In his first public speech after the Pulwama suicide bombing of 14 February 2019 and the retaliatory Indian Air Force strike inside Pakistan 13 days later, prime minister Narendra Modi had famously said, “Saugandh mujhe iss mitti ki, main desh nahi mittne doonga [I swear on my motherland, I won’t let this country be destroyed].”
Lyricist Prasoon Joshi has used Modi’s strong statement to create the first song of director Omung Kumar B’s forthcoming film PM Narendra Modi. And the song turns out to be an inspiring one.
‘Saugandh Mujhe Iss Mitti Ki’ is a simple track that underlines the challenges faced by Modi and his determination to overcome them, the biggest challenge being the post-Godhra riots of 2002 and the terrorist attack on the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar later that year.
Modi and his government were criticized for the riots being allowed to spiral out of control. The song’s video gives a glimpse into Modi’s healing touch after the riots and his anger in the aftermath of the terrorist attack. This is a promotional song with director Omung Kumar using visuals from the trailer for the video.
Joshi’s fine lyrics are backed by an endearing score by the unheralded composer duo of Shashi and Khushi Suman. Sukhwinder Singh seldom disappoints listeners with his singing. There is a great passion in Sukhwinder’s voice. Shashi Suman has a few lines and he complements Sukhwinder well.
The trailer evoked a mixed response but the first song from the film is a fine inspirational track.
PM Narendra Modi is set to be released on 5 April. Watch the ‘Saugandh Mujhe Iss Mitti Ki’ track below and let us know if you are keen to watch this film.