Indian Independence Day 2021: Five Vande Mataram songs that depict patriotism

With this year marking the 75th year of Indian Independence on 15th August, it will be a day of much to celebrate. With the devastating effects of Covid-19 hitting the country hard, having something to celebrate is sure to make the country feel even more patriotic. BizAsiaLive.com goes through five songs that depict the title of India’s national anthem, Vande Mataram. 

Lata Mangeshkar – Vande Mataram (1997)
With a powerful voice, followed by an immense group of playback singers and orchestra, Mangeshkar’s Vande Mataram version was the first of its kind. The song catches the attention of the listener in an instant. The lyrics speaking of the beauty of the land and its purity, only makes one’s right hand reach for their heart and sing along, with their chest pushed out and their head held high and the sense of pride in their face.

AR Rahman – Maa Tujhe Salaam (1997)
In true Rahman style, this rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ was deemed quite ahead of its time when it was released. With, what could only be described as a rap at the start of the song, Rehman’s style of building up to the chorus with a bang is something that works extremely well in this song. The supporting video, which depicts India’s different cultures, traditions, religions, and communities, makes this song all the more impressive.

‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ (2001) – Vande Mataram 
Despite not being a song that would be thought of instantly when thinking of ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, the vocals for Usha Uthup and Kavita Krishnamurti work brilliantly for what Karan Johar was trying to depict. Representing the irony of an Indian landing in the same country India became independent from and showing how it represents multiculturalism, makes the song enjoyable to watch, and all the more fun to sing along to.

‘ABCD 2’ (2015) – Vande Mataram
With music styles of the Indian film industry taking more and more inspiration from the west, the majority of this version of Vande Mataram is composed in a wonderful way, including different genres of music into one. From rap, to a soft remix and with a few soft vocals and instrumentals added in, composer duo Sachin-Jigar seemed to have wanted this song to appeal to everyone. The picturisation representing the main dance group performing for a dance competition – which includes the Indian flag being represented through orange, white and green smoke coming from dancers shoes as they somersault through the air, as well as the group making a huge mistake; only to get back up and carry on – makes the song all the more enjoyable to listen to and be proud of.

Tiger Shroff – Vande Mataram (2021)
Adding singer to his list of talents, Tiger Shroff recent song release is a lot more mellow than the others mentioned above. Still maintaining high pitches and strong vocals, the video is made up of a mix CGI backdrops, footage from military events and choreographed dance which include the actor’s signature flips, high kicks and somersaults. Still a great listen that still adds to the message of patriotism, the song is dedicated to those in the Indian Defence Forces who give their lives for the country.