‘Jana Gana Mana’ to ‘Jai Hind’: Ustad Hidayat Husain Khan ‘covers’ the national anthem

Renowned sitarist and composer Hidayat Husain Khan has now treated fans of Hindustani classical music to a new stirring track, ‘Jai Hind, India|Jana Gana Mana’.

The soulful rendition of our national anthem comes ahead of Republic Day on 26 January 2025 in a heartfelt tribute to India's syncretic, diverse, unified and vibrant soul.

Aside from Hidayat Husain Khan, the track also features tabla percussionist Avirodh Sharma. Hrishi Shah has directed the accompanying music video.

Speaking of ‘Jai Hind’, Hidayat Husain Khan was quoted saying, "The national anthem was such an intrinsic part of my school days and I was filled with nostalgia when I was invited to perform it at an event in New York City. That experience then inspired me to reinterpret and record this version."

Sharing details about the soulful composition, he added, "The composition begins with a meditative alaap and takes the listener right into the core values that define India’s historical evolution. The rhythmic tabla patterns capture our nation’s joyous diversity. It peaks with a fast-paced jhala, representing India’s dynamic energy, before culminating in a solo symbolising unity in diversity."

Hidayat Husain Khan revealed that the ‘Jai Hind’ creation evolved spontaneously: "The alaap and jhala sections were completely improvised in the studio with my tabla player, Avirodh Sharma. Even the vocal delivery was totally instinctive and from the heart."

The maestro further revealed what the track signifies: "India has enormous cultural depth as well as resilience, and 'Jai Hind' celebrates all of this. It also carries our shared memories of mutual acceptance, and respect for differences and salutes the spirit of oneness that defines India and Indians."

Financed by Ayon Ghosh (Naad), this new rendition of the national anthem was released on 21 January 2025.