Come IPL, it's time for 'India ka Tyohaar'

Soon after the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in New Zealand and Australia gets over, the cricket fever will shift gear to India this summer with the Indian Premier League (IPL). An anthem, "India ka Tyohaar", has been composed by duo Salim and Sulaiman Merchant for a new campaign ahead of the sporting event.

Amid the growing popularity of the "Mauka" campaign of the World Cup, Sony MAX and SIX, the official broadcasters of the eighth season of IPL, have given viewers another reason to cheer loudly for its campaign of the year -- "Ismein Hai Dilon Ka Pyaar?Ye Hai India ka tyohaar".

Starting with a series of three prequels set in distinct situations of people's life, ending with the common messaging of 'India ka Tyohaar', the campaign aims to connect hearts, connect lives, create a national euphoria and strengthen emotional affinity for the sport.

Talking about the anthem, Salim told IANS: "If there's anything in India where we have the word 'India', then it's always big. Earlier, we did a song called 'Chak De! India'. It became a benchmark for us to create an anthem as it is (like) the sports anthem of our country.

"When we were asked to compose 'India ka Tyohaar', it immediately struck my mind, especially the word India in it. It's a fabulous concept and idea to create music for our own country. IPL has now become like a festival for us."

He says composing an anthem is a "lot more challenging, and that too making an anthem for IPL".

"It was harder. But it was very satisfying as it was called 'India ka Tyohaar'."

The duo have been following each and every match of the Indian cricket team at the World Cup and they believe the 'boys' will make it to the finals.

The IPL, a Twenty20 cricket tournament, will start on April 8.