Hindustani vocalist makes a cultural statement with his labour of love
Yashwant M.G., an acclaimed Hindustani vocalist and music teacher, took on the marathon challenge to mark SPB's birth anniversary on June 4. Beginning at precisely 3 PM on June 3, his voice did not fall silent until the clock struck 3 PM the next day—celebrating the very man whose voice shaped the soundscape of Indian cinema for decades.
Supported by a dedicated live band and a quietly focused team, Yashwant's performance was not just a test of vocal endurance—it was a labour of love and a cultural statement. It paid tribute to a singer who delivered over 40,000 songs across 16 languages and left an indelible legacy in the world of music.
A carefully orchestrated tribute
The performance, titled Baalagaana Yashoyana (roughly translated as 'Journey of Victory through Childhood Songs'), was meticulously planned and professionally executed. Every hour, the team followed an official rule: five minutes of break time allowed for hydration, light meals, and vocal rest. Yet, as Yashwant later said, 'The music gave me more energy than any food could.'
Accompanying Yashwant was a band of seasoned musicians: Rajagopal on guitar, Deepak Jayasheelan on keyboard, Vaman K. on drums and rhythm, Prajwal Acharya on tabla, Varsha Basrur on flute, and Sumukh Acharya on sitar. Together, they maintained the sonic flow of the performance with admirable finesse.
Each song chosen came from SPB's vast and beloved discography—ranging from soulful classical numbers to peppy film tracks across Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. While the challenge demanded physical stamina, Yashwant said the emotional impact of the songs posed the greater challenge. 'I grew up with SPB's voice. Singing his songs one after another made me relive my entire musical journey,' he said.
Official recognition
To ensure authenticity, D. Manish Vishnoi, Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, was present to oversee the event and certify the attempt. According to him, this 24-hour uninterrupted musical feat was among the most disciplined and emotionally resonant record attempts he had witnessed. Interestingly, the previous record involved a 12-hour performance of singer Mukesh's Hindi film songs sung in Marathi. Yashwant's effort, therefore, not only broke that benchmark but did so with pan-Indian linguistic representation—true to SPB's multilingual legacy.
Who is Yashwant MG?
The singer behind this feat is no stranger to accolades. A Hindustani classical vocalist trained under the late Madhav Acharya and Pandit Mahabaleshwar Bhagwat, Yashwant holds postgraduate degrees in Sanskrit, Kannada, History, and Hindi. He currently serves as an examiner at Gangubai Hangal Music University in Mysuru.
His career has included stints in the NCC Army (18th Karnataka Battalion), and he is deeply rooted in the Vedic and Sanskrit priestly traditions. Musically, he has bagged top honours in various national TV reality shows—including ETV's Edetumbi Haaduvenu (2005), Suvarna TV's Confident Star Singer (2008), and Udaya TV's Sangeetha Mahayuddha (2010).
He also composed the full-length Vande Mataram anthem for a world record attempt in 2018, and debuted as a film music director in the Kannada movie Kanasu Kannu Teredaga. In 2024, he reached the semifinals of Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. To date, Yashwant has performed over 3,000 concerts globally and trained more than 5,000 students in Indian music.
