A R Rahman releases 'Jana Gana Mana' album

Chennai, Aug 11 (UNI) Globally acclaimed music director A R Rahman launched his new album 'Jana Gana Mana' today to coincide with the 60th Independence Day celebrations here at a leading home video retail chain store 'Music World.

With 'Vande Mataram' already a big hit among the people a few years ago, 'Jana Gana Mana' was expected to receive a rousing reception particularly among youth.

The project was conceived and directed by Bharatbala and Kanika Myer.

The album, produced by A R Rahaman, brings together some of the most celebrated Indian artistes to recite the national anthem in their uniquely individual style and depicts the true Indian spirit of diverse cultures merging into one country and one faith -- India.

The video album, set across the vast landscape of India, showcases her beauty like never before. It also has national anthem filmed on the Indian army.

The breathtaking film has been shot at 21,000 feet in the icy glacier of Siachen.

Talking to newspersons, Mr Rahman said all the artistes have contributed their unique style to this album.

''All the artistes came forward and worked to salute the spirit of India and its freedom,'' he added.

He said ''the greatness of this concept is the humbleness it reflects -- the legends praising the motherland in their unique way is an experience in itself and I enjoyed every moment of being associated with it.'' The album has singing legends, including Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, D K Pattamal, Lata Mangeshkar, Pr Hari Prasand, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Bhupen Hazarika, Asha Bhonsle, Pt Sivkumar Sharma, Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Ustad Sultan Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash, Rahul Sharma, Vikku Vinayakram, Uma Shankar, Kadri Gopalnath, Ravikiran, E Gayathri, Pt Kartick Kumar, Hariharan and Kavitha Krishnamurthy.

The collector's pack will be available across the country in all leading music stores.

UNI