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The Man who really introduced Indian Classical Music to the UK

One of Viram’s central missions in life was to create awareness in the UK for one of the most sophisticated music systems in the world…reports Asian Lite News

Viram Jasani, a distinguished figure in the introduction and development of Indian classical music to the UK, is proud to announce the release of his memoir, titled “Independence to Freedom.” This captivating book chronicles the remarkable journey of migration, cultural fusion, and personal transformation that has shaped his extraordinary life.

Born in Kenya in 1945, Viram Jasani’s family embarked on a poignant migration from rural Gujarat to Nairobi, Kenya, amidst the backdrop of the struggles for independence from British rule. The book vividly illustrates the impact of these historic events on a traditional Hindu Gujarati family, and how they eventually found themselves in the bustling city of London in 1949.

Growing up in London, Viram grappled with the challenges of living between two distinct cultures. However, he discovered solace and resolution through his deep passion for Indian classical music and Vedantic philosophy. This powerful combination of influences allowed him to maintain and imbibe the best of both worlds.

Viram’s parents played a significant role in shaping his worldview. His mother, Hemkunver, lived a life devoted to bhakti, or spiritual devotion, while his father, Manilal, engaged with the world while remaining spiritually grounded in his love for Indian classical music and philosophy. These profound characteristics were passed down to Viram, who fell in love with Indian classical music from a very young age.

Viram’s musical abilities and interests were diverse. During his student days, he fearlessly explored collaborations, including playing his sitar with jazz musicians and even sharing the stage with legendary guitarist Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. Despite these exciting ventures, his unwavering passion for traditional Indian classical music remained at the core of his artistic pursuits.

Viram Jasani

One of Viram’s central missions in life was to create awareness in the UK for one of the most sophisticated music systems in the world. He dedicated himself to becoming an authority as a performer, advocate, and producer of Indian music throughout the UK and Europe. Over the course of three decades, he orchestrated approximately one hundred iconic musical events each year, contributing significantly to the enrichment of cultural diversity in these regions.

Viram Jasani’s path to success was not without its challenges. He faced racism and prejudice, both from the British arts elite and fellow Indians. However, these obstacles only fuelled his determination to overcome them. He embarked on a profound journey into Vedantic philosophy, which ultimately led him to find his own path to freedom, embracing his cultural heritage and artistic pursuits with unwavering passion.

Viram Jasani’s memoir, “Independence to Freedom,” is a poignant and inspirational tale of resilience, cultural fusion, and the pursuit of artistic excellence. Through his captivating storytelling, readers will gain insight into the transformative power of music, philosophy, and the human spirit.

Viram Jasani graduated from St. Andrews University in 1967 and the School of Oriental and African Studies in London in 1969. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts (FRSA) in 1993 and received an Honorary doctorate from the University of York in 2005.

For further information, images or interviews, please call Pedro on 07831 556 951

Or e mail fnik@btconnect.com

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Eminem Surprises at 50 Cent’s Final Lap Tour

The two rap legends who are best known for their freestyle and gangsta rap mix have been close friends for more than two decades. They are also frequent collaborators having previously worked with each other after both being signed by Dr Dre…reports Asian Lite News

Rapper 50 Cent’s concert became extra special and bombastic as he was joined by one of his besties and rap superstar Eminem on stage, during a surprise entry on stage on his Final Lap Tour.

The ‘I’m Not Afraid’ hitmaker, took to the stage at the Pine Knob Amphitheatre in Clarkston, Michigan, on the night of September 18, and had the crowd jumping to their feet as he sang part of 50 Cent’s song ‘Patiently Waiting’ along with fans singing to his own hit track ‘Crack A Bottle’, as reported by ‘The Mirror’.

Eminem also made sure to pay a full tribute to 50 Cent and acknowledge the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop. “Detroit make some noise for one of the best friends I’ve ever known, 50 Cent! Make some noise for hip-hop’s 50th birthday y’all,” Eminem shouted to fans.

The two rap legends who are best known for their freestyle and gangsta rap mix have been close friends for more than two decades. They are also frequent collaborators having previously worked with each other after both being signed by Dr Dre.

Taking to Instagram, 50 Cent shared a series of videos and pictures of Eminem’s surprise performance. Fans, who got goosebumps with the collaboration, shared their happiness with one person writing: “I drove 10 hours for the CHANCE of this happening!!! Thank YOU!!!”

