The capital witnessed the grand launch of percussionist Bickram Ghosh’s musical composition Vande Mataram recently. Produced by music label Veecon Music & Entertainment, the evening was high on the spirit of patriotism as a stunning performance by Prince Dance group on the track held all spellbound. The composition features over 21 singers and musicians. Those present on the occasion included Sonu Niigaam, Mahalakshmi Iyer, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Ram of Indian Ocean, sarangi player Kamal Sabri, violinists Ganesh and Kumaresh amongst several others.
Chief minister Sheila Dikshit and Dr Farooq Abdullah were the guests of honour. At the event, Dr Abdullah sang Vande Mataram in his own style and jammed with Sonu, who remarked, “My next album should be with Farooq saab.”
Talking about his version of Vande Mataram, man of the moment Bickram Ghosh shared, “I am happy with the response so far, all of us had a great time compiling it.”
Bickram also stressed that his version is different from A.R. Rahman’s Vande Mataram. “We have 21 artistes giving their touch while Rahman’s was a solo version. Also, our song has pan-Indian approach and I have created the melody from my heart. I hope the song will inspire the youth.”
When asked why amongst the many musical instruments in the track was santoor missing, Bickram replied, “Sadly, Rahul Sharma (santoor player) is a dear friend, unfortunately he couldn’t make it. I am very sad that he couldn’t be a part of the ensemble.”