Indian Republic Day is one of those days when the nostalgia and longing for India kicks in for many of us. It is a day to celebrate our cultural diversity and spiritual togetherness. Read on for a list of Republic day special songs that are going to make you dance, smile and, cry just a little.
Ae Watan
Film: Raazi
Listen to this emotionally charged number from the movie Raazi, penned by the maestro Gulzar, and set into a heart-touching composition by Shankar-Ehsan-Loy. The song, written to wish peace and happiness to the country of birth, resonates with so many of us. It also features a section the timeless nazm, ‘Bacche Ki Dua’ by Allama Iqbal, popularly known by its first verse, ‘Lab pe aati hai dua banke tammana meri’.
Rang De Basanti
Film: Rang De Basanti
This foot-tapping song from the movie Rang De Basanti will take you on a trip down the memory lane through the farms, fields and Kushti Akharas of India. Written by Prasoon Joshi and music composed by legendary A.R Rahman, the song is the best choice for an evening celebration of republic day with friends and family.
Suno Gaur se Duniya Walon
Film: Dus
A power boost to the morale, this song celebrates the Indianness of the community like nothing else. Sung by various artistes like Shankar Mahadevan, Udit Narayan, Mahalakshmi Iyer and others, the song is an old number from the movie Dus.
Aisa Des Hai Mera
Film: Veer Zaara
The song begins with the folk lilt in the voice of Gurdas Mann, that immediately transports one to the fertile lands of Punjab. What follows is a musical treat created by the late Madan Mohan, recreated by Sanjeev Kohli, livened up by the words of Javed Akhtar. The song has its heart in the everyday lives of India: a vision waiting to jostle your senses as soon as you hit play.
I love India
Film: Pardes
A republic day staple, I love India is a song that was made for the Indians settled overseas. A multi-starrer, multi-singer song, it features a young Aditya Narayan as a pre-teen eager to see the world. This song has remained a source of pride for Indian communities around the world for decades now.
Ye Jo Des hai Tera
Film: Swades
Javed Akhtar’s words come to life in musical wizard AR Rahman’s music and voice in this soul-stirring song, one that reminds you that the home that was misses you too. A definite tear-jerker, if you ask us.
Des Rangila
Film: Fanaa
A peppy dance number, this song is a given to add nostalgia and celebration in one go to your Republic Day evening. Penned by Prasoon Joshi, the song was, in fact, was written for a republic day sequence in the movie Fanaa. There you go!
Bharat ka Rahnewala Hoon
Film: Purab Aur Pashchim
This classic from the yester years is picturised on Manoj Kumar, who had earned the nickname of ‘Bharat’ for his portrayal of patriotic characters by the same name. The song is set in a sequence where Manoj Kumar sings of the cultural richness of India to the Indians settled in Britain. It is sung by Mahendra Kapoor and was penned by Indeevar. The music was composed by the duo Kalyanji-Anandji.
Aao bacchon Tumhe Dikhayein
Film: Jagriti
A song produced in 1957, just seven years after the passing of Indian constitution, for the movie Jagriti, is a kaleidoscope of Indian geography and culture. It was written by Kavi Pradeep, and was set into a sophisticated march band music by Hemant Kumar.
Jana Gana Mana
National Anthem of India
The national anthem of India was written by Nobel laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. The first five stanza of Brahmo hymn composed by him were adapted as the national anthem in the Constituent Assembly on 24th January 1950. The original language of composition was Tatsama Bengali, the Sankrit-heavy version of Bengali language.
This rendition of that complete Brahmo hymn, performed by 39 of India’s finest musical gems is an ultimate tribute to the pluralistic society and the rich heritage of the Indian civilization. This rendition has the English translation of the hymn as a part of its composition. Trust us, there is no better way to close the evening of Republic day than this!