Another said: “The way we lost our minds for Em last night. Whole show was amazing!!” A third fan added: “I came to this stop to witness history!!! Em & 50, my fav track!”

Despite this success, 50 Cent’s  Final Lap tour hasn’t been without controversy, as the rapper had launched his microphone into the crowd during one performance and reportedly injured a fan in the crowd. The victim is said to have gone to hospital with a bloody gash in her forehead following the incident.

It has been 50 years since hip hop came into being and became the art form it is known to be today. Previously, to mark this anniversary, even the American Vice President Kamala Harris had organised a massive gathering which commemorated five decades of the music form and its influence in shaping American culture.

ALSO READ-‘The Music Within’ Set to Dazzle South Korean, Mumbai, and Turkish Art Fairs

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‘The Music Within’ Set to Dazzle South Korean, Mumbai, and Turkish Art Fairs

The artist, who after passing out from Government College of Art, Chandigarh, has been teaching at NIIFT, Mohali, and held positions, including that of Secretary Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi and Vice-Chairman of Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, feels art education in Indian institutes need to undergo a drastic change…writes Sukant Deepak

Several unfinished works are on different easels. Between never-ending cups of green tea, he says there are too many deadlines to be met.

National award-winning artist Madan Lal, whose work will be showcased at the South Korean Art fair, then Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai and then Turkey, says, “When you explore and work on different themes in a short frame of time, artistic sensibilities sharpen. Certain things emerge that you never thought lived inside you. Of course, there is a thin line between chaos and a collage.”

His work ‘The Music Within’, a 25X25 acrylic on canvas, which will be part of the art fair is a yearning to discover sounds in concrete landscapes market by geometrical shapes. The work has a gramophone, concrete, and elements of nature — portraying a complete balance. 

Lal hails from a rural area but has been living in the city for decades. However, one can easily see the nostalgia and melancholy associated with village life in his work.

“No matter how aesthetic the city is, one always feels a certain nehmat missing, right? This is especially true when you have lived in a rural area. Out there, there is a deep connection with the land. In urban life, paths have already been created, you just walk on them — there is a little adventure in every sense of the word. Here, one is forever looking for that gap to be filled. In my case, I have tried to do it through these series,” says the artist, who has always worked in series and works in Chandigarh.

The artist, who after passing out from Government College of Art, Chandigarh, has been teaching at NIIFT, Mohali, and held positions, including that of Secretary Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi and Vice-Chairman of Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, feels art education in Indian institutes need to undergo a drastic change. 

Stressing that the scope of what is taught is very limited, leaving students with little room for innovation, he says, “I see a rapid decline in quality as far as institutes are concerned. They may be reading about the masters, but it ends there. A place of learning has to inspire confidence and provide new learnings besides what is in the books. When I go abroad, I see young art graduates willing to take risks, and colleges encouraging them to experiment and not follow a linear trajectory. Out there, involvement in other art forms too is considered extremely important.”

He also feels that institutes need to start inviting more artists as guest faculty and not just rely on their teachers. 

“Instead of focussing on introducing semester systems, which leave little time for students to look at anything except theory, why not invite senior artists to share their experiences, gallerists, and those working with auction houses? What is wrong with preparing them for the real world early on?” asks the artist who has exhibited at the World Dubai Art Fair, POSK Gallery in London, Nehru Centre in London, Asian Art Gallery in the US, and in Sweden.

Looking forward to his trip to Turkey in October, Lal, who is also a member of the Himachal Academy of Arts, Culture, and Languages, says international workshops are something he looks forward to. 

“Be it in Egypt, Turkey, Macedonia, Dubai, Bosnia, or Serbia, they give you a chance to look at diverse approaches towards fine arts. There is so much learning about different cultures.”

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Captivating Yakshagana performance at the Nehru Centre

Yakshagana performance at the Nehru Centre London

An intensely captivating Yakshagana titled Devi Mahatme-Mahisha Vadhe was presented to a fully packed auditorium at the Nehru Centre recently.

Jointly organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence and KannadigaruUK, the program encompassed powerful performances by the artists of Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation Trust which has been making efforts to preserve and promote this ancient art form in India and abroad.

