The Oscar-winning duo of ‘Jai Ho' composer AR Rahman and lyricist Gulzar have reunited once again for a powerful new anthem that gives a voice to Mother Earth. The song features vocals by Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, KS Chithra, Sadhana Sargam, Shashaa Tirupati, Asees Kaur and Armaan Malik.
Rahman’s composition is almost like a soft lullaby, bolstered by the lovely flute piece by Naveen Kumar. Rightly so, ‘Meri Pukaar Suno’ gives prominence to Yagnik, Ghoshal, Chithra and Sargam.
It’s great to see the female singers’ voices (Yagnik, Sargam and Chithra) that once dominated the 1990s, mingling with those of the new generation. Finally, Malik brings the anthem home with an impassioned plea to not let down nature and, in effect, Mother Earth. Gulzar’s lyrics are simple yet passionate.
The music video features the artistes against a simple white background, with visuals of a children's painting competition, playing side by side. A young boy is stuck trying to figure out what to paint, and then finally takes to the ground, to make a poignant chalk drawing.
The combination of Rahman and the veteran Gulzar has resulted in yet another meaningful but necessary song for the times, as much of the world is reeling under the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as climate change.
Watch the song below.