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Balle Mataram - a song dedicated to the Indian cricket team
Nishant Kollu lives in New Jersey, too far away from his homeland to share the excitement around the cricket World Cup taking place in South Asia.
But that didn't stop this Andhra Pradesh-born techie from adding his bit to the celebrations. He decided to produce an anthem to his favourite sport. The result: Balle Mataram -- a pulsating track dedicated to the Indian cricket team.
Kollu got Uday Shankar, a former techie from Hyderabad to compose the music for the anthem. Bollywood lyricist Sameer penned the song that is inspired by A R Rahman's Vande Mataram.
However, his biggest feat was getting the master blaster of Bollywood singing, Sukhwinder Singh, to lend his voice to the anthem.
Listen to the song here: Balle Mataram
"I want Balle Mataram to do for the ICC World Cup 2011, what Shakira's Waka Waka did for the 2010 FIFA World Cup," said an enthusiastic Kollu.
The music of Balle Mataram is based on Raag Bhimpalas.
"Along with the classical base, the music has elements of pop with a focus on rhythm to bring out the patriotic fervour attached to cricket," said Uday Shankar, the composer.
Shankar, who is an ex-IT professional, was approached by Kollu in December 2010.
"I got a call from an NRI, who introduced himself as a music buff and die hard cricket fan .He wanted me to compose a song for the ICC World Cup 2011.The tune I created was approved over multiple online chats, e-mails and tele-conferences," revealed Shankar.
'This song is sure to move the nation'
The final product has a youthful flavor with a generous mix of traditional alaaps and beats, fast enough to keep the cricket fans excited.
Along with Rahman's Vande Matram, Kollu was also inspired by Ricky Martin's 1998 World Cup song La Copa De Vida or The Cup Of Life.
Asked how difficult it was to rope in Sukhwinder and Sameer for the song, Kollu said, "Once I explained the concept to Sameer, he was really enthusiastic about it. In fact, he is the one who suggested that we get Sukhwinder Singh to sing the anthem. He also played a big role in convincing Sukhwinder."
Kollu, who is alone responsible for funding this single track album, is now busy striking distribution deals with Internet and mobile operators.
"I am also looking for some sponsorships to make my song reach a wider audience," he said.
Shankar is also confident that the song will become a big hit with Indian cricket fans.
"Composed in a small room, this song is sure to move the nation," he enthused.
Asked about India's chances in the World Cup, die-hard cricket fan Kollu says India has "90 per cent chance" of reaching the final.