This piano rendition of 'Jana Gana Mana' is the most viewed national anthem on YouTube

Aug 14 (AZINS) A piano rendition of the Indian national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana", by Mumbai-based pianist Shayan Italia has broken all records to become the most viewed national anthem with 72 million views on the video sharing website YouTube. Directed by Farhad Vijay Arora, the video, shot in 8K Ultra HD, was uploaded to the website on July 29.

The pianist had set a challenge #71for71challenge - 71 million views of his piano rendition of the Jana Gana Mana to celebrate India's 71 years of Independence - after uploading the video.

Italia said the initiative succeeded without corporate sponsors, political support or celebrity endorsements.

"On the first day of the upload, we received more than 5 million views and quickly realised that we now had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect all of India with its most emotional chord the Jana Gana Mana," Italia said.

One rendition of the French national anthem is the second most viewed national anthem with around 36 million views.

"We decided that our heartfelt rendition of Rabindranath Tagore's divine ode should get, by 15 August, 71 million views 1 million views to celebrate each year of India's 71 years of Independence," Italia said.

It crossed 71 million views today and has so far been viewed by over 73 million people on YouTube.

The contemporary version of the timeless classic has been arranged and rendered on the world' grandest concert piano, the flagship Steinway Model D, to befit Jana Gana Mana's stature.

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

"We are overwhelmed by the support we have received from the real India that's outside the metros and outside politics or Bollywood or cricket," Italia said. 

"With this video, we have proved that no matter how big the challenge, common Indian can take on the world and have the support of common Indians," said Farhad Vijay Arora.

Shayan Italia, a pianist and a songwriter, was born in Hyderabad and now lives in Mumbai. 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.