Mumbai: Taking the NDTV-Toyota Environment Telethon further, the musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and lyricist Gulzar have come together with NDTV to launch an anthem to save the environment. This green anthem – "Hawaein, Patte, Paani" is a clarion call for people to take action instead of being just mute spectators to the continued degradation of the earth.
The NDTV-Toyota Environment Telethon, launched earlier this year, is aimed at creating awareness about issues related to climate change, and how each one of us can make a difference and help create a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
Shankar Mahadevan said, "The minute we heard that NDTV is taking steps towards saving the environment, our first reaction was that it was a much needed thing. We don’t know whether this song is going to transform the way people look at the environment completely but even if we are able to make one percent of change, we will achieve what we want to. Music is a very powerful medium…it has communicated in the past and definitely will this time as well".
Ehsaan Noorani said, "Music, the way it is in India, is all about Bollywood and entertainment. It’s not about protests, and people don’t do anything about using music to protest. We have been associated earlier with movements like cancer and AIDS awareness, and I think it’s wonderful that we can be associated with a movement to save the environment".
Loy Mendonsa has already taken steps on the personal front to save energy. "I have replaced all the bulbs in my house. I am not fond of tube lights; I like yellow lights. So I have put in energy savers as the first step. I hope I can cut down the use of the A/C. It’s a long road and I have got to do my part".
On the experience of composing the anthem and working with Gulzar, Ehsaan said, "When you compose something that’s non-filmy, it’s easier and can get more personal as opposed to composing for an actor or a scene. Gulzar saab is very, very creative. He is fantastic in his style of writing and his lyrics go skywards. The pictures that he paints – it’s true creativity."
Elaborating on the anthem Shankar said, "We have used a lot of earthy elements –percussion, live instruments, the acoustic guitar – all very upbeat, with a wonderful global sounding chorus, an African touch and lovely lyrics. It’s a happy song with a strong message towards saving the environment and we hope people like it."
