Javed Akhtar to pen the Swachch Bharat song

It looks like poet-writer Javed Akhtar has decided to put his ideological differences with the BJP and Narendra Modi behind him to work hand-in-hand with the present regime in cleaning out the mess through the PM's 'Swachch Bharat' andolan.

The man who convinced Akhtar to let bygones be bygones is singer-turned-parliamentarian Baabul Supriyo, the Minister of State for Urban Development. Baabul not only invited Akhtar to write a Swachch Bharat anthem he also convinced the lyricist's close musician-friends Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy to compose the song.

Mukesh Bhatt has been assigned the task of producing the song. Says Baabul, "We haven't had a song like Mile Sur Mera Tumhara for decades. I remember as a child that song was taught to us in school. Generations have grown up hearing and singing that song. For a very long time we've felt the need for another anthem song that binds the whole nation together. I felt Javed saab was the best person to write a new song that would connect with the youngsters of the nation while retaining a core of poetic quality."

The song will be sung by all the major classical and popular singers of today. And yes, Baabul will be crooning a line or two. So what kind of a song would Akhtar write to inspire motivate and galvanise new India? "All I can tell you at the moment is that it won't be anything like Mile Sur Mera Tumhara. We already have that," quips Akhtar.