Eighteen singers have joined forces to raise funds for relief work with a three-day virtual concert
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 11, 2020)

After actors, filmmakers and film bodies, 18 singers, including Asha Bhosle, S P Balasubrahmanyam, Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, Sudesh Bhosle, Hariharan, K J Yesudas, Sonu Nigam, Kailash Kher, Salim Merchant, Shankar Mahadevan, Anup Jalota, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Alka Yagnik, Pankaj Udhas, Shaan and Talat Aziz, have joined forces to fight the Coronavirus pandemic.

Sudesh, whose line-up includes Amitabh Bachchan hits like “Shava Shava” and “Jumma Chumma”, informs that the decision to hold a digital concert from their respective houses to raise funds for PM-CARES was taken a week ago. “The PM’s Office is supporting us in this concert, and we are appealing to the people to contribute in whatever way possible, even if it’s just a rupee,” says the veteran singer.

He goes on to share that Akshay Kumar was the host of the opening show, which started with the blessings of Lata Mangeshkar. “The performers have been divided in batches of six. We have all done our bit to help those in need, but that’s just a small contribution. Through this concert, we will raise donations for the government. When it’s (the pandemic) behind us, we will do more concerts to raise funds for rehabilitation,” Sudesh added.

Sonu, who will perform from Dubai, is yet to choose his setlist. “There are so many stalwarts (participating in the show) that I don’t want to talk about my own set. Lataji and Ashaji will be there to bless us. It wouldn’t be a long session, but more like a T-20 match,” he signs off.