GUWAHATI: Three-time Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej has set a Guinness World Record with his epic rendition of the Indian National Anthem (Bharat), featuring top legendary Indian musicians-a 100-piece British Orchestra and a choir of 14,000 children from the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences.
Kej shared the release of the anthem on social media platform X with the caption, “Honored to share my epic rendition of our National Anthem of India (Bharat)… We even won a Guinness World record.”
Kej directed the music in collaboration with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Through the project, Kej brings together top classical musicians, including flute maestro Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Rakesh Chaurasia, sarod maestros Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, santoor maestro Rahul Sharma, Jayanthi Kumaresh, Sheik and Kaleeshabi Mahabooba and Giridhar Udupa.
Honored to share my epic rendition of our National Anthem of India (Bharat). Featuring top legendary Indian musicians – a 100 piece British Orchestra and a choir of 14000 tribal children! We even won a Guinness World record 🙂
Please share, watch, use, but with respect 🙂 It… pic.twitter.com/7XASJZ8hxC— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) August 14, 2024
The video, which includes a performance by a 100-piece British orchestra, features 14,000 children forming the map of India and the word “Bharat” in both Hindi and English.
“The national anthem was the first piece of music I ever learnt as a child. We brought together the best classical musicians from India to create a beautiful interpretation, and organized 14,000 students to sing the anthem in four-part harmonies,” Kej told a news agency.
This feat follows Kej’s performance in 2023, where he led the largest symphony orchestra in a rendition of the Indian National Anthem at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios.
His new rendition is a tribute to every Indian, aiming to inspire patriotism and national pride.
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In 2015, he won a Grammy at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards for his album “Winds of Samsara” in the Best New Age Album category.
In 2022, he won his second Grammy at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for his album “Divine Tides” in collaboration with Rock & Roll legend Stewart Copeland in the Best New Age Album category.
In 2023, Ricky Kej won his third Grammy for his album “Divine Tides” at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in the Best Immersive Audio Album category, which took place in Los Angeles in February.
