Leslee Lewis chuffed with PM Modi gifting collector's edition of 'Colonial Cousins' to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Mumbai, July 13
Music composer Leslee Lewis is over the moon after PM Narendra Modi presented Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with a collector's edition vinyl of the 'Colonial Cousins' album during his official visit to Australia.
The album was released in the 1990s, and changed the sound of Indian music forever as it blended Indian classical traditions with Western pop, rock and acoustic influences. Hariharan and Leslee Lewis created an album that broke barriers, connected generations and inspired an entirely new era of Indian fusion music.
Talking about the same, Leslee Lewis said, "I never imagined that the music we created from the heart would one day become part of such a historic moment between two nations. To know that Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chose the Colonial Cousins collector's edition vinyl as a diplomatic gift is an honour beyond words".
"I am deeply thankful to him for recognising the universal language of music and for allowing our work to represent India's artistic legacy on the world stage. Moments like these reaffirm that music is far more than entertainment, it is a cultural ambassador that continues to unite hearts across borders and generations", he added.
More than three decades later, the music continues to resonate, making the vinyl not just a collector's item but a symbol of India's creative spirit and cultural confidence.
Hariharan said, "Every artist hopes that their music will stand the test of time, but very few are fortunate enough to see it become part of a nation's cultural journey. I am truly honoured and grateful to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for choosing the Colonial Cousins collector's edition vinyl as a symbol of India's friendship and cultural pride. It is deeply touching to see an album created with love, respect and musical harmony continue to carry India's voice to the world. This recognition is a tribute not only to Leslee and me, but also to every listener whose love has kept Colonial Cousins alive through the years".
As the world increasingly embraces vinyl as a timeless format, PM Modi's choice of gift carried a deeper message, that great music never ages, and true art continues to unite people across cultures and borders.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Nice to see Indian fusion music getting global recognition. I grew up listening to Colonial Cousins in Australia, and their blend of classical and pop was ahead of its time. Hopefully this inspires more cross-cultural music projects between our nations. 🇦🇺🇮🇳
Beyond thrilled to see Colonial Cousins get this recognition! Their album literally defined my childhood road trips. But honestly, I wish PM Modi also highlighted some other contemporary Indian artists doing fusion work today. Still, this is a sweet gesture that shows our culture is timeless.
As someone who lived in India for work and fell in love with fusion music, this is amazing! Colonial Cousins is legendary. PM Modi knows how to use culture as a bridge. Would love to see more Indian vinyl classics shared globally. 🎶 Vinyl never dies!
This is pure class. While we debate politics and borders, music unites. Colonial Cousins' 'Krishna' was a masterpiece that resonated across generations. But I hope we also start supporting our living legends more - Hariharan and Leslee Lewis deserve national awards after this. 🏆
This is genuinely heartwarming. Music diplomacy at its finest. Colonial Cousins broke so many barriers in the 90s and now they're representing India on a global stage. PM Modi choosing this vinyl shows he values our artistic heritage. Bharat Mata ki Jai! 🇮🇳
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