Prasoon Joshi on the Mumbai Marathon anthem Nikal Pado Toh Mumkin Hai

(From left) Sukhwinder Singh, Salim and Sulaiman Merchant

It's that time of the year when Mumbaikars put on their running shoes and take to the streets as part of the annual Mumbai marathon. While the 15th Mumbai marathon is scheduled for Sunday, January 21, four of Bollywood's brightest musical talents - singer Sukhwinder Singh, lyricist Prasoon Joshi and composer duo Salim-Sulaiman - commenced work on the marathon anthem as early as mid-last year. Taking a cue from the event's tagline, the track is titled Nikal Pado Toh Mumkin Hai.

Prasoon Joshi

Padma Shri recipient Joshi says that it was a challenge to capture the mindset of a runner in his verse. "It's not about the run; it goes beyond that. Runners have their own set of goals and emotional barriers that they struggle with. I had to express that meditative moment that they experience," he says. The lyricist further adds that he penned the hook, Soch liya toh mumkin hai, to inspire first-time participants at the race. "The essence of the anthem is - take the first step. I want to motivate people with it."

Composer Salim Merchant says that the fast-paced song has been brought alive with Joshi's meaningful lyrics and Singh's soulful voice. "Prasoon's lyrics were motivating and uplifting. We felt that we had to create something that would motivate everybody to get initiated into the world of running. Sukhwinder, too, beautifully portrayed the feelings," he reflects. While the preview of the song was launched in August last year, the track will be released on January 20.

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