Dharavi Gets Its Anthem: ‘Dharavi Ka Kal Bula Raha Hai’, Penned by Prasoon Joshi and Sung by Shankar Mahadevan

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) entered a new chapter on this Gandhi Jayanti when Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis unveiled an anthem dedicated to Dharavi.

Written by Poet, Thinker, Brand Visionary, Padmashri Prasoon Joshi, and composed and sung by Padmashri Doctor Shankar Mahadevan, ‘Dharavi Ka Kal Bula Raha Hai’ celebrates the people, enterprise and palpable energy of Dharavi. The anthem looks ahead to the neighbourhood’s future while drawing on the lives and ambitions of those who call it home.

Speaking about the anthem, Prasoon Joshi said: “Dharavi is not simply a place; it is a living story of resilience, enterprise, aspiration and human spirit. While writing ‘Dharavi Ka Kal Bula Raha Hai’, the thought was to capture that spirit and give it a voice that looks ahead without forgetting where Dharavi has come from. The song is about a tomorrow that is calling, but it is also deeply rooted in the people, energy and dreams that have always defined Dharavi.”

For Shankar Mahadevan, the composition was an opportunity to bring Dharavi’s own rhythm into the song. “Music has the ability to bring people together and communicate emotions beyond words. Dharavi has an extraordinary rhythm of its own – its people, its work, its energy and its dreams. The challenge and opportunity were to translate that spirit into music. ‘Dharavi Ka Kal Bula Raha Hai’ is our attempt to create an anthem that feels rooted in Dharavi while carrying the optimism of its future.” Mahadevan said.

The anthem can be viewed here:

• YouTube: https://youtu.be/4uiQUlZEFPc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dd_YWEcRkB7/
• X: https://x.com/andplofficial/status/2105985080762286117
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DpM75e56B/
• LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/p/dKCXVeyk

On the release of the Dharavi Anthem by CM-Maharashtra, Mr. Pranav Adani said, “Every great transformation begins with a vision people can see, believe in and participate in. While planning and infrastructure will shape the physical transformation of Dharavi, it is stories, emotions and the shared belief that connect people to that future. We are elated that Prasoon Joshi and Shankar Mahadevan came together to create an anthem that captures the spirit, resilience and optimism of Dharavi and gives voice to the aspirations of its people.”

Commenting on the launch, Ajay Kakar, Head – Corporate Branding, Adani Group, said: “A brand is built not only by what it says, but by what people experience. At Adani, ‘Hum Karke Dikhate Hain’ embodies this belief, and our communication has always sought to take people on a journey that is rooted in positivity, smiles, hope and the belief in a brighter future. ‘Dharavi Ka Kal Bula Raha Hai’ is a beautiful expression of that philosophy. The anthem captures the optimism and aspirations of Dharavi and invites people to look ahead with hope and confidence. It is about celebrating the spirit of the people, their dreams and the possibilities that tomorrow holds.”

As visitors move from the story of Dharavi’s past and present towards its prosperous future, the Dharavi Experience Centre seeks to turn an abstract vision of urban transformation into something that can be seen, understood and experienced. And through ‘Dharavi Ka Kal Bula Raha Hai’, that future now has a voice.