Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Team India cricketers sing Vande Mataram at Wankhede Stadium, A R Rehman says "really emotional to see this"

On July 4, 2024, Team India, fresh from their T20 World Cup victory, returned to a hero’s welcome at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. The event reached an emotional crescendo when the team, alongside thousands of fans, spontaneously sang "Vande Mataram." This moment was especially significant given the presence of Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and celebrated director Bharat Bala, both of whom have deep connections to the patriotic song.

The Event
Team India's victory lap at Wankhede was a jubilant celebration, resonating with national pride. The Indian cricket players, wrapped in the national flag, circled the stadium as fans cheered. Amidst this electrifying atmosphere, the crowd and the team began to sing "Vande Mataram" in unison, transforming the stadium into a chorus of patriotism and unity.

 
AR Rahman's Reaction
AR Rahman, known for his seminal album "Vande Mataram," which included the iconic song "Maa Tujhe Salaam," was deeply moved by the spontaneous rendition. He shared a video of the moment on his social media, captioning it with "Vande Mataram" accompanied by emojis of the Indian flag, a trophy, a heart, and clapping hands. Rahman's reaction captured the essence of the moment, blending national pride with personal nostalgia. His composition "Maa Tujhe Salaam," released 27 years ago to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of India's independence, has since become a timeless anthem of national pride.
Bharat Bala's Emotions
Director Bharat Bala, who collaborated with Rahman on the "Maa Tujhe Salaam" video, also expressed his emotions on social media. He shared a clip of the victory lap and reflected on the enduring legacy of their work. Bala wrote, "Really emotional to see an anthem created 27 years ago continues to fire the nation #vandemataram #maatujhesalaam." His words highlighted the lasting impact of their creation, which has continued to inspire and unite people across generations.