Colonial Cousins vinyl gifted by PM Modi to Australia's Albanese: Leslee Lewis reacts
Synopsis
When PM Modi chose a Colonial Cousins collector's edition vinyl as his diplomatic gift to Australia's Anthony Albanese, he turned a 1990s fusion album into a statement of cultural diplomacy — and gave Leslee Lewis and Hariharan a moment three decades in the making.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi gifted a Colonial Cousins collector's edition vinyl to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his official visit to Australia .
The album, released in the 1990s , blended Indian classical music with Western pop, rock, and acoustic influences.
Composer Leslee Lewis called the moment 'an honour beyond words', saying the music was created 'from the heart'.
Hariharan said the recognition is a tribute to every listener who has kept Colonial Cousins alive over the decades.
The vinyl gift reflects India's broader cultural diplomacy and the global revival of interest in the vinyl format.
Music composer Leslee Lewis has expressed deep gratitude after Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with a collector's edition vinyl of the iconic Colonial Cousins album during his official visit to Australia. The gesture has been widely seen as a celebration of India's cultural legacy on the diplomatic stage.
The Album That Changed Indian Music
Originally released in the 1990s, the Colonial Cousins album — a collaboration between Hariharan and Leslee Lewis — is credited with reshaping the soundscape of Indian popular music. The record fused Indian classical traditions with Western pop, rock, and acoustic influences, breaking barriers and inspiring an entirely new generation of fusion artists. More than three decades on, it continues to resonate with listeners across age groups.
What Leslee Lewis Said
'I never imagined that the music we created from the heart would one day become part of such a historic moment between two nations,' Lewis said. 'To know that Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chose the Colonial Cousins collector's edition vinyl as a diplomatic gift is an honour beyond words.'
He added: 'I am deeply thankful to him for recognising the universal language of music and for allowing our work to represent India's artistic legacy on the world stage. Moments like these reaffirm that music is far more than entertainment — it is a cultural ambassador that continues to unite hearts across borders and generations.'
Hariharan's Tribute to Listeners
'Every artist hopes that their music will stand the test of time, but very few are fortunate enough to see it become part of a nation's cultural journey,' said Hariharan. 'I am truly honoured and grateful to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for choosing the Colonial Cousins collector's edition vinyl as a symbol of India's friendship and cultural pride.'
Hariharan also extended the recognition beyond himself and Lewis: 'This recognition is a tribute not only to Leslee and me, but also to every listener whose love has kept Colonial Cousins alive through the years.'
The Significance of the Vinyl Format
Prime Minister Modi's choice of a vinyl record as a diplomatic gift carries added resonance at a time when the format is experiencing a global revival. The collector's edition positions the album not merely as a keepsake but as a statement of India's creative confidence — a reminder, as observers noted, that great art transcends time and geography.
The gift is expected to further spotlight the Colonial Cousins legacy internationally, potentially introducing the album to a new generation of listeners in Australia and beyond.
Point of View
Built on the synthesis of colonial-era musical inheritances, now travels as a symbol of post-colonial cultural confidence. Whether Albanese plays it or frames it, the story it tells about India is the point.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did PM Modi gift to Australian PM Anthony Albanese?
PM Narendra Modi gifted a collector's edition vinyl of the Colonial Cousins album to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his official visit to Australia. The album is a landmark 1990s Indian fusion record by composers Hariharan and Leslee Lewis.
What is the Colonial Cousins album?
Colonial Cousins is a critically acclaimed album released in the 1990s by Indian artists Hariharan and Leslee Lewis. It blended Indian classical traditions with Western pop, rock, and acoustic influences, and is widely credited with pioneering Indian fusion music.
How did Leslee Lewis react to PM Modi's gesture?
Leslee Lewis said he never imagined the music he created 'from the heart' would become part of a historic diplomatic moment. He called PM Modi's choice of the album as a gift 'an honour beyond words' and thanked the Prime Minister for recognising music as a cultural ambassador.
What did Hariharan say about the diplomatic gift?
Hariharan said he was 'truly honoured and grateful' to PM Modi for choosing the Colonial Cousins vinyl as a symbol of India's friendship and cultural pride. He dedicated the recognition to every listener whose support has kept the album alive through the decades.
Why is a vinyl record significant as a diplomatic gift?
Vinyl is experiencing a global revival as a premium, timeless format. By choosing a collector's edition vinyl, PM Modi signalled that India's cultural contribution — particularly its fusion music legacy — is enduring and worthy of the world stage, going beyond conventional diplomatic gifting.
