Singer Daler Mehndi has one wish for every Indian this Republic Day — to feel grateful to be living in this country. He urges his fans to “love our country” as he gears up to stage India’s first virtual live concert in the metaverse on R-Day.

The singer, who is dedicating the performance to the nation and all the people residing in it, will steal the spotlight with his evergreen hit albums such as Namoh Namoh, India India and Jago India. Brimming with excitement, he says, “The whole world will be a part of it. It is a new concept in India and a challenging thing to achieve. At first, I didn’t understand the concept but then I realised it is quite popular outside India. It is a digital avatar and totally virtual and I think after a few years, this is going to be the next big thing.”

Glad to see his music resonating with people during these grim times, the 54-year-old feels that the country has done far better in dealing with the Coronavirus crisis for the past two years, as compared to other countries.

Explaining the statement, the singer known for songs such as Bolo Ta Ra Ra, Tunak Tunak Tun and Na Na Na Na Na Re shares, “We [India] are a thriving economy. Look at Afghanistan and the turmoil that is there in the country. There are so many countries that are undergoing internal and external conflicts across the world. We [Indians] are in a much better place than many other countries. Even with Covid-19 itni badi trasdi guzar sakti thi but aisa nahi hua, third wave bhi humne samhaal liya.”