Yakshagana performance at The Nehru Centre

After the traditional invocation at the beginning and opening words by the Deputy Director of TNC Sanjay Sharma, an uninterrupted rapturous 90-minute dance drama was presented that received a standing ovation at the climax.

The Himmela team (Patla Satish Shetty, Padmanabha Upadhyaya, Chaitanya Krishna Padyana) and Mummela team (Prof. ML Samaga, Chandrashekhara Poojary, Mahesha Maniyani, Prashant Shetty Nelyadi, and Mohana Bellippady) have mesmerised the audience with their high-powered performances.

Felicitation to artists by Captain Munish Chauhan of the British Armed Forces, Sushil Rapatwar of Sanskruti Centre, and Dr Lakshmi Vyas of Hindu Forum of Europe, followed by the vote of thanks by Ganapati Bhat of KannadigaruUK concluded the interesting evening. 

Deputy Director of Nehru Centre Sanjay Sharma at Yakshagana event

Post-event, Captain Chauhan opined, “The evening was nothing short of extraordinary, the musicians transported us to a different realm while the dancers conveyed the essence with grace and precision. The story of Goddess Durga’s valorous battle against Mahishasur serves as a powerful reminder of the eternal struggle between right and wrong.

It reaffirms our commitment to upholding the values of justice, courage, and righteousness in our pursuit of a better world. It resonated deeply with me as a military officer, as in the armed forces, we dedicate ourselves to safeguarding society and eliminating the forces of evil. It was a privilege to be part of this event and it has left a lasting impression on me.”

Malini in the Yakshagana
Mahishasura Mardini
Satish Shetty of Patla Foundation Trust giving concluding remarks
Vote of Thanks by Ganapati Bhat
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Centuries Old Ghazal Tradition Given Modern Twist on ‘Lafz Bheege Hain’

Pratibha Singh Baghel sings of ‘amour eternal’ on new album LAFZ BHEEGE HAIN. It consists of five ghazals, modern in sound and conception, yet following the traditional form of the ghazal: a poem with rhyming couplets in prescribed patterns, usually sung in Urdu, the “love language” par excellence of the subcontinent. An exclusive feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

“There is a saying in India that if you want to express love, you resort to Urdu,” declares poet Ajay Sahaab, author of the emotive lyrics beautifully sung by Pratibha Singh Baghel on LAFZ BHEEGE HAIN which released on 31st August 2023 through Sufiscore.

Pratibha Singh Baghel | Photo by Parasher Baruah

The South Asian record label, Sufiscore celebrates an epic Indian love story, an ‘amour eternal’ on the new release LAFZ BHEEGE HAIN (“Words Drenched in Tears”). The album features lyrics from the esteemed contemporary poet, Ajay Sahaab with beautifully sung melodies from lead vocalist Pratibha Singh Baghel. The songs on LAFZ BHEEGE HAIN follow the story of unrequited love involving two eminent writers from India’s social justice-oriented Progressive Writer’s Movement, Punjabi Amrita Pritam (1919-2005) and Sahir Ludhianvi (1921-1980). Pritam, a novelist, essayist and poet, discusses her unrequited love for Ludhianvi, the poet and film lyricist, in her 1977 autobiography ‘Rasidi Ticket’ (a.k.a. The Revenue Stamp).

“There is a saying in India that if you want to express love, you resort to Urdu,” declares poet Ajay Sahaab. Sahaab drew on his lifelong passion for Urdu to evoke a familiar “tear- drenched” story that has almost acquired the status of a legend or folk tale.

LAFZ BHEEGE HAIN consists of five songs, modern in sound and conception, yet following the traditional form of the ghazal: a poem with rhyming couplets in prescribed patterns, usually sung in Urdu, the “love language” par excellence of the subcontinent. This great love story between Amrita Pritam and Sahir Ludhianvi has been depicted in literature and film — and in that spirit, director Parasher Baruah has created a sequence of videos to accompany all of the ghazals of LAFZ BHEEGE HAIN, featuring famed actors Prachi Desai and Som Chattopadhyay in the leading roles.

“The emotions summoned by this love story”, says singer Pratibha Singh Baghel, “are held in common throughout the world. Those feelings of love and separation and sadness are the same everywhere. The poetry and compositions of LAFZ BHEEGE HAIN are for everybody who can relate to this.” Desai strikes a similarly universal chord: “I don’t know where we all find our strength, but after some of the biggest losses we ever have, we somehow make it through. It’s a hopeful message for anyone watching these videos or listening to this music.”

