With a firm belief that music is the anchor that holds us all together, irrespective of differences, Bollywood actor Boman Irani decided to display one of his lesser-known talents for the world – that of singing.
The ‘3 Idiots’ actor chose ‘Over The Rainbow’, originally sung by Hollywood great Judy Garland for the classic film ‘The Wizard Of Oz’. Irani was joined by a choir of talented young girls – Shriya Rao, Aneesha Karwanyun, Naima Ramakrishnan, Aaliya Ramakrishnan, Nisha Ramakrishnan, Anika Mashruwala, Shloka Subramanium, Kimaya Mehta and Vaidehi Srinivasan – from the Bombay International School.
His rendition of the classic song was created remotely as he and the young musicians recorded the vocals from home amid the coronavirus lockdown constraints.
Irani said: "When I heard these girls, I was bowled over by their talent and I wanted to sing with them. I connected with Danesh to collaborate with this choir and he obliged me.
“By then the budding artists at the Akansha Foundation sent me pictures of their paintings that depicted the beautiful song. It is a classic song that has filled many with hope. I'm glad that all of this art came together so well. Kudos to the kids."
The song, sung by the actor in his booming voice with the harmonies rendered by the young musicians, is special as it is backed up with the unique artwork organised by the Akansha Foundation. The imaginative paintings that reflect the ethos of the song are featured in the video.
This unique collaboration kicked off when the ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’ actor chanced upon a video of the young musicians singing on social media. He connected with Danesh Khambata at Silly Point Productions, who creates musical content for the girls' choir. The arrangement of the song was executed by Danesh Khambata, whose brother Nariman Khambata took care of the mixing arrangements.
As for his day job of acting, Irani is awaiting the release of the cricketing film '83’ and ‘Jayeshbhai Jordaar’. Meanwhile, the Bollywood star has been keeping busy through lockdown by indulging in many of his other talents, including screenwriting.