More than a record
While the Golden Book of World Records will formally verify and certify the feat in the coming days, the emotional and musical resonance of the event is already being felt across the region. For many attendees, it felt like SPB himself had briefly returned, his spirit channelled through another devoted voice. 'I did not feel sleepy, nor did my voice waver,' Yashwant said after the final song. 'It was as though SPB himself gave me the strength to complete this journey.' In a world that often chases headlines, this was a moment that chased history—and sang it.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
39 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Priyanka Chopra Jonas dreads this household chore, but the person she tricked into doing it will leave you in splits
Synopsis Priyanka Chopra Jonas recently shared a humorous story about avoiding her least favorite chore, 'laundry' by tricking her mother-in-law, Denise Jonas, into doing it for her. In a recent interview, the global icon revealed her struggle with the complexities of washing clothes, offering fans a relatable glimpse into her domestic life beyond the glamour. In a candid interview Priyanka Chopra Jonas confessed she cleverly let her mother-in-law Denise Miller Jonas take over her laundry duties under the guise of learning. (Image: Instagram/ Nick Jonas) Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have a shelf full of accolades, a thriving acting career across continents, and the title of Miss World 2000 under her belt — but when it comes to household chores, there's one task she's hilariously determined to avoid: laundry. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the 42-year-old actress and producer candidly confessed that despite her polished public persona, the washing machine remains her personal nemesis. 'Laundry is a hard chore for me. I find it tough,' she said. 'I'll always try to get someone else to do it.' And as it turns out, that 'someone' happened to be none other than her mother-in-law, Denise a glimpse into their close-knit relationship, Priyanka revealed that her mother-in-law once offered to teach her the ropes of laundry. But in a twist worthy of a sitcom, Chopra Jonas had a different plan. 'That was just my way of getting her to do my laundry for me!' she laughed, admitting that she let the tutorial play out just long enough before surrendering the job to Denise. 'I can steam an iron, I can fold,' she clarified. 'But just getting through the process of laundry is just really tough. Too many buttons, too many choices, too many little things…' Following the playful confession, Priyanka joked she needed to make a phone call right away. 'I'm going to call her right now and tell her I said this. 'Just want you to know!'' she added, laughing. Since marrying Nick Jonas in 2018, Priyanka has maintained a warm and visible bond with the Jonas family. Denise, in particular, has often appeared in candid social media moments featuring the couple's three-year-old daughter, Malti Marie. The affection is mutual. Back in 2023, on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Priyanka shared a touching moment when Denise recalled watching the young Indian contestant win the Miss World pageant in 2000. At the time, Nick was just seven years old, while Priyanka was seventeen. 'My mother-in-law was like, 'I remember watching you when you won,'' Priyanka said, still awestruck at how time — and fate — brought their worlds together. 'He was sitting there, and he was watching. Unfathomable.'While she may avoid the spin cycle at home, Priyanka Chopra Jonas continues to be in constant motion professionally. Her latest action-comedy Heads of State is now streaming on Prime Video, featuring John Cena as the U.S. president and Idris Elba as the U.K. prime minister. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the film is yet another addition to her increasingly diverse filmography. Up next, Chopra Jonas will be seen in The Bluff alongside Karl Urban and Judgment Day, co-starring Zac Efron and Will Ferrell — both projects that signal her growing influence in global cinema. But amid all the Hollywood action, it's the quieter, personal anecdotes — like tricking your mother-in-law into doing the laundry — that remind fans why Priyanka remains one of the most relatable stars.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
‘Slow-paced life rooted in nature, relationships need of the hour'
Lucknow: In an age defined by speed, digital overload, and social disconnection, a thoughtful gathering at the Police Officers' Mess on Sapru Marg offered a rare pause — a chance to reflect on the timeless relevance of slow living and ancient wisdom. Bringing together around a hundred thinkers, writers, civil servants, and community leaders, the session explored the value of traditional knowledge systems and the joys of a simpler life. Hosted by former DG, CRPF, AP Maheshwari, the event was attended by social welfare minister (independent charge) Asim Arun, historian Ravi Bhatt, senior journalist Naveen Joshi, Metaphor LitFest director Kanak Rekha Chauhan, former IAF officer Air Marshal Amit Tiwari, Dr Sandeep Kapoor, Prabha Srivastava, and Captain Paritosh Chauhan. Minister Asim Arun advocated blending of progressive old values with modern democratic tools like social media. Bhatt highlighted the importance of meaningful usage over material possession. Maheshwari introduced the concept of 'manthar gati' — the slow rhythm of life — advocating for a lifestyle grounded in nature, deep relationships, and intentional living. Highlighting the power of memory and value inheritance, Padma Shri Vidya Bindu Singh spoke about how mundane objects — a simple meal, a clay pot, or a piece of cloth — carry profound emotional significance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo She lamented how the younger generation, overwhelmed by speed and screens, often misses the oral traditions and emotional legacy handed down through generations. Naveen Joshi echoed this sentiment, saying, "There was a way of life back then — one of simplicity, laughter, anger, love, and most importantly, acceptance. My father always said that one should seek forgiveness and learn to forgive. That became a guiding principle for us." Kanak Rekha Chauhan remembered the everyday joys that once defined domestic life — shared meals, family conversations, and cooperative tasks. Drawing from the teachings of saints like Kabir, Meera, and Tulsidas, the session gave the message that true fulfilment comes not from speed but from stillness, compassion, and values that span generations. The event also featured traditional Rajasthani cuisine — particularly 'ker sangri' — which underscored the theme of reconnecting with cultural roots. The occasion marked the launch of 'The Kishangarh Boy', co-authored by AP Maheshwari and Vinita Chandak, along with its Hindi counterpart 'Teen Mein Na Terah Mein'.
