iWorld
Kumar Sanu records ‘Vande Mataram’ in Hollywood with Sandeep Khurana
Mumbai: Renowned California-based musician and producer Sandeep Khurana recently finished his much-anticipated collaboration with iconic Indian singer Padmashree Shri Kumar Sanu for a song, which was recorded in a Hollywood studio in July 2023. In this conjoined effort, Kumar Sanu, who has lent his voice to some of the most enduring melodies from the late 80s and 90s, has sung a patriotic song penned and composed by Sandeep Khurana. Released on the occasion of the upcoming Independence Day, this latest composition by Khurana, titled ‘Vande Mataram, is a rousing tribute to the artist’s motherland and the people of India. The song explores themes of expressing love, regard, pride, and gratitude for the motherland.
Further adding to the star power behind this musical endeavour, the song was produced by Bappa B. Lahiri, the son of the music legend Bappi Lahiri. Representative of Sandeep’s musical repertoire, which strives to blend the best of the Indian and Western musical systems, ‘Vande Mataram’ will also showcase a fusion between the classic Indian melody form and Western orchestration. The song begins with a poem, written and recited by Sandeep, while the core melody is carried by Kumar Sanu and Sandeep’s winning voices. In this composition, a treat for fans of both Khurana and Sanu, the soothing format of the Indian melody has found an awe-inspiring and patriotic undertone with elements of the orchestra, such as strings, beats, pads, synths, and layers of chorus.
Apart from the audio release across streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Gaana, and Saavn, ‘Vande Mataram’ will also feature in a short documentary film by Sandeep Khurana. The film will revolve around India, its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, and how the country has made great progress over the years.
About the collaboration, Khurana said, “I am thrilled to have collaborated with the versatile genius of Kumar Sanu for this one-of-a-kind track, where for the first time an Indian Patriotic song has been recorded in a Hollywood song. As unusual, he has enhanced the composition with his beautiful, textured voice, which, with its emotional appeal, has won our hearts for several decades. Moreover, towards the success of the song, Bappa B. Lahiri, who proudly furthers his father’s legacy, brought to the table his keen sense of fusion between Eastern and Western sounds. I have worked on many projects with Bappa B. Lahiri, and it’s always interesting to be involved in his endeavours.”
Similar enthusiasm was heard when, on being asked about his experience with ‘Vande Mataram’, Sanu said, “I am very happy to sing the song. Sandeep-ji’s composition is very good and melodious, and it’s been a while since I’ve had the opportunity to sing a melodious song. I am sure when listeners listen to this song, Vande Mataram, they will feel great patriotism and love for India.” On the other hand, as the producer of the song, Bappa B. Lahiri, commented, “It was a great opportunity to be able to back this unique production. Sandeep has always had a great ear for melody, while the legendary talent of Kumar Sanu needs no introduction. Most importantly, I was excited to produce a patriotic song in a Hollywood studio, as that would show how far the soft power of the Indian music industry has traveled.”
Further outlining the inspiration behind the song, Sandeep commented, “India is going through a massive churn, which is set to gear the country in a very positive direction. Thinking of the exciting times ahead and distilling my deep sentiments for my country, I was inspired to pen and compose this song. Further, apart from expressing my deep love for India, the song, in a way, summarises what my life and career represent: a balance between Indianness and cosmopolitanism. The fusion-based soundscape of the composition denotes that as a growing country, India is slowly influencing trends and thoughts across the globe.” On that note, he added, “I mean, look at my career trajectory itself: I was born in Delhi, and today, as a resident of California, I am making music for the world. Similarly, Kumar Sanu and Bappa B Lahiri, who are both deeply rooted in the musical ethos of India, are recording a patriotic album in Hollywood studios, appealing to people all over the world. What better way to show the spirit of modern India? Also, this shows that, regardless of where you are, your love for the country persists. I hope that those who will listen to the song will also feel the deep love and respect for India that I and my collaborators share.”
