As we approach Independence Day, it is worth exploring the patriotic songs that evoke a sense of pride and nationalism among musicians, singers, and composers in the industry.

Nikhita Gandhi, a singer, fondly recalls the song “Aye Mere Pyaare Vatan,” which she used to sing during flag hoisting ceremonies in school. She believes that this song resonates with everyone due to its nostalgic and timeless melody. She also mentions that all patriotic songs have a similar effect.

For Anoop Choradia, a DJ and musician, the song from the movie Bhagat Singh – “Mera Rang De Basanti Chola” left a lasting impact on him during his childhood. Coincidentally, he also remixed the songs for a movie of the same name. He also mentions other songs like “Aye Watan” from Karma and “Sandese Aate Hai” from Border, which resonate with him due to their musical brilliance and literary value.

Shashaa Tirupati, a singer who grew up away from home, emphasizes the multifold impact of patriotic songs. She mentions songs like “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon” by Lata Mangeshkar, “Ae Mere Pyare Watan” by Manna Dey, and “Apni Azadi Ko Hum Hargis Mita Sakte Nahin” by Rafi sahab (Mohammad Rafi) for the movie Leader as her favorites. These songs evoke a sense of sadness for being away from one’s roots, but also celebrate a sense of patriotism.

Antara Mitra, a singer, declares “Yeh jo desh hai tera” from the movie Swades as her all-time favorite patriotic song. She believes that the shehnai part before the song is soulful and brings tears to the eyes of her friends living abroad. This song reminds her of the struggle for independence.

Jagadeesh MR, a musician, believes that “Vande Mataram” is a song that always resonates with the feeling of returning to India. He admires the various versions of the song, including the one by AR Rahman. As a musician, he appreciates the simplicity and power of the raag, which showcases the diversity of the country. Despite being composed over a century ago in 1896, the song remains immensely popular.

Akriti Kakar, a singer, finds the spirit of patriotism in songs like “Maa Tujhe Salaam” by AR Rahman, “Ae Watan” from the movie Raazi, “Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara Hai” from Roja, “Lehra Do” from 83, “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon” by Lata Mangeshkar, and the title song of “Chak De! India.”

Stebin Ben, a singer, shares that the first-ever song he sang for a film was the patriotic song “Humein Bharat Kehte Hain” from Hotel Mumbai. He also mentions that he always sings “Maa Tujhe Salaam” during his shows and feels a sense of pride when everyone in the crowd sings along with him.

These are the inputs shared by Riya Sharma.