India sings its own anthem

Music composer Shantanu Moitra and lyricist Swanand Kirkere have together created a theme song to cheer for the Indian Olympic squad, and popularise the Indian athletes within the country.

Music composer Shantanu Moitra and lyricist Swanand Kirkere have together created a theme song to cheer for the Indian Olympic squad, and popularise the Indian athletes within the country.

Titled Aap agar saath hain. To jeet bhi saath hai, the song was launched on July 25 as part of YouTube’s initiative called It’s Time You Cheer, which encourages the youth to step up and support the Indian athletes during the ongoing London Olympics.

“I was really touched by the stories of some of these Olympians. They are already winners for me, coming through challenges and hardships to represent the country at the grandest stage of them all. This anthem is my salutation to them,” says Moitra.

Adds Kirkere, “It’s time you cheer. It’s a perfect call to our nation to support these men and women who will be gunning for glory at the Olympics.”

The anthem has been launched along with a series of specially shot ‘Know your stars’ & ‘Know your sport’ videos featuring athletes Sandeep Singh (Hockey), Mary Kom (Boxing), Heena Sidhu (Shooting), and many more.

What’s noteworthy is that the song had over 93,000 hits within two days of its launch and fans are showing a positive response. “We are a nation...we are a team..and we r with u,” posted user premrajkingoflove. “I luv this song and will pray for all. Indian players...go win the world... play ur heart out,” posted SuperShiv111.