Janmashtami 2026: Spiritual rap meets Classical Kathak in Anshul Choubey and Dev-Rishi’s ‘Main Hi Krishna Main Hi Ram’

On the auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, independent artists Anshul Choubey and music duo Dev-Rishi have come together for a special musical project titled ‘Main Hi Krishna Main Hi Ram’. The song brings together spirituality, rap and classical Kathak to present the timeless message of the Bhagavad Gita in a modern and easy-to-connect format.

The project is an attempt to introduce the wisdom of Indian philosophy to today's generation through contemporary music and storytelling. Instead of presenting these teachings in a traditional format, the artists have given them a fresh musical treatment.

Bhagavad Gita’s Message Through Spiritual Rap

‘Main Hi Krishna Main Hi Ram’ draws inspiration from the teachings of Lord Krishna, particularly ideas related to karma, self-discovery, purpose and the journey of life. These themes are presented through rap, giving the spiritual message a contemporary sound. The song encourages listeners to look within themselves, understand their responsibilities and keep moving forward despite challenges. Its message is especially relevant for young people who are often searching for direction and purpose in their lives.

Story of a Young Kathak Artist

The music video adds another important layer to the song through the story of a young Kathak artist. The journey begins with the traditional Ganda Bandhan ceremony, which represents the sacred bond between a Guru and disciple.

From there, the story follows the artist's journey through hard work, discipline, dedication and devotion. Her pursuit of excellence becomes more than just a journey in dance. It becomes a journey of self-discovery and inner growth. Through this story, the video highlights how patience, commitment and faith can help a person overcome challenges and discover their true potential.

When Rap Meets Classical Kathak

One of the most interesting aspects of ‘Main Hi Krishna Main Hi Ram’ is its fusion of spiritual rap and classical Kathak. The combination brings two very different artistic forms together while keeping the focus on Indian culture and spirituality. The creators aim to show that classical Indian traditions do not have to remain limited to traditional formats. With the right approach, these art forms can find a place in contemporary music and connect with younger audiences.

Anshul Choubey and Dev-Rishi’s Creative Collaboration

The music for ‘Main Hi Krishna Main Hi Ram’ has been composed by Devesh Dhabalia and Rishi Sharma, known together as Dev-Rishi, while the lyrics and rap have been performed by Anshul Choubey. The music video has been directed by Mahima Agrawal. The artists are independent creators whose work takes inspiration from Indian philosophy, spirituality and experiences of modern life. Their collaboration brings together music, poetry, dance and visual storytelling to create a project that goes beyond a conventional musical release.

More Than Just a Song

While ‘Main Hi Krishna Main Hi Ram’ is presented as a musical project, its message goes beyond entertainment. It focuses on values such as discipline, devotion, inner strength, self-discovery and finding a purpose in life. The project also carries a message about staying connected with India's cultural roots while embracing modern forms of expression. This makes the song particularly relevant on the occasion of Janmashtami.

Connecting Ancient Wisdom With the New Generation

Through ‘Main Hi Krishna Main Hi Ram’, Anshul Choubey and Dev-Rishi have attempted to give India's ancient wisdom a contemporary voice. The combination of rap and Kathak creates a format that can appeal to audiences who may not always engage with traditional presentations of spiritual teachings.

At its heart, the project reminds listeners that the teachings associated with Lord Krishna continue to hold meaning even in today's fast-changing world. With its focus on purpose, action, devotion and self-discovery, the song aims to inspire audiences to reflect on their own journey while staying connected to their cultural heritage.

- PTC PUNJABI