Sai Naam Sancha song: Udit Narayan, Hariharan, Shaan & Bela Shende pay respect to Sai Baba
Noted composer Lalit Pandit’s maiden devotional track brings together an array of singing stars, both young and old, to create a divine melody.
By Mayur Lookhar
He’s made a career out of Hindi playback music. After delivering one chartbuster after another, Lalit Pandit, of Jatin–Lalit fame, has explored his spiritual side with his maiden divine composition, Sai Naam Sancha. Pandit has also lent his voice to the track.
This single brings together an array of stars, both young and old. When it comes to the divine, all are equal; marquee names like Udit Narayan, Hariharan, Shaan, and Bela Shende join young voices such as Saanjali Khadikar, Akasa Singh, and Swar Sharma. Then there is the unsung Sarika Kansara, and Javed Ali, whose presence makes this an inclusive devotional track.
Often, devotional music feels like ritual, but the beauty of Sai Naam Sancha lies in its simple, hummable lyrics by Alok Ranjan Jha. You can enjoy this track any time, any place. Most devotional songs are about singing the praise of the deity and celebrating the values the divine stood for. Sai Baba, the 19th-century saint, was known for his benevolence and compassion – qualities that are perhaps much needed again in the world today. The hummable lyrics help the track strike an instant chord with crores of Sai Baba’s devotees across India and the globe. The opening flute strains and Shaan’s voice instantly make you want to explore this track further. Be it the 90s stars or budding talents, there is no seniority when it comes to devotional music. Pandit’s singing stars and young voices simply obey their music director.
Most of the vocalists appear to have recorded separately, but the final output is melodious, filled with reverence, and leaves you with a sense of devotion and a spiritual experience. Pandit and his editor get an A+ for the wonderful vocal arrangements. Udit Narayan, Hariharan, they are masters of their craft with the latter having enough experience in the devotional music. Narayan, intrigues not just for his singing, but also for his colorful shirt. Looks like the iconic singer headed to the studio after a trip to the Bahamas.
Lalit Pandit grants freedom to his vocalists to express their personalities without really compromising on their individual style. Singing sensation Akasa Singh clearly has a unique voice, and very appealing throw and expressions. Young Saanjali Khadikar, granddaughter of Meena Mangeshkar, has a studious look about her, but impresses with her voice quality. Swar Sharma, son of Pt Rattan Mohan Sharma, and the grandchild of Pandit Jasraj, has a little but vital contribution in the closing moments of the song. He sure looks good to carry forward the family legacy. Sathya Sai Baba, considered the last incarnation of Sai Baba, had curly hair. Perhaps apart from the quality tones, Saanjali and Swar’s curly hair also made then a natural choice to sing Sai Naam Sancha. The unheralded Sarika Kansara, too, grabs her opportunity.
It’s always special when a Muslim artist dedicates himself to such devotional music. Having said that, Sai Baba belonged to all, and Javed Ali bares his heart and soul in this soulful number. A popular name on the Marathi circuit, Bela Shende – uff, that voice! The legend Lata Mangeshkar is no more, but there is no dearth of nightingales in Indian music. Bela Shende is surely one such voice. Why such talent hasn’t been tapped more by Bollywood is a mystery. The vocal ensemble would be incomplete without the crucial efforts of singer-composer Lalit Pandit. Well, he’s been a celebrated composer in Bollywood, but with his first devotional track, the composer has finally lived up to his Pandit surname. Be it his singing or composition, Lalit Pandit serves like a holy priest who has gathered all these mellifluous devotees to praise the Lord and give a divine experience to crores of listeners. A word of praise for the unsung chorus artistes too,
The track isn’t just about great divine music; the outdoor visuals, too, are striking. Pandit’s production team has banked on AI to create life-like visuals of Sai Baba and his devotees. Why not? After all, there’s AI in S-AI. Perhaps some of the visuals needed closer attention, with one or two repetitive, similar faces in a single frame. The idea for this track emanated from Pandit’s visit to the Shirdi Sai Baba temple, and the musician wisely weaves in real footage of the deity and devotees. At the end of the song, you are filled with devotion and a strong desire to visit Shirdi soon. Why not hum Sai Naam Sancha all through the journey?
Tune into Sai Naam Sancha below.
