Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan join Berklee Indian Ensemble to bring back 'Dil Chahta Hai'

Two decades since Dil Chahta Hai (2001) was released, the film's popularity and iconic status are effectively cemented. Over 112 musicians, singers and actors joined hands to participate in a rendition of the title song 'Dil Chahta Hai' alongside Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar and Shankar Mahadevan to support the cause of those hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The music single, released on 5 May, begins with Aamir Khan speaking about how close the film is to his heart. "Amongst all the films I have done, the song 'Dil Chahta Hai' is certainly one of my favourites," the superstar, a member of the jury at the recently concluded second edition of the Cinestaan India's Storytellers Contest, said. "It is beautifully composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and the lyrics by Javed [Akhtar] saheb are just exquisite. I am really happy to know that the Berklee School of Music has done a recording of this song and that all the funds collected from this recording will go to support the musicians and singers during these very tough times."

Quoting the song, and the film's title, Khan quipped, "My heart desires [Dil chahta hai] that everyone who is suffering finds relief and the happy days return soon."

The music video, created by the Berklee Indian Ensemble, features a number of prominent Indian names from Shankar Mahadevan to Benny Dayal, Shalmali Kholgade, Jonita Gandhi, Salim Merchant, Zakir Hussain, Louis Banks and the film's director, Farhan Akhtar. The artists participated from 21 different countries.

Each of the participants had a unique message. Where lead singer Shankar wished for a ''happy planet'', music genius Zakir Hussain expressed his love for his constant companion, the tabla. Louis Banks shared a supportive message for those on the frontline of the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

The Berklee School of Indian Music had earlier collaborated with AR Rahman to create covers of some of the composer's more renowned works in Indian cinema.

Like Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar was thrilled at the experience of recreating the song from his first film as director and shared it on Twitter.

The proceeds from the video will be donated by T-Series to help those hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.