As a child, August 15 signified all things pure and pristine for Yash Daasguptaa. “It was about wearing white kurtas teamed with Tricolour badges,” he smiles. As India celebrates 75 years of Independence, Yash offers a melodious salute this time. He features in the star-studded video of the Independence Day anthem, Har Ghar Tiranga, which was released recently. The music video also features Amitabh Bachchan, Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli, Prabhas and more. A candid chat...
What are your earliest memories of watching or listening to a patriotic song? What kind of an impact did a patriotic song have on you?
We would be so excited to get ready for school. I was a part of NCC and took part in the program. Besides involving and reinstating the importance of freedom, it also helped me to get rid of my stage fright.
The day would begin with watching the parade on TV, followed by a patriotic film with the family. Of course you love your nation throughout your life but the feeling of patriotism while watching the Tricolour being hoisted and the national anthem being sung is incomparable.
What was your first reaction when you were approached for Har Ghar Tiranga?
The best part about the Har Ghar Tiranga anthem is that it is an amalgamation of different languages and represents the most renowned personalities in India. It was a proud moment for me when I was approached to represent the East.
(Clockwise from top left) Yash Daasguptaa, Amitabh Bachchan, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma
What kind of a special meaning does the song have for you?
The objective of Har Ghar Tiranga is to instill nationalism and a patriotic thought of pride and unity in India.
How was the shooting experience?
The moment the song was played the entire ambience changed and all the unit members were singing together. I didn’t have to put any extra effort. It was effortless. It was a natural desh bhakti feeling
The directorial team wanted a location from where the entire cityscape was visible and The 42 building being the tallest skyscraper in the city became the perfect place to shoot. From the terrace all the iconic locations of the city like Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Vidyasagar Setu, the Hooghly river were visible among others . We went to the terrace and shot for two-three hours to get the perfect shot. Our DoP Ravi Yadav — known for films like Race — was brilliant in capturing the essence of Bengal. The director gave me the liberty to enact however I wanted to and it sort of came naturally to me with the song.
I feel almost everyone featured in the song emoted similarly because it comes naturally to us as Indians when you hear about the country.
What did the director ask you to do?
The director just made me listen to the song and he knew what he wanted. He knew that once I listen to the song the feeling and expression will be spontaneous.
Did you have your own inputs as well?
While the lyrics were ‘Ghore ghore Tiranga, sob ghore Tiranga’, I suggested the director to add the word ‘Pataka’ if possible because Bengalis connect with it more. I’m grateful he did that and the song sounds perfect!
Did you want to project a certain emotion during the shot?
When you love your country, the emotion comes out naturally as you hear about the Tricolour.
What was your reaction when you finally saw the full video of Har Ghar Tiranga?
When I watch the video of the anthem, I feel it displays the strength, spirit and diversity of the nation. From missile launches, sports, Army, to the beautiful landscapes of India. It celebrates our Tiranga with this melodious salute; the symbol of our collective pride and unity as our nation completes 75 years of Independence.
What’s your favourite moment from the video?
It’s very difficult to choose given such icons are featured in the song. The song itself will remain etched in my mind for a long time.
What are your thoughts on this Independence Day?
Let there be freedom in your mind and body, faith in your words and pride in your soul. Let’s salute our nation. I am proud to be an Indian and wish every Indian a Happy Independence Day.
Do you have a message for the youth of the country?
As Swami Vivekananda talked about the youth being ‘muscles of iron’ and having ‘nerves of steel’, I feel that the youth today are exceptionally responsive and they just need to be encouraged. My message would be ‘try to spread humanity and unity among others. Try to be proactive, try to be a self-starter, quick learner and self-motivator and don’t have the fear of taking risks. If you want to touch the sky, you have to accept that you may have to fall down several times. So keep struggling and keep shining!’
Picture: Rashbehari Das