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Magnus Carlsen trolls haters after Grand Chess Tour Zagreb win, deletes post later
Magnus Carlsen let his chess do the talking once again, capping a stunning comeback to win the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia title — his sixth straight Rapid and Blitz triumph on the Grand Chess Tour. With 22.5 points overall, Carlsen pulled away from the field in emphatic fashion, sealing the title with a final-round blitz win over local favourite Ivan aric. His blistering 7.5/9 on the first day of blitz had already set the stage, and a solid 5/9 on the final day was enough to finish 2.5 points clear of Wesley So, who took silver with 20 teenage prodigy and reigning world champion D Gukesh, who had dominated the rapid stage and even humbled Carlsen in Round 6, had to settle for third. He finished with 19.5 points, undone by a brutal collapse in the blitz ever the competitor, also had the final word — or meme, rather. He posted a cryptic celebratory image online after clinching the crown, a subtle jab at critics and perhaps a nod to those who questioned his comments earlier in the week. However, he delated the post from his X account later on Sunday. Just days earlier, the Norwegian had sparked controversy by calling Gukesh 'one of the presumably weaker players' in the field, a comment that raised eyebrows considering the Indian teenager had recently defeated him in classical format at Norway Chess. Gukesh responded the best way possible: with his second consecutive win over Carlsen, this time with Black in rapid, a calm and clinical performance that pushed him to the top of the that point, Gukesh looked like the man to beat. He stormed through the rapid stage with six wins, including victories over elite names like Carlsen and Wesley So, to finish clear at the top with 10 points. He held a three-point lead heading into the blitz and looked poised to make ROARS, GUKESH CRUMBLES IN BLITZBut the blitz portion brought a complete reversal of fortunes. Gukesh lost five of his first six blitz games on Day 1, drawing one and winning just one. His rhythm was off, nerves visible, and the crisp precision of his rapid games nowhere to be found. A final-round loss to compatriot R Praggnanandhaa capped a disappointing blitz performance that saw him lose six games on the first day stark contrast, Carlsen unleashed what he later called a 'decisive' run, scoring 7.5/9 on the opening blitz day to erase Gukesh's lead and seize control of the leaderboard.'From the morning, I felt this would be a tough day,' Carlsen said afterward. 'It was a very strong field but I'm happy to come out on top.'His second day of blitz wasn't as dominant, but his early lead gave him the cushion to close out the tournament without win marks Carlsen's sixth successive Rapid & Blitz title on the Grand Chess Tour, reinforcing his stranglehold on faster formats. While Gukesh has proven he belongs at the top, and his rapid triumphs over Carlsen cannot be ignored, the blitz segment exposed a gap in consistency, one the young Indian will no doubt look to close as he for his part, leaves Croatia with a bronze medal and the satisfaction of having beaten the sport's biggest name yet again. But for now, Carlsen's redemption arc is complete and the king of blitz remains firmly on his throne.- Ends
