Three-time Grammy Award-winning artiste Ricky Kej is set to unveil a remarkable rendition of the National Anthem this Independence Day, a project that stands out for multiple reasons. Beyond being a platform for some of the country’s most esteemed musicians to showcase their talent, this unique version has also achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest music lesson ever conducted. Kej united veterans such as Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Grammy winner Rakesh Chaurasia, Rahul Sharma, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, and Ghatam maestro Giridhar Udupa for this groundbreaking initiative.
In an exclusive interview, Ricky Kej elaborates on the inspirations behind creating another version of the anthem, following his previous successful rendition with the British symphony orchestra, and shares insights into the creative processes involved in such high-caliber collaborations.
Reflecting on the motivation behind this special rendition of the National Anthem, Kej shares, “I’ve done several versions of the National Anthem in the past. The first significant one was in 2015, celebrating the wildlife of our country, and it was launched at the Paris Climate Change Conference. In 2022, I created a version sung by refugees living in India, many of whom are brilliant musicians. Last year, I worked with the British symphony orchestra, which laid the groundwork for this year’s version. Initially, I thought that rendition would be my final take, but after living with it for a few months, I realized it could be even more impressive if layered with Indian instrumentalists.”
Continuing with his explanation, Kej reveals, “I chose the best in the field and approached the veterans who are part of this project. The Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences in Bhubaneswar, where I have been working for four years, oversees 14,000 tribal students, and we decided to give them music lessons. Their participation in this anthem allowed us to set a Guinness World Record for the largest music lesson ever conducted. We recorded the students singing in four-part harmonies, which became the new version of the anthem.”
When asked about selecting the musicians who contributed to this version of the National Anthem, Kej explains, “Recording with a symphony orchestra last year was pivotal because it included various eclectic instruments like violins, timpani, harps, and bassoons. Each instrument has its unique identity, but together they create harmonious music. This reflects India’s essence, where diversity in language, political ideology, and culinary tastes come together to build the nation. Philosophically, last year’s orchestral version captured India’s soul, but we needed this to be sonically reflected too, which led me to these musicians.
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Discussing the insights gained while coordinating such a collaborative effort, Kej candidly admits, “Each of these musicians is far more accomplished than I am, which is a huge advantage. I’ve learned that working with top-tier artistes requires flexibility. It’s best not to enter the studio with a strict plan but rather a general idea—then allow the musicians to take over. Over-planning would limit creativity, but with a flexible framework, their improvisations take the composition to incredible places. Their capabilities are extraordinary, which was evident in this project. Despite the challenge of including all of them in a 52-second video, I plan to release their individual versions as well.”
Highlighting a personally significant collaboration, Kej reveals, “Working with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia has been a lifelong dream. I’ve attended four of his concerts, always admiring him from afar. Being in the same room and feeling his presence was a blessing. Seeing him in action and accepting some of my directions made the experience even more special. He inspires a desire to learn from him continuously.”
Kej also recounts his work with Giridhar Udupa, saying, “I’ve collaborated with Giridhar Udupa several times. When he came into the studio, I thought he would play a rhythm, but he brought numerous Ghatams, each with different pitches. He played the entire anthem using them, which was a unique experience.”
Summarizing his journey with this special rendition, Kej reiterates the collaborative spirit and unified diversity embodied in this anthem. It stands as a testament to India’s rich musical heritage and the extraordinary talents that contribute to its cultural fabric. As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, Kej’s latest rendition promises not just to be an aural treat but also a historic milestone in the world of music.
