MUMBAI: Grammy and Oscar winning composer AR Rahman has collaborated with celebrated lyricist-poet Gulzar to create the official song for Hockey Men’s World Cup to be held in Bhubaneswar 2018.
The song titled “Jai hind hind, jai India” is penned by Gulzar.
“Nothing says India more than our beloved sport hockey. And nothing is more exciting than the world’s biggest hockey tournament happening right here, on our turf,” Rahman said in a statement.
“It’s heart-warming to see the entire nation pledge their heartbeats for hockey. As an extension of pledging our heartbeats, Gulzar sahab and I have created the World Cup song. A song that will excite and inspire, as also get you on your feet,” added the music maestro.
Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted on his official Twitter handle: “Delighted to announce that India’s pride @arrahman is creating official #HWC2018 Song with the legendary #Gulzar Sahab. At the Opening Ceremony of #HWC2018 Rahman will perform it Live, his first performance in Odisha. Let the musical symphony create magic#HeartBeatsForHockey”
Regarding Gulzar’s contribution, Patnaik stated: “We are also fortunate to have Gulzar sahab add his poetic magic to the composition. Coming together of these two legends will not only inspire the players but will also get the entire nation together to support this wonderful game unfolding in Odisha at the World Cup.”
The fourteenth edition of the prestigious hockey competition is scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 16.
Rahman is also directing the song’s video, which will be shot across the hockey heartlands of India. The song is set to release at the Kalinga Stadium inauguration scheduled for early October. Rahman will also perform it live at the opening ceremony on November 27.
