The legendary Indian singer Usha Uthup has teamed up with British singer-songwriter Apache Indian in a groundbreaking collaboration for the bonus track ‘London Dreams’ from the Assamese film ‘Sikaar’. The renowned musician Usha Uthup expressed that the profound depth of Assamese culture and its rich emotional landscape allowed her and Apache Indian to find a harmonious common ground, despite their differing musical backgrounds.
The film ‘Sikaar’, under the direction of Debangkar Borgohain, made its debut in cinemas on September 20. The excitement and buzz around the film have more than doubled with the recent release of the bonus track, ‘London Dreams’. The track masterfully combines Apache Indian’s reggae rhythms with Usha Uthup’s powerful vocals, alongside the remarkable voice of Zubeen Garg. This unique fusion has received an overwhelming positive response from audiences in Assam and beyond.
Reflecting on her collaboration with Apache Indian, Usha Uthup shared her insights with IANS, “Although we come from vastly different musical worlds, it was the expansive and emotionally rich Assamese culture that helped us find a shared foundation. Music knows no barriers, and through ‘London Dreams’, we were able to meld our distinct styles while preserving the innate essence of Assam.”
Producer Sam Bhattacharjee, who played a pivotal role in bringing together this eclectic ensemble of artists – Apache Indian, Usha Uthup, music composer Sameer Sen, and the talented singer-actor Zubeen Garg – described the collaboration as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He noted, “Each artist brings such a unique voice and style, yet our goal was to celebrate and showcase the richness of Assamese culture by merging it with diverse global sounds. The magic emerged because each artist could incorporate their unique flair while tapping into the emotional depth intrinsic to Assam.”
When probed about the future of Indian music on the global stage, Sam Bhattacharjee expressed his optimism to IANS, “We are witnessing an unprecedented cross-cultural exchange.
. Indian music is reaching new horizons, crossing borders, and the collaboration in ‘London Dreams’ is a testament to that evolution. The world is paying attention to India, and the future for Indian music looks promising and exciting.”
The film ‘Sikaar’, produced by Sam Bhattacharjee and Mitra Bhattacharya, continues to generate a buzz as it enters its third week of release. The film’s soundtrack, especially the bonus track ‘London Dreams’, is anticipated to play a critical role in the movie’s ongoing success, propelling it further into the limelight. The collaboration not only emphasizes the fusion of different genres and styles but also highlights the universal language of music that bridges cultural divides.
‘London Dreams’ becomes a showcase of how musical boundaries can blend seamlessly, not just presenting a symphony of traditional Assamese tunes with reggae beats but also embodying the spirit of collaboration across continents and cultures. The track stands as a testament to the fluid nature of music that transcends geographical, cultural, and stylistic differences—something that both Usha Uthup and Apache Indian have achieved remarkably.
For the musicians involved, the project is not just about merging two different music styles but also about creating something universally appealing. This cultural and musical synergy has opened new avenues, paving the way for further explorations into blending traditional Indian elements with international music genres, thereby introducing Indian culture and its rich heritage to an even broader audience.
In conclusion, ‘London Dreams’ by Usha Uthup and Apache Indian is much more than a bonus track. It is a beacon of cross-cultural collaboration and a demonstration of how music can create a universal language that transcends traditional boundaries and unites people from different cultures and backgrounds under a shared appreciation of art and emotion. As Indian music continues to evolve on the global stage, collaborations like this not only broaden the horizons of what’s possible musically but also affirm the role of music as a binding force in the cultural tapestry of our world.
