Indian American Singer Anuradha Palakurthi released a music video to pay tribute to doctors who are combating Coronavirus and putting their lives on the line to save lives of people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Titled Rukta Hi Naheen Tu Kahin Haar Ke, the song was produced by Boston-based Juju Productions within a week from idea to its final release. Sung by Palakurthi, the lyric was composed by Boston poet and scriptwriter Sunayana Kachroo.  Music was composed by Kamlesh Bhadkamkar, Mixed and Mastered by Vijay Dayal in Mumbai. Nikhil Joshi made the music video.

“I don’t think they have worked so fast on any project so far. The urgency and gravity were significant enough for the entire team,” Palakurthi.

Given the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic and so many doctors of Indian - origin on the frontline, Palakurthi got inspired by their dedication and service.

The idea about the muisc video was thought about by Palakurthi on 3rd April. “I contacted Sunayana to brainstorm a bit about lyrics etc. We wanted to write and make something new, but I decided to pick an existing song and change the lyrics,” said Ms. Palakurthi. “Sunayana did an exceptional job. The next step was to contact my trusted musicians Kamlesh Bhadkamkar and Vijay Dayal in Mumbai and we were good to go from then on.”

Palakurthi said that Nikhil Joshi in Mumbai compiled all the photos that were sent him from Boston and worked non-stop 12 straight hours on it.

“It was quite a task to explain my vision to him in 36 hours. But the real help came from some friends who are doctors.  They did their best under the circumstances. I wish I had more faces, but I guess asking them to send photos of themselves in these pressing times was a bit much,” said Palakurthi.

As of 9^th April, more than 200 doctors and nurses have died battling Coronavirus worldwide, according to news reports.

“So many Indian families in the United States have at least one doctor in them. I had to bring their contribution to the forefront in the USA. They are the ones who are in close quarters with real danger. They are the first responders who are putting their lives on the line to save lives,” said Palakurthi.  “Some have sadly lost their lives too in this battle. Only true heroes in war do that.  Coming from a gold star family, I feel strongly about soldiers and their sacrifices.”

Palakurthi said that she is very humbled to dedicate this song to doctors, nurses and healthcare workers in the United States and around the world.

“While the purpose of the original song is to inspire people to reach to a goal,” Kachroo said. “This song is to honor the resilience and the unwavering commitment of the medics and researchers to go beyond their job profiles and stand-up to this disease with their relentless service.”

Earlier this year, Palakurthi’s Jaan Meri song from her ‘Jaan Meri’ album won the prestigious Independent Music Category’s Best Song of the Year Award at the Radio Mirchi Music Awards. Two of the top five nominees for the best song of the year for the Radio Mirchi Music Awards in the Non-Film/ Independent category were from ‘Jaan Meri’ album.

Palakurthi has been recognized as the top-rated singer of Indian origin by industry legends. She has performed live with Bollywood singers like Kumar Sanu, Suresh Wadkar, Deepak Pandit and Bappi Lahiri across the United States. Anuradha has recorded a duet with Hariharan for Ekal Vidyalaya composed by guitarist Prasanna with drummer Sivamani and a group of 14 multiple-Grammy winning musicians from across the globe. She sings in six Indian languages and has recorded playback for South Indian films.