India's Shubhanshu Shukla picks 'Yun Hi Chala Chal' song for Axiom 4 Mission launch day; check full playlist here
As India celebrates a historic space moment with Shubhanshu Shukla's journey to the International Space Station (ISS), a lighter, more personal detail has caught the internet's attention: the playlist astronauts chose for their big day.
Ahead of the successful liftoff of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Wednesday, Axiom Space shared a glimpse of the launch-day playlist featuring tracks picked by the crew, and Shukla's choice struck an emotional chord with many.
The Indian astronaut, a 39-year-old fighter pilot and the second Indian ever to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma, chose 'Yun Hi Chala Chal' from the 2004 film Swades, a song known for its spirit of purposeful journeying and quiet determination. Peggy Whitson, the mission commander and veteran astronaut, picked Thunder by Imagine Dragons.
Slawosz Uznanski chose Supermoce (Superpowers), a Polish track.
Tibor Kapu selected Buvohely, a Hungarian song.
The crew launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida early Wednesday morning, marking another milestone for India's presence in space. Shukla, selected by ISRO, is flying as part of a commercial American space mission led by Axiom Space, making him the first Indian to do so.
Shukla, who embarked on a historic space odyssey for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), has shared his first epic message for India. As he was launched into the space, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is also the pilot of the mission, greeted the nation with a 'namaskar' and said, The Tricolour on his shoulder reminds him that his nation is with him in his flight to space.
'Namaskar, mere pyaare deshwasiyo…hum antrisksh mein pahoch gaye hain aur kamaal ki ride thi [Namaskar, my dear countrymen; we have reached space after 41 years. It was a great ride]' Shubhanshu Shukla said in his opening remark for India.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
23 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Shikhar Dhawan ready to publish his autobiography? ‘Won't be just another sports memoir'
Is former India batter Shikhar Dhawan ready to come up with his autobiography? Hindustan Times has exclusively accessed details from the close quarters of Dhawan that indicate a new step in the former opener's life. An image, shared with HT, shows Dhawan relaxed at home, holding what appears to be a manuscript or a pre-publication proof — its title obscured, though clues suggest a possible literary collaboration. Former India batter Shikhar Dhawan might release his autobiography soon(HT Photo) Industry insiders now believe that Dhawan could be gearing up to release his autobiography, potentially under the banner of publishing giant HarperCollins. While no formal announcement has been made either by the cricketer or the publisher, sources familiar with the matter hint that this might be a deeply personal project, chronicling Dhawan's career, setbacks, and triumphs — on and off the field. 'This is not just another sports memoir,' said a source close to the development. 'If it is indeed what we believe it is, this book could be Dhawan's way of reflecting on his journey — from the cricket fields of Delhi to global stardom.' Representatives of both Dhawan and HarperCollins have yet to issue official statements. However, the buzz has now reached fans and publishing circles alike, with many awaiting confirmation of what could be an engaging read. Shikhar Dhawan: A Stellar Career in Indian Cricket and the IPL Dhawan, affectionately known as "Gabbar" in cricketing circles, was a mainstay in Indian cricket for a decade. He first made headlines with a record-breaking 187 on his Test debut against Australia in 2013 — the fastest debut century in Test history at the time. In ODIs, Dhawan became a cornerstone of India's top order, forming a formidable partnership with Rohit Sharma. Known for his aggressive stroke play and consistency, he was the highest run-scorer in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, which India won. He continued this form in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, proving himself on the biggest stages. Dhawan has scored more than 6,000 runs in ODIs with 17 centuries, and over 2,000 T20I runs. Injuries and team dynamics saw his role fluctuate in later years, but his contribution remained undeniable. In the IPL, Dhawan has been one of the league's most consistent performers. He is among the top five all-time highest run-scorers in the tournament's history. He has been admired for his adaptability and leadership, representing franchises like Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and most recently, Punjab Kings.