Apart from the patriotic song, Sandeep created a musical wave amongst his fans with his recent songwriting project, sung and composed by the renowned singers Sadhana Sargam and Bappa B. Lahiri, respectively. The series of his latest releases indicate how dedicated Sandeep is to his craft, and he says that in the coming years as well, he will continue to produce great music. Winner of several notable awards, including Special Jury Awards in music from the UK Songwriting Contest and USA Songwriting Contests, Sandeep has an extensive portfolio of over 100 albums, ranging from new-age, psychedelic, rock, and rhythm-n-blues to world music. An alumnus of the renowned Ali Akbar College of Music in California, Sandeep continuously draws his musical inspiration from various traditions and generates massive traction across streaming platforms with his music. Similarly, attesting to his film-making prowess, he is the proud recipient of accolades such as the Special Jury Award at the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival 2022, the Best Film Awards at the Francisco Arthouse Short Festival, and the Paris Cinema Awards.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KO6U4WNDEW0RjzQL7VuRj?si=S1VLeTjPQqmcmQLaslHjig
Gaming
Bluestone FY26 revenue rises to Rs 2,436 crore, turns profitable
Q4 profit at Rs 31 crore, full-year profit at Rs 13 crore vs loss last year.
MUMBAI: From sparkle to numbers, Bluestone seems to be polishing more than just jewellery this year. Bluestone Jewellery and Lifestyle Limited reported a sharp turnaround in FY26, with revenue from operations rising to Rs 2,436 crore (Rs 24,364 million), up from Rs 1,770 crore (Rs 17,700 million) in FY25. The company posted a full-year profit of Rs 13 crore (Rs 131.79 million), a significant recovery from a loss of Rs 222 crore (Rs 2,218 million) a year ago.
Total income for the year stood at Rs 2,486 crore (Rs 24,860 million), compared to Rs 1,830 crore (Rs 18,300 million) in the previous year, reflecting both topline growth and improved operational momentum.
The March quarter, however, told a more nuanced story. Revenue from operations came in at Rs 681 crore (Rs 6,814 million), down from Rs 748 crore (Rs 7,486 million) in the year-ago period, though higher than Rs 461 crore (Rs 4,613 million) in the preceding December quarter. Net profit for Q4 stood at Rs 31 crore (Rs 311.81 million), compared to Rs 68 crore (Rs 688 million) a year earlier, but a clear reversal from a loss of Rs 51 crore (Rs 512 million) in Q3.
Margins were shaped by higher input costs, with raw material consumption rising to Rs 2,204 crore (Rs 22,043 million) for the full year, alongside employee benefit expenses of Rs 282 crore (Rs 2,824 million) and finance costs of Rs 210 crore (Rs 2,104 million). Other expenses came in at Rs 371 crore (Rs 3,715 million), slightly lower than Rs 393 crore (Rs 3,938 million) in FY25.
On the balance sheet front, total assets expanded to Rs 4,961 crore (Rs 49,610 million) as of March 31, 2026, from Rs 3,532 crore (Rs 35,322 million) a year earlier, driven largely by a surge in inventories to Rs 2,672 crore (Rs 26,718 million). Equity also strengthened to Rs 1,803 crore (Rs 18,030 million), nearly doubling from Rs 911 crore (Rs 9,107 million).
Cash flows reflected the cost of growth. Net cash used in operating activities stood at Rs 199 crore (Rs 1,990 million), while investing activities saw an outflow of Rs 239 crore (Rs 2,392 million). Financing activities, however, generated Rs 497 crore (Rs 4,971 million), helping the company end the year with cash and cash equivalents of Rs 108 crore (Rs 1,075 million), up from Rs 49 crore (Rs 487 million).
Earnings per share for FY26 came in at Rs 1.10, a sharp improvement from a negative Rs 79.74 in FY25, underlining the shift from losses to profitability.
With revenue scaling up, costs still glittering on the higher side, and profitability finally back in the black, BlueStone’s FY26 performance suggests a business mid-transition less about shine alone, and more about sustaining it.