Composer Rajesh Singh

To capture these nuanced sentiments, composer Rajesh Singh drew upon what are known in Hindustani classical music as “evening ragas,” scales and tonalities associated with the time of day, he says, “when the solitude is very intense, and the melancholy and sadness comes throbbing upon us.” From these evening ragas come the beautiful melodies of Singh’s imagination. The rhythms are hypnotic; the lush, flowing chord progressions are informed by Western harmony but applied in such a way as to underline the ragas’ traditional character. “As a composer I had to find a correct mood and balanced sound to express the melancholy and

Poet Ajay Sahaab

divinity of pain portrayed in these ghazals,” adds Singh. “I observed that the pain of separation expressed by the poet here has no bitterness, and there is a subtle acceptance of separation due to social circumstances. Hence the notes had to be carefully woven not to sound depressing or negative.”

Arranger and producer Paras Nath played a crucial role in bringing Singh’s compositions to life with rich and varied instrumentation and sonic character. “Because of Paras’ contribution,” says Pratibha Singh Baghel, “I was able to deliver the way that I did. So a lot of credit for this project goes to him.” Building upon Singh’s vision for each composition, Paras Nath reports trying “to enhance the feel of the ghazal. In every song I used something different.”

Producer Paras Nath

Cello, acoustic guitars, violin, viola and keyboards enter into the mix of LAFZ BHEEGE HAIN as well as Hindustani bansuri flute, the fretless sarod and the bowed sarangi. “Each instrument has its own character,” Paras Nath observes. “I didn’t want a loud arrangement, and I was careful not to overshadow the singing and the lyrics.”

Along with her extensive accomplishments in Indian musical theater and Bollywood playback singing, Pratibha Singh Baghel has devoted herself to the art of classical Hindustani music in a forward-looking, internationally minded modern vein. LAFZ BHEEGE HAIN is a vital part of that effort. To the poet Sahaab, the goal is to “revive the classicity of the ghazal,” bringing the traditional form into vibrant contact with Western elements before a worldwide audience. “In a very humble way but with energy,” says Sahaab, “we are trying to convey emotions so that modern generations can feel the intensity of words, music, poetry, composition and instruments.”

Pratibha Singh Baghel

“For me the songs on LAFZ BHEEGE HAIN are part of a single work of cinema,” says Parasher. “I wanted to narrate certain aspects of the story and portray universal themes of love and longing. I approached the cinematography with an idea of recreating the 1950s and ’60s, a personal homage to the heyday of Indian cinema when romance was celebrated in all its emotions, blending poetry with visual storytelling. Choosing to shoot in colonial Pondicherry and Mumbai, our choice of locations, production design and styling helped in this a lot.” For Prachi Desai, the alluring beauty of the audio tracks generated all the inspiration and excitement she needed: “When I first listened to LAFZ BHEEGE HAIN, time stopped,” she recalls. “I knew I had to be a part of this. I’m glad that this was my first ghazal ever.”

Pratibha Singh Baghel

Sufiscore is not just a traditional label but a YouTube channel amassing millions of views of songs from the Asian and South Asian markets. By celebrating new creative processes with leading musicians adapting to adversity as they continue to explore global fusion, Sufiscore is opening doors to international collaborations wherever musicians are in the world. Through live-syncing, remote recording and other practices, Sufiscore seeks to usher in new ways of making and consuming music online. Recent Sufiscore productions include Pratibha Singh Baghel’s ‘Bole Naina and Inheritance; Unbounded – Abaad’ by sitar virtuoso Purbayan Chatterjee (joined by Baghel as well as Béla Fleck, Gary Husband, Jordan Rudess, Zakir Hussain, Antonio Sanchez and more); and the forthcoming album Aarambh by vocalist Abby V and producer Ricky Kej. LAFZ BHEEGE HAIN released through Sufiscore on the 31st August, 2023.

ALSO READ: Arijit’s Musical Brilliance in ‘Rooh Jaga Doon’

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Arijit’s Musical Brilliance in ‘Rooh Jaga Doon’

The sound design features a very open room, which is very important as Arijit who is singing his heart out here, has his great vocals amplified by the texture of the whole design and soundscape…reports Asian Lite News

Singer Arijit Singh has released his latest song ‘Rooh Jaga Doon’, a mellifluous track laden with electronic influences, acoustic instrumentation and some ambient rock, talking about awakening an uninspired soul to life.

