Published On: 2018-08-13

Mumbai: After smashing all records for national anthems en route to 51 million YouTube views within 12 days of being uploaded, Jana Gana Mana’s #71for71challenge is the all-new trending rage on social media.

The creators of the video, pianist Shayan Italia and director Farhad Vijay Arora, expect India to unite for the #71for71challenge as one. They are confident that, by 15 August, their heartfelt rendition of Rabindranth Nath Tagore’s divine ode will get 71 million views—1 million views to celebrate each year of India’s 71 years of Independence.

Within 12 days of listing, the #IWOULDSTANDFORTHIS video of Rabindranath Tagore’s ode to India has attracted more than 50 million views, becoming the most viewed online video of the Indian national anthem ever and the most viewed in the world. It is now the most viewed single video of any national anthem of the world on YouTube, overtaking the French national anthem video which has 36 million views. Until #IWOULDSTANDFORTHIS, the record for the Indian anthem was under 9 million views.

This contemporary version of the timeless classic is a creation of Shayan Italia. The composition has been arranged and rendered on the world’s grandest concert piano, the flagship Steinway Model D, to befit the Jana Gana Mana’s majesty and stature.

Shot in 8K Ultra HD and directed by Farhad Vijay Arora, the global cross-cultural project involves the Who’s Who of audio and video world across the globe. Exceeding all expectations, within less than 24 hours of going live on YouTube, the video had crossed 5 million views. No other national anthem has seen such rapid success on YouTube or online--ever.

#IWOULDSTANDFORTHIS is a powerful testimony to the power of the common Indian. Shayan Italia’s rendition has succeeded without advertisements, political support, celebrity endorsements, or campaigns in the social or traditional media. 

Hyderabad born and Mumbai resident, Shayan Italia is a pianist, songwriter, and entrepreneur. His latest creation is in remembrance of his mother for the gift of music she left him before she succumbed to cancer when he was a child.

“India is going through trying, divisive times as never before. The singular aim is to bring all of India together in the next two weeks to celebrate our great country's most celebrated treasure--the Jana Gana Mana,” says Shayan Italia.

Shayan Italia wants more. “This strong foundation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for showcasing India’s unity. We have now set up the #71for71challenge to garner 71 million views in time for independent India turning 71 years old on August 15. I have done my bit by getting the world’s best to contribute their talent, time and resources for India; now it’s for all of India to stand as one to beat the #71for71challenge.“

“India deserves the very best. This is the first time that any video from India has been shot entirely in 8K Ultra HD in VFX,” said Farhad Vijay Arora.    

VIDEO – Shayan Italia | Indian National Anthem | Steinway D Grand Piano | 8K Ultra HD

https://youtu.be/YNpqyL3Z_6A 

INDIANNATIONALANTHEM.com
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