version of the National Anthem in which I sang extra verses penned by Rabindranath Tagore, which are not usually recited. I composed another version last year for Haryana Day. PM Narendra Modi attended the event.
Benny Dayal
Last year, for Republic Day, I contributed to an amazing version of the National Anthem with Salim Merchant, Rekha Bhardwaj and Shilpa Rao. We paid tribute to the pulse of the nation — the common man, who has been serving us in silence. It was called the People’s Anthem.
Listen to it: bit.ly/2vB7M8P
Also see: Then and Now: Smriti Irani's journey from a model to Union Minister
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