Shankar Mahadevan’s New Song ‘Dil Ki Dhun’ Shows an India United by Sound

Among India’s most prolific and seasoned voices, Shankar Mahadevan launched My Country My Music in early 2016 – a project aimed at covering India’s cultural and sonic heritage, shining a spotlight on folk music from different corners of the nation.

Now, after several shows across India, the multilingual folk-fusion ensemble helmed by Mahadevan has released its first track, “Dil Ki Dhun.” Partnering with streaming platform JioSaavn, record label Warner Music India and smartphone-maker OnePlus, the song has already crossed the million-streams mark and is paired with a music video that showcases the country’s diversity.

Mahadevan approaches the track with lyricist Tanishk Nabar to craft a sonic snapshot of the rhythm and melody found in everyday life in multicultural, modern-yet-traditional India, from the urban soundscapes to instruments and nature.

Mahadevan says in a statement, “Every nook and corner of our diverse country has its own sound and with the launch of this video and the song, we have tried to capture the essence of what it means to find your dhun. I’m thrilled to bring to the audience a piece of my ‘Dil Ki Dhun’ and hope to encourage them to find theirs.”

Watch the video below. Listen to “Dil Ki Dhun” on JioSaavn.