Aasmaan Foundation’s new inclusive music video ‘Olangal’ is now creating waves on social media

Bengaluru-based Aasmaan Foundation launched an inclusive music video called Olangal, which is Malayalam for waves. A cover of music director Ilaiyaraaja’s songs, Olangal that was launched on 3 December was shared by celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Dulquar Salman and Tovino Thomas on their social media handles.

On International disabilities day, Bengaluru-based Aasmaan Foundation had a musical treat for all. Their music video ‘Olangal’, which is a cover of music director Ilaiyaraaja’s songs, was launched on Thursday morning. An inclusive music video where people with and without disabilities sang and played instruments, ‘Olangal’ which means waves in Malayalam is surely creating a social media wave with celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Dulquar Salman and Tovino Thomas sharing it. The video was launched on the YouTube channel of Ilaiyaraaja himself! The soothing melody and priceless performance of the artists adds to the grandeur of ‘Olangal’.

An excited crew behind ‘Olangal’

Founded by Dhanya Ravi, Rosemary Antony and Ajish Anto Dominic, Aasmaan Foundation started functioning earlier this year. Ever since their formation, they have held numerous cultural and other programs, some for disabled and others inclusive.

‘Olangal’ is the brainchild of Dhanya Ravi, a wheelchair user who was diagnosed with Brittle Bone Disease. The music was re-imagined by USA-based Sudha Subbaraman and was arranged and produced by Ranjith Meleppatt.

Talking about the video Dhanya says, “It all started off with my conversation with Sudha Ma’am and it was her recreation that brought out the magic. Ranjith ensured to make it the best. In spite of our participants having limitations to go to the studio and so on, Ranjith made sure the video was nothing lesser than the best. ‘Olangal’ is close to my heart. Music is a way of healing and giving back to the society. All the musicians and singers who appear in the video are passionate about music”.

A singer-composer voice teacher based in Boston, USA, Sudha says, “I was an instrument in giving opportunity for many voices to be heard. Some of them were singing for the first time in a studio. Let us notice these artists and respect their abilities which are beyond physical limitations”.

Ranjith is excited that his first collaboration along with disabled people was a grand success. “I’am so glad that I could coordinate for this project, especially during these tough Covid times. We wanted to give equal opportunities to people with and without disabilities who appeared in the video. It was a proud moment for me to work with these talents. I have worked with many renowned names, but this one will remain close to my heart forever”, says Ranjith who owns ‘My Studio’ in Kochi where all the works for ‘Olangal’ happened.

Discovering talents

The song visuals and vocals are performed by talents from across India. ‘Olangal’ aims to convey the importance of inclusion, equality and how life can be celebrated despite its imperfections. Judith, Revathy, Udayan, Abhirami and Heena are the other artists that appear in the video.

Judith, one of the singers and also coordinator for ‘Olangal’ says, “When Dhanya called me, I was beyond surprised. She is an idol to me, someone whom I look up to. So when she spoke about the project, there were no second thoughts because I wanted to be associated with her. We chose Ilaiyaraaja because people from all Indian languages are acquainted to him. His music can spread positivity”.

Revathy from Kochi, who can be seen playing the violin in the video says that she was chosen for the video after organizers spotted her in a talent hunt. “This is a first time experience for me and I cannot be more thrilled. It was such a blissful experience for me to be associated with this team”, she says.

Watch in Sign Language

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