Patriotism on song

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The enchanting lyrics of Kavi Pradeep in the soulful Ae mere watan ke logon, dedicated to the Indian soldiers who died in the Sino-Indian war, instill a patriotic fervour. So does our National song Vande Mataram by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The latter has been reinvented many times by contemporary musicians like A.R. Rahman and Bickram Ghosh, and every time the effect has been similar.

While the tunes and beats have been made contemporary to appeal to the younger generation, the patriotic spirit stays as strong. The latest addition to the list of Vande Mataram renditions is by music composer Dhruv Dhalla (who has composed for films like Khosla Ka Ghosla, Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, Tere Bin Laden) for the India Music Network. The vocals are by singer Kavita Seth and Dhruv himself.
“My version of the song has the sense of grandeur and heavy sounds that is associated with the original song, at the same time it has incorporated contemporary elements, that make it very hummable and guitar-friendly. It is inspirational yet earthy,” says Dhruv. The song expresses the patriotic feeling in every Indian’s heart and becomes the common voice of the nation with its epic chorus.
Singer Kavita Seth adds, “It has a beautiful alaap in the beginning, that has added rich colour and texture to the national song. There is a certain freshness and zing to it, which I feel will resonate with the younger generation. I feel it is the best way to share love for my country in a manner the youth will connect to.”
Renowned table player, Bickram Ghosh along with 22 vocalists, including Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal and Shaan, created a 10-minute rendition of the National song.
Talking about the need for reinvention, Bickram says, “The original song was composed as a call for uprising against the British rule in India and required a certain kind of fervour and power. But now we are an independent nation. We have to try and make the song relevant to our times. We all have feelings of patriotism in us, even if it lies dormant somewhere. So I chose a sound that would influence youngsters. My song was a celebratory ode.” The version also included Hindustani classical giants like Shubha Mudgal, Ustaad Raashid Khan and Pandit Ajay Chakrabarty. “There are elements of pop, rock as well as classical in my version,” adds Ghosh.
“Belonging to a musical family, I have grown up listening to old patriotic melodies like Aao bachchon tumhe sikhayein and Ae mere pyaare watan. I remember, they used to raise goosebumps. In 90s, when A.R. Rahman came up with his version of Vande Mataram, it was equally enthralling. Let’s say the content remains same, the packaging becomes fresh,” smiles Shaan.
For decades now, the city-based band, Parikrama, has infused their version of Saare Jahan Se Accha in between their tributes to Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix and The Doors. It has always worked for them. Says Subir Malik, “Even in USA and Canada, with huge NRI fan base, the renditions of Saare Jahan Se Achha has generated a positive response, with audiences asking us to play it on loop. Patrotic songs bring in an instant energy and connect with audience. We just infuse it amidst Pink Floyd to make it appealing to the younger lot.”