Here are the different ways in which the anthem was rendered over the years.
Republic Day special: Charm of the National Anthem on theatre screens
Mumbai - 26 Jan 2017 15:30 IST
Keyur Seta
The Supreme Court of India recently passed an order of having one standardised National Anthem before the start of every movie in cinema halls. But over the years, we have seen various versions of our anthem being played at theatres for almost a decade. Here’s how it went through various versions over the years.
A special talent
This was a concept that was both creative and heartwarming. To see the specially abled kids enact India’s National Anthem can move even the most stone-hearted person. The words at the end of it say it all: Patriotism has no language. It was created by BIG Cinemas.
No Raajneeti here
Director Prakash Jha came up with an interesting idea to promote his multi-starrer Raajneeti (2010). He shot their own version of the National Anthem with the entire cast, as well as himself. This was played even years after the film released.
Prakash Jha does it again
After getting a good response for the Raajneeti version of the National Anthem, Prakash Jha tried it again with his 2016 film, Jai Gangaajal. It features the film’s lead actress Priyanka Chopra, along with a group of other actors, including Jha, dressed up as cops.
Saluting the 26/11 heroes
This one also has a strong emotional value. It is dedicated to all those who lost their lives while fighting terrorists who attacked Mumbai on that fateful night on 26 November 2008. The brave policemen, firefighters, hospital staff, the families of victims and common people are shown in the video, along with the pictures of the martyrs. Sonu Nigam has rendered his voice while the narration is provided by Farhan Akhtar. It has some excellent camerawork.
Touch of the women in cinema
The Women in Films and Television (WIFT), an NGO, came up with their version of the National Anthem. It features a long list of actresses, filmmakers and singers who have made their contribution in the field of entertainment.
Legendary sisters
It is not often that legendary singers and sisters Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle are seen together displaying their vocal chords. They joined hands for this one and, needless to say, the effect is sweet, yet powerful.
Musical legends assemble
Celebrated composer AR Rahman brought together musical veterans like Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Jagjit Singh, Bhupen Hazarika, Pandit Jasraj, Hariharan and others for this version of the National Anthem. The way Rahman ends it deserves special mention.
Marathi cinema’s version
Marathi actor Pushkar Shrotri came up with a National Anthem with Marathi actors and actresses. It features as many as 75 artists from Maharashtra. It was played for a long time in theatres in the state.
Patriotism at minus 53 degrees
This is a spectacular version of the National Anthem. It is shot at the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen Glacier at Leh. But apart from brilliant visuals, it also makes us realise the pain and challenge our soldiers go through while protecting the nation, where the temperature can go as low as minue 53 degrees. It's hard to keep the goosebumps down when the sound of gushing wind mixes with the National Anthem.
