Sreerama Chandra on His Stirring 'Vande Mataram' for 'Salakaar': "A Reminder of Our Roots"

Singer Sreerama Chandra, who first won the nation's heart as the winner of Indian Idol Season 5, has delivered a powerful and stirring new rendition of Vande Mataram for the upcoming web series, Salakaar. Directed by Faruk Kabir, the project provided Sreerama with an opportunity he describes as both unexpected and profoundly meaningful, allowing him to connect with the patriotic anthem on a deeply personal level.

The new version of the song is already earning praise for its fresh energy and emotional depth, crafted to inspire a new generation of listeners.

An Unexpected and Meaningful Opportunity

The collaboration came as a surprise to the singer. Faruk Kabir, the director of Salakaar, personally reached out to Sreerama with a vision to create a version of the anthem that would resonate with the series' powerful themes.

“The opportunity actually came quite unexpectedly,” Sreerama recalled. “Faruk Kabir sir reached out to me with the idea of doing a fresh, powerful version of Vande Mataram for the series. The concept and the emotion behind it instantly struck a chord with me. It’s not every day that you get to be part of something so meaningful, and I knew right away that I wanted to do it.”

More Than a Song, An Emotion

For Sreerama, Vande Mataram is not just another track in his discography; it's an emotion he has carried since childhood. He consciously channeled this sentiment during the recording process to ensure the performance was authentic and moving.

“Vande Mataram is not just a word — it’s an emotion that has been with us since childhood. While recording, I made sure every note carried that sense of pride, respect, and gratitude toward our country and our soldiers. I wanted listeners to not just hear it, but feel it,” he said.

The Power of Words: A Tribute to the Lyricist

While a singer’s voice brings a song to life, Sreerama believes the soul of this rendition lies in its powerful lyrics, penned by Kaushal Kishore. He was quick to credit the lyricist for capturing the essence of the anthem.

“Of course, as singers we give our best to bring a song alive, but it’s the lyricist who breathes soul into the words. Kaushal Kishore bhai has written such moving lyrics — they hold the emotion, the weight, and the meaning of what Vande Mataram truly stands for,” Sreerama shared.

Inspiring the Youth with a Timeless Anthem

Sreerama also spoke about the crucial role music plays in keeping cultural and patriotic values alive, especially for younger audiences.

“Music is one of the most powerful mediums to inspire and connect people, especially the youth. A song like Vande Mataram, when presented with fresh energy, can reignite that feeling of belonging and pride in being Indian. It’s a reminder of our roots, our history, and the sacrifices made for our freedom — things that should never be forgotten,” he explained.

A Full Circle Moment: 15 Years Since Indian Idol

The release date of the song holds a special place in Sreerama Chandra’s heart. He won the title of Indian Idol on August 15, 2010. Now, exactly 15 years later, he marks this incredible milestone with a performance that pays homage to the nation.

“It makes the moment even more memorable for me,” he said. With this new rendition, Sreerama Chandra has truly come full circle, celebrating a personal victory and a national legacy on the very same day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who sang the new version of Vande Mataram for the web series Salakaar? The new rendition of Vande Mataram for the web series Salakaar is sung by Sreerama Chandra, the winner of Indian Idol Season 5.

2. What is Salakaar? Salakaar is an upcoming web series directed by acclaimed filmmaker Faruk Kabir. The patriotic song Vande Mataram is a key part of its soundtrack.

3. Who wrote the lyrics for Sreerama Chandra's Vande Mataram? The powerful and moving lyrics for this new version were written by the talented lyricist Kaushal Kishore.

4. What is the significance of the release date for Sreerama Chandra? The song was released on August 15, 2025, which marks the 15th anniversary of the day Sreerama Chandra won the Indian Idol title back in 2010, making it a very special and full-circle moment for him.