Shankar Mahadevan and Pratibha Singh Baghel release Ganesh anthem 'Jai Ganesh'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, veteran singer Pratibha Singh Baghel has teamed up with celebrated musician Shankar Mahadevan for a devotional track titled 'Jai Ganesh', released under the Sufiscore label. The collaboration marks a heartfelt musical tribute to Bappa, blending orchestral grandeur with the raw energy of Ganeshotsav celebrations.
The Making of the Track
The song has been composed by the trio of Swaranjay Dhumal, Prashant Sonagra, and Rahul Deo, with lyrics penned by Kaushal Kishore. The composers described the production as a deliberate fusion of live strings, brass, percussion, Dhol-Tasha, and chorus, designed to evoke a grand, cinematic feeling.
'Our aim was to capture the power, devotion, and infectious energy of Ganeshotsav through music. I hope listeners feel Bappa's presence in every note and rhythm,' the composers said in a statement.
What the Artists Said
For Pratibha Singh Baghel, the project carries deep personal significance. 'This song is truly very special for many reasons. It's my first song for this amazing trio — Swaranjay Dhumal, Prashant Sonagra, Rahul Deo. I have been closely associated with them for many years now. Adding to it being special, I got to sing it with my mentor Shankar Mahadevan,' she said.
Reflecting on the experience of performing alongside Mahadevan, Baghel added, 'I have immense respect for him. He's like a guru and a guiding light for me. Singing along with him is a learning experience.' She also expressed excitement about the visual treatment of the song, crediting director Parasher Baruah for its grandeur.
The Music Video
The official music video for 'Jai Ganesh' has been directed by Parasher Baruah, with choreography by Rohit Sonagra, whose dynamic dance sequences are intended to bring the celebratory mood of the festival to life on screen. The video is presented under the Sufiscore label, which Baghel described as her 'most favourite label.'
Context and Significance
The release is timed to coincide with the Ganesh Chaturthi festival season, one of India's most widely celebrated religious occasions, particularly in Mumbai and across Maharashtra. The collaboration between Mahadevan — a National Award-winning musician known for iconic film scores and devotional music — and Baghel, a respected classical and folk-infused singer, is notable for combining distinct artistic voices in the devotional genre. Notably, this is Baghel's first project with the Dhumal-Sonagra-Deo composing trio, signalling a new creative chapter for the artist. With the devotional music segment seeing increasing cinematic production values in recent years, 'Jai Ganesh' fits into a broader trend of festival anthems that aim for scale and emotional impact.