https://sputniknews.in/20230815/india-has-come-long-way-since-independence-says-bollywood-singer-shibani-kashyap-3603257.html

'India Has Come Long Way Since Independence', Says Bollywood Singer Shibani Kashyap

'India Has Come Long Way Since Independence', Says Bollywood Singer Shibani Kashyap

Sputnik India

Known for experimenting with western and Indian classical music, Bollywood singer-composer Shibani Kashyap has given many hit songs.

2023-08-15T13:46+0530

2023-08-15T13:46+0530

2023-08-15T15:04+0530

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Known for experimenting with Western and Indian classical music, Bollywood singer-composer Shibani Kashyap has provided us with many hit songs, including ‘Sajna Aa Bhi Jaa’ from the movie ‘Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part 2’, 'Zinda Hoon Main' from ‘Zinda’, and many others. On the occasion of Independence Day, she spoke with Sputnik India.Sputnik: As India commemorates its 77th Independence Day on Tuesday, how are you planning to celebrate this big day that completely transformed the nation?Shibani Kashyap (SK): I like to celebrate the day with Indian soldiers at the border and perform for them. This year also, I’ll be performing in Bengaluru (in Karnataka state) for the Indian armed forces.I’m an Army officer’s daughter and patriotism is in my blood. I’ve performed a lot for the Indian army and feel immense joy and truly proud to be an Indian.Sputnik: As India will celebrate its Independence Day on August 15th, what does freedom mean to you in the real sense?SK: Freedom means we as a country have our own identity represented by our diverse culture, history, and tradition. We are a democracy and being Indian is a matter of pride. Freedom to me is an expression of my thoughts, talent, ideas, and culture!Sputnik: Who has been your favorite freedom fighter?SK: My favorite freedom fighters are Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, and Lal Bahadur Shastri. They dedicated their entire lives to fighting for the freedom of India from the British and put the foundation stone for building the new nation that we are today.Sputnik: Your favorite patriotic songs?SK: ‘Aye Mere Vatan Ke Logon’ by the late music maestro Lata Mangeshkar ji (also known as the 'Nightingale of India'). It's so heart-touching, inspiring, and powerful.I have done covers of songs that praise our motherland. Like 'Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo', 'Sare Jaha Se Acha', 'Suno Gaur Se Duniya Walo' and others.Sputnik: How do you think India has progressed since gaining independence?SK: India has come a long way since we achieved independence. We’ve carved a niche at the global front, be it at the Oscars with the movies ‘Naatu Naatu’ or ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ or the Grammy Awards, with Ricky Kej winning three awards in a row, or at Cannes Film Festival. Even in the field of medicine, IT (Information Technology) or Science or hosting the G20 Summit, India is shining across the world and being noticed and applauded. That is why we are an Incredible India.I would call ourselves the new, empowered India. There is so much that India has to offer and is offering to the world.Sputnik: Can you share any special memory or experience related to India's Independence Day?SK: I have some amazing memories of celebrating Independence Day. I remember during my childhood days, how excited I used to be when the flag hoisting ceremony used to take place in the morning assembly. It was so enthralling.Last year, I performed at the India Day Parade in New York, where millions of Indians gathered and hoisted the flag. The entire Empire State building was lit up in India’s tricolor. It just showed how much fervor and patriotism there is in abroad.Sputnik: What do you think is the biggest challenge India faces today?SK: India still faces the challenge of being the most polluted country. The crime rate is high and several areas continue to face water shortages and flooding due to excessive rain.We need to preserve our natural resources and the water shortage situation, and pollution can be actively addressed and actually solved. Moreover, the crime rate situation is not good and brings a lot of shame for a country like ours, which is deeply entrenched in traditions, culture, and respect.It is more like a paradox situation to have these kinds of challenges.Sputnik: How do you think music can continue to inspire and unite India?SK: Music transcends all barriers of caste, creed, religion, language, place, and even time. Music is timeless and is such a powerful tool that actually unites people together. I remember when I used to be part of the 'Aman Ki Asha Tour' and 'India Dosti Tour', singers from across the world participated; what connected us all is our love for music. Music definitely makes a huge difference and unites India and all Indian cultures as a part of one motherland.Whenever I have done songs to send a social message, especially about peace, it has always made an impact and helped the community.Sputnik: What message do you hope to convey through your music on Independence Day?SK: There are so many patriotic songs that are powerful, energizing, invigorating, and inspiring for our country. I hope these songs make people feel proud to be Indian and love the country unconditionally. We are all Indian and that is the first identity of all of us.I have tried to personally show it through my performances, which I have done for the Indian army at Kargil or other border regions. It was a wonderful opportunity to sing for these people who actually protect us.Sputnik: What are your hopes and aspirations for India as it looks toward the future?SK: I envision a cleaner, greener, crime-free, pollution-free India which is educationally empowered and shapes the future of the country.Many people in India have a bad habit of littering on the roads and throwing wrapping papers and peels and treating our own country as gutter which is not right. We need to keep our country clean and appreciate the beauty of it.

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