Musical collaboration is a tribute to a deep friendship
Song released to mark historic visit and relationship
DUBAI // A song produced by Indian and Emirati artists will forge a musical connection between the countries. The producers describe the song, Mile Sur ( Merging Melodies), released to celebrate the visit of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on India’s 68th Republic Day, is a tribute to the friendship between the nations.
“The song crosses boundaries and that was the intention of doing it, to stir emotion and connect people,” said singer Nishita Charles, a marketing manager with a retail company.
Work on the project began last year after the announcement that the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces would be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.
“We wanted to create something to bring two cultures together because we have spent such a large chunk of our lives here,” said Charles.
“I often listen to Arabic songs. As musicians we touch and feel others’ music and each of us has put our soul into this. Sheikh Mohammed’s visit is an important step in showing that both countries care for each other’s people. It is a hand of friendship.”
To the beat of the darbuka, an Arab percussion instrument, Emirati singer Adel Ebrahim sings the Khaleeji version of the Hindi lyrics that mean: “The fragrance of this earth, how can we forget it, wherever you go, you will always return.
“This country that is yours, is your homeland, it is calling us. This is a bond that can never be broken. When my melody meets yours, it becomes our song.”
It unites a Bollywood song Yeh Joh Des Hai Tera ( This is your Country) composed by Indian musician AR Rahman for the 2004 movie Swades ( Country) and the 1988 Mile Sur Mera Tumhara ( When my Melody Meets yours) with lyrics written by advertising guru Piyush Pandey.
Ebrahim said the toughest part was translating the Hindi lyrics. “We wanted Arabs to understand this too, so it’s not heard only by Indians,” he said. “We wanted to send a message to all through music.”
Blending Arab and Indian music was not easy, said music producer Mahesh Raghvan. “Both forms are complicated and versatile, so we had to make sure it brought together the flavour so each was represented,” he said.
“This was the perfect opportunity to collaborate with musicians and link two countries.”
The song has drawn thousands of hits online with enthusiastic comments from listeners.