Ricky Kej- The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
On the eve of India’s Independence Day, the three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Ricky Kej released a new instrumental rendition of the national anthem. The 100-member London-based Royal Philharmonic Orchestra collaborated in the composition of the “goosebump-inducing” rendition of the national song. It goes without saying that the video made the internet teary-eyed and received a lot of positive feedback from Indians, including Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
Ricky Kej- The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
On Monday, Mr. Kej published the video on X with the caption: I recently conducted The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a 100-piece British orchestra, to perform India’s National Anthem at the storied Abbey Road Studios in London. The national anthem of India has never been recorded by a larger orchestra, and it is amazing! I got chills when I heard “Jaya He” at the conclusion. As an Indian composer, I felt fantastic. This Independence Day, I’m offering this historical recording to each and every one of you; use it, share it, and watch it, but do so respectfully. You now possess it. I salute you.
The version was described as “magical” and “fabulous” by Indians, who showered the video with love and adoration after it became popular.
What a wonderfully post-colonial way to celebrate #IndependenceDay! Well done @rickykej — you make us proud. https://t.co/3gx39Yrj8C
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 14, 2023
Shahi Tharoor reacts to this
Shashi Tharoor, a Lok Sabha member and senior Congressman, praised the lovely performance and tweeted, “What a beautifully post-colonial way to spend #IndependenceDay! Done, @rickykej; you are an inspiration to us.
Another person exclaimed, “God, I’m crying!” Goosebumps! Absolutely magical; I adore it. “Truly a full circle’ scenario,” remarked a third. Brits are being forced to play Jana Gana Mana by an Indian.
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“Magical” was inserted as a fourth. The chills, too!
The three-time Grammy Award-winning Composer expressed his enthusiasm for the hymn by saying, “I am experiencing enormous Pride. Our India has changed. We have a voice in international decisions affecting things like the environment and the economy. In fact, other nations are assuming our positions of leadership. The 100-member Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which is the largest orchestra to have ever recorded the Indian national song, serves as a depiction of the new India in this anthem.