The music video of the six-minute track showcases his band playing inside the studio, producing the track and recording their samples, intercutting with scenes of the group listening to their recording, and horsing around on their instruments.

In this proper ambient rock song, Arijit Singh gives some of his finest vocal performances ever, high pitched and very soulful with complex instrumentation, featuring a somewhat progressive rock side of him with some technical instrumentation, and even a kind of jazzy guitar solo.

Apart from that, the track has an impeccable sense of melody, showing not just Arijit Singh, but his entire band’s great melodic sense, giving off a very heartfelt and somber feeling.

Though played with a somewhat dark ambience, the track is very positive in nature, with Arijit singing lyrics regarding healing broken wounds and moving past all the old hurts, and letting time take its course in making the scars fade and then go away.

The production is incredible here, the bass is highlighted very well while the rest of the instruments are also given their own space to shine, with all the electronic samples being perfectly audible.

The sound design features a very open room, which is very important as Arijit who is singing his heart out here, has his great vocals amplified by the texture of the whole design and soundscape.

It is a mainstream track that has elements of everything, ranging from pop, rock, showgazing, electronic and even a flair of some filmy music. A song for all, ‘Rooh Jaga Doon’ does its title justice and really awakens the soul.

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Poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar conferred with honorary doctorate in UK

 “A luminary in Indian cinema and literature, Javed Akhtar’s impact spans across writing, activism, and leadership,” the SOAS citation reads…reports Asian Lite News

Award-winning lyricist, poet, scriptwriter and activist Javed Akhtar on Thursday received his Doctor of Literature honorary degree at a ceremony at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.

The 78-year-old has been conferred the honorary degree for his creative endeavours as a distinguished writer and his dedication to social justice as an activist. Dr Akhtar was accompanied at the ceremony by his actor wife, Shabana Azmi, and filmmaker son, Farhan Akhtar.

 “A luminary in Indian cinema and literature, Javed Akhtar’s impact spans across writing, activism, and leadership,” the SOAS citation reads.

 “As an award-winning scriptwriter, lyricist, poet, and activist, Akhtar’s work has touched the hearts and minds of millions. His dedication to social justice, as reflected in his instrumental role in copyright reform, and his outspoken stance against religious fundamentalism highlight his commitment to a better society,” it notes.

The university highlighted Akhtar’s many accolades, including numerous awards for his cinematic contributions, such as National Awards and Filmfare Awards, and recognition as the first Indian to be conferred the Richard Dawkins Award for critical thinking, which “underscores his influence as a thought leader”.

Among the 2023 cohort of SOAS honorary doctorates, British Indian chef and bestselling cookbook author Asma Khan was conferred a Doctor of Science (Social Sciences) degree for reshaping the culinary landscape with her innovative approach to food and her commitment to social change.

 “As the first British chef profiled in Netflix’s Emmy-nominated ‘Chef’s Table’ series and a Vogue 25 Most Influential Women awardee, Khan’s impact transcends borders. Her all-female kitchen team and dedication to inclusivity have earned her recognition as a trailblazer,” reads her citation.

 “Khan’s accomplishments also extend beyond the culinary world, including her role on the Mayor’s Business Advisory Board and an Honorary Fellowship at Oxford University. She holds a PhD in British Constitutional Law from King’s College London and now an Honorary Doctorate from SOAS University of London,” it reads.

SOAS said it hopes to revive its Ramadan tent with the support and leadership of Dr Asma Khan, who is on the advisory committee for the Ramadan Tent Project charity.

SOAS University of London said it confers honorary degrees to individuals whose outstanding achievements and commitment to positive change exemplify the values and aspirations of the university community.

 “Their influence and accomplishments will undoubtedly continue to inspire students, faculty, and the broader society,” it added.

Internationally acclaimed Buddhist scholar and teacher Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche and public health campaigner Professor Kevin Fenton CBE completed the 2023 set of honorary degrees at the university this week.

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Disha Patani ventures into direction with ‘Kyun Karu Fikar’

It’s a very cheerful and empowering song and has a very international pop feeling to it while also giving us major K- Pop vibes…reports Asian Lite News

Actress Disha Patani, who stepped into the director’s shoes with her newly dropped music video ‘Kyun Karu Fikar’, said that it has helped her express herself and that it was an exciting challenge to shift the perspective.

