Durand Cup with it’s delightful arrival of 131 edition brings a bonus surprise too ; It’s national anthem is sung by the two much famed and desirable male singers of Bollywood Shaan and Papon.
Although Shaan previously sung for the anthem in 2019 though it’s the first time when Papon is associating with it, as stated by Shaan himself “I’ve had the opportunity to sing the anthem in 2019 for Bikram Ghosh, the Durand Cup anthem and again, and to get this opportunity through Papon to sing it again for the 2022 Durand Cup….”
It is the oldest existing club football tournament in Asia, and third oldest in the world, as recognised by Asian Football Confederation. Shaan recounts on his emotions and affection towards this age old association.
Be it “Hey Shona”, “Wo ladki hai Kahan” “Chand Sifarish” Shaan had always been the distinct voice of 90s Bollywood who now speaks about how it is pleasurable to lent his voice for the anthem of Durand Cups annual domestic football competition and how he feels privileged to be a part of this. He said in a statement, “Well, the Durand Cup is something that all of us Indians should be very proud of. The Indian Army is associated with the Durand Cup, so I followed this league very closely.”
“…..obviously a matter of pride and I’m very happy to be part of this anthem.” He added.
While, Papon in his immense excitement informs, “The reason behind the composition of the anthem, ‘Durand Cup’ is because I had this opportunity of meeting up with an amazing gentleman and sir Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita. It just came up in our conversation about the Durand Cup and we spoke about the anthem. This was an opportunity I got from the Army to compose and produce the anthem and I grabbed it with both hands.”
Opening up about his collaboration with Papon, Shaan shares, “It’s always fun because Papon is not just a great musician, a great singer, but also a very dear friend, a lovely human being, we have a very close connection.”
The anthem is incorporated with 5 languages – English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali and Manipuri which Papon faced with a great challenge.
The 131st edition of the Durand Cup sponsored by Indian Oil is being telecast on Sports 18 and live streamed on the VOOT platform.
