Filmmaker Bharat Bala recently shared the fascinating story behind AR Rahman’s iconic “Vande Mataram,” revealing how the legendary track was recorded spontaneously at 2 AM and his vision for it as a “romantic” ode to the nation.
A Vision for “Vande Mataram”: More Than Just Patriotism
Bharat Bala, who directed the groundbreaking music video, aimed for a deeper connection with “Vande Mataram.” He envisioned it not merely as a patriotic anthem, but as a profound love song for one’s country.
Bala explained that he wanted to transform the existing perception of the song. His goal was to infuse it with emotion, making it feel like a romantic ballad dedicated to Mother India, a sentiment he believes has helped it resonate so deeply even today.
The Unforgettable Midnight Recording
AR Rahman had set up a dedicated studio on the second floor specifically for this ambitious project. For six months, despite their best efforts, the recording wasn’t coming together as planned, leaving the team often sleeping on the studio floor.
Then, at 2 AM one night, Rahman spontaneously awoke. Bala recalls Rahman, known for his spiritual approach, lighting a candle and asking him to call the sound engineer. With no engineer available, Rahman asked Bala to sit with him, and a magical 15-minute session unfolded.
Tears and Raw Emotion: “Maa Tujhe Salaam”
In that quiet, early morning hour, Rahman entered the recording studio and began to sing “Maa Tujhe Salaam.” Bala was overwhelmed by the raw emotion pouring from Rahman’s voice.
He admitted he was in tears during the performance, deeply moved by the moment. What’s remarkable is that this very recording, born out of pure spontaneity and emotion, was the version ultimately used in the final, iconic song, without any further refinement.
Filming an Epic with Real People
Just as the recording was organic, the filming of the “Vande Mataram” video also embraced a natural approach. Bharat Bala had a clear vision: no storyboarding or elaborate planning was needed.
He decided to feature real people from across India, without makeup or choreography. The strategy was simple: they would travel to various locations, gather people, and film them artistically alongside a large Indian flag. The entire video was shot in just 20-25 days, with the final cut delivered within another ten, creating an epic and authentic visual tribute to the nation.
- AR Rahman’s “Vande Mataram” was recorded spontaneously at 2 AM.
- The original, raw recording from that night was used in the final song.
- Filmmaker Bharat Bala envisioned the song as a “love song” for India, not just patriotic.
- The music video was filmed organically across India with real people, no choreography.
This incredible backstory highlights the passion and spontaneity that went into creating one of India’s most beloved and enduring musical anthems.
