Rakesh Kumar Pal, the musical mind behind many hits, opens up about the herculean effort to create a song for ‘Shatak’, the grand film marking 100 years of the RSS. Far from routine Bollywood assignments, this endeavor required immersing in a century of disciplined service and national devotion.
The RSS, born in the turbulent 1920s under Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, has shaped India’s socio-political landscape. ‘Shatak’ weaves this narrative through dramatic reenactments and testimonials. Pal’s challenge? Composing lyrics that echo the sangh’s motto of selfless sewa while captivating a pan-India audience.
‘Every line had to reflect truth and inspire action,’ he said. Research spanned RSS’s role in freedom struggles, relief work during calamities, and its influence on politics via affiliates like BJP. Pal wrestled with balancing reverence and universality—avoiding propaganda while celebrating resilience.
Technical aspects intensified the ordeal. The song accompanies montage sequences of shakha drills, tribal outreach, and global expansions. Pal iterated dozens of versions, testing them at RSS camps for genuine feedback. Integrating folk elements from various regions added layers of authenticity.
With ‘Shatak’ poised to premiere amid nationwide centenary events, Pal views his contribution as a personal milestone. The track, featuring chorus by swayamsevaks, symbolizes RSS’s grassroots ethos. This fusion of music and history not only entertains but educates, reinforcing the organization’s enduring relevance in modern India.