New Delhi, Aug 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his admiration for the instrumental rendition of the Indian national anthem created by three-time Grammy award-winning musician Ricky Kej in collaboration with the 100-member British Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
In a tweet, PM Modi wrote, “Wonderful. It will certainly make every Indian proud.”
Wonderful. It will certainly make every Indian proud. https://t.co/IDQZdCFpdQ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 14, 2023
Ricky Kej released a 60-second video on the eve of Independence Day, August 14, as a gift to Indians all over the world. The recording of this rendition of the Indian National Anthem was conducted by the world’s largest Symphony Orchestra at London‘s iconic Abbey Road Studios and is set to be officially released on Independence Day.
Using his social media platform, Kej shared the video and provided insight into the recording process, stating, “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 🙂 I am sharing this historic recording with every one of you this Independence Day – use it, share it, and watch it, but with respect 🙂 It is yours now. Jai Hind. Happy #independenceday #Rickykej @narendramodi.”
Also Read: Indian Army Successfully Rescues 2 ITBP Personnel from Remote Arunachal Areas
This isn’t the first time Ricky Kej has made a significant contribution on such an occasion. In 2022, he collaborated with 12 refugee singers from India to perform the anthem. These singers hailed from countries like Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Cameroon, among others.
Ricky Kej’s collaboration with the renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London has added a distinctive touch to the definitive version of the Indian national anthem. This unique rendition not only showcases the artistic brilliance of Kej and the orchestra but also exemplifies the power of music in fostering national pride and unity. The orchestral arrangement brings a fresh perspective to the anthem, highlighting its emotional depth and evoking a sense of awe.
The choice of Abbey Road Studios for this recording holds particular significance as it is a place steeped in musical history, known for producing iconic albums by legendary artists like The Beatles. The fusion of India’s national anthem with such a prestigious and internationally recognized orchestra in such a renowned setting is a testament to the global appeal of Indian culture and music.
Ricky Kej’s dedication to celebrating India’s cultural heritage through music and his innovative collaborations not only inspires patriotism but also showcases the universal language of melodies. Music has the extraordinary ability to transcend borders, languages, and differences, and Ricky Kej’s rendition of the national anthem exemplifies this beautifully.
As India celebrates another year of independence, the collaboration between Ricky Kej and the British Royal Philharmonic Orchestra stands as a reminder of the power of art to strengthen the bond between people and their nation. The rendition is more than just a musical performance; it is a celebration of unity, diversity, and the rich tapestry of India’s identity.
