Shankar Mahadevan, Harshdeep Kaur and more Join Hands For Vaccine Awareness Song

A transformative change in the country needs a strong upward-driving force. While the second wave of the rabid Covid-19 put the country into a state of shock, some of the biggest artists in the country came together as flag bearers of change to pull it out of this slump. 

On June 21st, media platform Network18 released “Tika Lagaya Kya,” a music video featuring veteran musician Shankar Mahadevan and popular playback singer Harshdeep Kaur. The song, penned by Tanishq Nabar, also brings together Mahadevan’s musician sons Siddharth and Shivam. “Tika Lagaya Kya” aids grassroots-level pro-vaccination initiative Sanjeevani – A Shot of Life, which began earlier this April with actor/philanthropist Sonu Sood as campaign ambassador. This nationwide campaign supported by Federal Bank aims to raise awareness toward Covid-19 vaccination across the worst-affected belt of India and nudges the listeners to get the jab. 

Speaking on the launch of the track, Mahadevan says, “As a responsible citizen, it is my privilege to be a part of an initiative that is driving the national cause for mass vaccination.” He adds, “That’s the thought behind creating this anthem — to drive awareness at the grassroots level and encourage more people to get vaccinated. If we can get that critical message across through the medium of music as a force for change, then nothing like it.” 

On her contribution to the song, Kaur comments, “When Shankar sir called me with the concept of this anthem, and what it would mean to the people, I didn’t think twice… In fact, it filled me with optimism and vigor while I sang it, and I hope that it encourages more citizens to take the vaccination drive seriously. For at this time, there are few things that are more patriotic than safeguarding yourself and those around you.” 

Coupled with the social media campaign #TikaLagayaKya, the initiative ushers the idea of patriotism through vaccination at a primary level. The anthem video features common people from across the country, both as the receivers and the bearers of information. The impactful lyrics set in a catchy Hindustani melody are penned by lyricist Tanishk Nabar who says, “The biggest satisfaction for me is when I get to make a positive change and onground impact through words set to a hummable melody. Keeping it fun without diluting its impact or relevance was definitely a challenge.” Also among the familiar musicians in the video is drummer Rahul Hariharan, from metallers Bhayanak Maut and indie band Sharma and the Besharams, and guitarist Shon Pinto. “Tika Lagaya Kya” has been produced by Siddharth Mahadevan and Souumil Shringarpure.

The Sanjeevani initiative began at the Attari Border in Amritsar in April. With the help of mobile vans known as ‘Sanjeevani Gaadi,’ the project has taken a nationwide approach by traveling through villages across cities like Nashik, Dakshina Kannada, Guntur and Indore to help citizens achieve immunization against the virus. 

Watch the video for “Tika Lagaya Kya” below.