Along with directing the video, the actress stars in it . As for the messaging of the music video it is extremely meaningful and talks about how one should be carefree of all the judgements of the world and to just focus on themselves and not to be bothered by what others have to say to put you down.

“I am feeling an extreme sense of satisfaction and happiness to have finally put out a part of me, with ‘Kyun Karu Fikar’. It has helped me express myself, in a very different way by taking on the role of a director also, this time,” Disha said. 

She added: “It was an exciting challenge to shift the perspective from being in front of the camera to being the one behind it as well. I am so grateful to the entire team who was a part of it and believed in my vision. I hope people relate to the message of being free from the perception of the world and focus on self love.”

It’s a very cheerful and empowering song and has a very international pop feeling to it while also giving us major K- Pop vibes.

On the professional front, Disha Patani will be seen in two pan-Indian films, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ and ‘Kanguva’. Additionally, she is also a part of ‘Yodha’ opposite Siddharth Malhotra.

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TikToker’s Taylor swift prank at Disneyland goes viral

For the Saturday outing, she donned a burgundy beret, sunglasses, black long sleeve shirt and jeans, giving off a “Red” era look…reports Asian Lite News

Pop singer Taylor Swift’s impersonator and  TikToker Ashley Leechin caused a buzz on social media for pretending to be the singer at a store here.

Leechin intentionally dressed up to look like the Grammy-winner and decoy Swifties at two locations in the Los Angeles area.

On Sunday, she entered The Grove outdoor shopping area with a few men wearing all-black, leading people to believe that they were security for her, reports aceshowbiz.com.

She wore a white top, blue jeans and a red cap with a pair of dark shades on while carrying a red bag. She also sported Taylor’s trademark red lipstick and let loose her long blonde hair as she entered the shop with her entourage, trying to prank some shoppers.

Almost instantly, people flocked to her in an attempt to get selfies with Leechin, whom people believed was the pop superstar. Her disguise apparently was quickly discovered though as security at the shop escorted her out.

One day before, Leechin also channeled Taylor while visiting Downtown Disney, the shopping district of Disneyland in Anaheim, California, along with some men in black.

For the Saturday outing, she donned a burgundy beret, sunglasses, black long sleeve shirt and jeans, giving off a “Red” era look.

Leechin later took to her Instagram Story to explain that she had sort of social experiment with her impersonation. “What a way to show what it’s like to live in the shoes of a well-known celebrity. I think this why they hire decoys so they can go to private events & enjoy themselves without being swarmed by fans,” she wrote alongside an image from YouTuber VicInTheGame, who admitted that the video they were collaborating on may have been too brazen.

The real Taylor Swift, meanwhile, was in New Jersey over the weekend to celebrate her longtime collaborator Jack’s wedding to actress Margaret. After attending the pair’s rehearsal dinner on Friday, the “Begin Again” songstress came to the nuptials on Long Beach Island on Saturday. She reportedly partied into the early hours of the morning with Cara Delevingne.

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Modi applauds Grammy winner Ricky Kej for stunning anthem rendition

Ricky, in his post, wrote: “A few days ago, I conducted a 100-piece British orchestra, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to perform India’s National Anthem at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, London.”…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appreciated Indian music composer and Grammy Award Winner Ricky Kej for an instrumental rendition of the national anthem with the 100-member British Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London recently.

“Wonderful. It will certainly make every Indian proud,” the Prime Minister wrote on X, formerly twitter, in response to Ricky’s post.

Ricky, in his post, wrote: “A few days ago, I conducted a 100-piece British orchestra, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to perform India’s National Anthem at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, London.”

“This is the largest orchestra ever to record India’s national anthem and it is spectacular! The ‘Jaya He’ at the end gave me goosebumps. Felt great as an Indian composer,” he said.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Anurag Thakur, while lauding the Indian music composer on X, wrote: “There was a time when the British prohibited and jailed any Indian who dared to sing national anthem and raise the national flag. As we enter the Amrit Kaal of Independence, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a 100-piece British orchestra, performs our national anthem, which is conducted by an Indian, the immensely talented Ricky Kej ji. What a journey we have covered. This is a harbinger of the glory days that are in store for our nation.”

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