Two years ago, A R Rahman sang Vande Mataram to celebrate the 50th year of Indian independence. Conceived and presented by Bharatbala Productions, the song became an instant success, thanks to some stunning visuals and inspiring music.
The second edition of Vande Mataram, this time sung by Lata Mangeshkar, was equally appealing, combining patriotic fervour with technical brilliance.
On August 15, 1999, Rahman and Lata were joined by several other greats of Indian music – from the classical to the contemporary – for a soulful and modern rendition of the national anthem.
Titled Desh ka salaam, this 10-minute video brought together vocalists like Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, Dr Bhupen Hazarika, Jagjit Singh, S P Balasubramaniam, Hariharan, Shankar Mahadevan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Ajay Chakraborty, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle and A R Rahman.
The intrumental version featured Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, along with sons Amaan and Ayan, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and Rahul Sharma, Vikku Vinayakram, Ustad Sultan Khan, among others.
Desh ka salaam was simultaneously broadcast across several radio and television channels in India. There was also a live webcast (www.deshkasalaam.com) of the event for all Indians living abroad.