On September 19, as astronaut Sunita Williams turns 59, she will celebrate her birthday in space. Originally set to return to Earth after a 7-day mission, her stay in space has been extended, possibly until February 2025.
To honor her achievements and show India’s admiration, Saregama has orchestrated a heartwarming campaign that brings together Bollywood stars, school children, and millions of Indians to wish her a memorable birthday, with a special musical tribute.
Saregama, one of India’s leading music labels, has chosen the classic birthday song “Baar Baar Din Yeh Aaye” from the 1967 Bollywood film Farz to mark the occasion. The song, originally picturized on Jeetendra and Babita, holds a special significance this time, as the character in the song is named Sunita – a perfect tribute to the astronaut. The iconic melody, which has been the go-to birthday song for millions of Indians for decades, has now been transformed into a national celebration for one of India’s most inspirational figures.
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In an extraordinary show of support, Bollywood’s most beloved celebrities and singers have come together to wish Sunita Williams. Artists like Sonu Nigam, Neeti Mohan, Asees Kaur, Shaan, Hariharan, Anup Jalota, and many others have shared their renditions of the classic birthday song across social media, making the tribute both personal and impactful. Karan Johar, along with other film industry icons, has also joined the movement, ensuring that the entire entertainment community plays a part in this special occasion.
The campaign doesn’t stop with Bollywood stars. Over 700 schools across India, including prestigious institutions like Euro Kids, Kangaroo Kids, Billabong High International School, and Euro School, have rallied their students to participate in this unique birthday celebration. Children from these schools have recorded themselves singing “Baar Baar Din Yeh Aaye” and creating handmade greeting cards to send their wishes to Sunita Williams, highlighting the educational and inspirational role she plays in the fields of science and space exploration.
Vikram Mehra, Managing Director of Saregama India, highlighted the cultural importance of the song, stating, “For over 50 years, ‘Baar Baar Din Yeh Aaye’ has been the default birthday song for Indians. Today, it’s special because 1.4 billion people are singing it for Sunita Williams, our pride in space. We wanted to show her the love and admiration that India has for her, and music is the perfect way to express that. By bringing Bollywood, artists, and students together, we hope to give her an unforgettable birthday and remind her that we are all rooting for her to come back safe.”
Navin Talreja, co-founder of The Womb, emphasized the emotional power of the campaign: “Sometimes, the best ideas come from connecting the right dots. We had the idea, Saregama had the song, and suddenly, everyone wanted to be part of this celebration. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to show our support for a fellow Indian who is up there in space. This campaign is about more than just a song – it’s about showing that we care, and that we’re sending her our love from Earth to space.”
This heartfelt birthday celebration is not just about wishing Sunita Williams a happy birthday; it’s about uniting a nation around a shared moment of pride. From Bollywood celebrities to young students, every Indian is invited to be part of this extraordinary gesture. The campaign highlights the power of music, community, and love, showing that even when someone is far away – in this case, among the stars – they are never too far to feel the warmth and support of their homeland.
With this campaign, Saregama and The Womb have not only created a memorable tribute for Sunita Williams but also brought together a nation in admiration of her courage and achievements. As Sunita celebrates her 59th birthday in space, she can be sure that millions of voices from Earth are singing for her, wishing her well, and eagerly awaiting her safe return.
