Ricky Kej’s anthem for Bengaluru airport captures the emotions of departures and homecomings
The Hindu
Ricky Kej’s BLR Airport Anthem, featuring fellow Grammy-winner Lonnie Park, tells stories of travel and connection
Ricky Kej’s phone rang a few minutes after he landed at the Bengaluru airport. He was returning home from Los Angeles after winning his first Grammy in 2015. The number was unknown, but he answered the call.
“Hello, my name is Lata. I am a singer. I just called to congratulate you,” said a young female voice.
“Thanks,” replied Ricky, “But may I know how you got my number?” He had just landed and wasn’t very pleased with a random person calling him.
“Oh, sorry. My assistant gave me your number.” Then another voice spoke, “Hi Ricky, this is Mahesh. We’ve met before. I am Lata Mangeshkar’s assistant.”
Ricky, for a few seconds, was taken aback. He couldn’t believe his ears. “Wow. I am really sorry. Next time, please tell me your full name. You are not just a singer,” he told Lata Mangeshkar, “I thought it was some 16-year-old girl.”
“Sab yeh hi bolti hain (Everyone tells me the same),” she laughed.
The conversation went on for another 45 minutes. It’s one of Ricky’s most cherished phone calls.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has sought a report from the State government on a complaint that the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) had taken up works amounting to ₹387 crore in violation of rules in Varuna and Srirangapatna Assembly constituencies, allegedly on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s oral instructions.
“We are organising a health research convention, which comprises a couple of workshops, community-based learning, and also cardiac care. We also included a one-day seminar on medical education, how medical education has evolved in India and the U.K., and what we can learn from each other” said Dr. Piruthivi Sukumar Dean of the International Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Leeds during his interaction with The Hindu.