On the Republic Day parade (26 January), where US President Barack Obama was the chief guest, a special rendition of the National Anthem sung by Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan was included.
The soulful anthem was shot for Big B's forthcoming film "Shamitabh" at Jorasanko Thakurbari, the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore, who composed the National Anthem.
The team decided to release the special version of "Jana Gana Mana" on radio and television on 26 January, so as to keep up with the spirit of Republic Day.
The recorded version was also played during the Republic Day parade and Sr Bachchan was seen singing it too. Director R Balki, who directed the megastar in "Shamitabh" was also present at the parade.
Big B was also honoured with Padma Vibhushan, the highest Padma Award of the country during the parade.
Filled with gratitude and honour, the "Bhootnath Returns" actor wrote in his official blog: "In the family now we have a combined list of 7 such awards of the highest National acclaim
My Father (Harivanshrai Bachchan): Padma Shree , Padma Bhushan
Jaya : Padma Shree
Aishwarya : Padma Shree
AB : Padma Shree, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan
In one family this must be perhaps the only reference or case in the country. I feel blessed and honoured, fortunate and humbled, overwhelmed and submerged by the affection and love of the people," he added.
"Shamitabh" also features south star Dhanush in the lead and marks the debut of Kamal Hasaan's daughter Akshara Haasan.
The megastar took to Twitter to share the video:
T 1749 - The National Anthem sung by me at Jorasanko, Thakur Badi, Kolkata, residence of Tagore .. https://t.co/0hpfnW41NY
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) January 26, 2015