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
Zohran Mamdani's biggest victory? From pestering Mira Nair to cast Kal Penn to winning NYC's mayoral primary
(L-R) Zohran Kwame Mamdani with his parents Director Mira Nair, and Mahmood Mamdani (PTI Photo) In a sweeping upset, Indian-American lawmaker Zohran Kwame Mamdani has won the Democratic primary for New York City Mayor, defeating political heavyweight and former governor Andrew Cuomo. But long before Mamdani was hailed as a rising political star with Bernie Sanders in his corner and a grassroots campaign that shook the establishment, he was just a teenager begging his mother, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair , for a favor, to meet Kal Penn . When The Namesake found its Gogol The year was 2005. Mira Nair had just acquired the rights to Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake. Kal Penn, born Kalpen Suresh Modi, best known at the time for stoner comedy Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, was desperate to audition. He wanted to land the role of Gogol Ganguli, a character whose struggles mirrored his own, born to Indian immigrant parents, bilingual, and navigating identity in America. But it wasn't just the character he related to. Penn actively chased the project, even trying to acquire the rights to the novel before learning Mira Nair already had them. A son, a phone, and some persistence But it wasn't Hollywood agents or industry insiders who opened the door. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ductless Air Conditioners Are Selling Like Crazy [See Why] Keep Cool Click Here Undo It was Zohran Mamdani, a teen with a plan and a phone. 'I started calling her office nonstop,' Kal Penn once recalled. 'Eventually Mira gave in, apparently because her son Zohran and his friend Sam were obsessed with Harold & Kumar,' Penn later admitted in an interview. The rest, as they say, is history. Penn landed the lead role of Gogol Ganguli, and The Namesake went on to become one of the most defining South Asian diaspora films in Hollywood. From fanboy to front-runner Now, two decades later, Zohran Mamdani has gone from film-nerd teen to the Democratic nominee for New York City Mayor. That early influence shaped Zohran's sense of conviction, a quality that has defined his political career. A childhood shaped by culture and conviction Born in Kampala, Uganda in 1991, Mamdani moved to New York at age 7 with his mother, Mira Nair, and father Mahmood Mamdani, a noted Ugandan academic of Indian origin. As a State Assemblyman from Queens and democratic socialist, Mamdani led hunger strikes with taxi drivers to secure $450 million in debt relief, fought for $100 million in subway funding, and launched a fare-free bus pilot. His mayoral campaign promises include a rent freeze for stabilized tenants, universal childcare for kids aged six weeks to five years, and a network of city-owned grocery stores focused on affordability. 'The cost of living is crushing working people,' his campaign site says. 'Zohran believes government can lower costs and make life easier.' His revenue plan is just as ambitious, raising the corporate tax rate to match New Jersey's 11.5%, taxing the top 1% of earners a flat 2%, and ending no-bid contracts to save billions more. 'New York is too expensive. Zohran will lower costs and make life easier,' the campaign declares. Progressive campaign earns a movement's backing Senator Bernie Sanders hailed Mamdani's win, saying, 'You took on the political, economic and media establishment, and you beat them.' At his victory party in Queens, Mamdani quoted Nelson Mandela, saying, 'It always seems impossible until it's done. My friends, it is done.' Even Cuomo, conceding with grace, said, 'Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won.' The general election is scheduled for November 4, 2025. Until then, Mamdani's campaign will likely keep pushing boundaries, just as he once did when he helped Kal Penn land a career-defining role. His mother, Mira Nair, best known for films like Monsoon Wedding and Salaam Bombay!, once said that she looks for actors 'who live truthfully in the moment.' It's a description that might now apply to her son, a politician who refused to play it safe, challenged the old guard, and won.
Indian Express
25 minutes ago
- Indian Express
‘Carrying aspirations of 1.4 billion': President to PM, leaders laud Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 mission
As Shubhanshu Shukla scripts history with his mission to space onboard Falcon-9 rocket of SpaceX, celebrations have erupted in different parts of the country, especially in Lucknow – Shukla's hometown – and New Delhi. While Shukla is on his 28-hour journey to the International Space Station along with two other astronauts – Sławosz Uznański from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, leaders across party lines are cheering for him. From President Droupadi Murmu to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, prominent leaders have lauded him and expressed pride over his feat on social media platforms. President Murmu said the whole nation is excited and proud of Shukla's space expedition and noted that the wide-ranging experiments to be performed by the crew will lead to new frontiers of scientific studies and space exploration. The President wrote in a post on X, 'As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla creates a new milestone in space for India, the whole nation is excited and proud of an Indian's journey into the stars. He and his fellow astronauts of Axiom Mission 4 from the US, Poland, and Hungary prove the world is indeed one family – 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. My best wishes for the success of this mission, which reflects the enduring partnership between NASA and ISRO. The wide-ranging experiments to be performed by the crew will lead to new frontiers of scientific studies and space exploration.' Wishing Shukla success, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. PM Modi's X post reads: 'We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US. The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on his way to become the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and other astronauts all the success!' The Union Cabinet passed a resolution on Shukla's space mission, and Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw read it out: '…We welcome the successful launch of the space mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US. The Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on his way to become the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. The cabinet wishes him and other astronauts all the success…' Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also congratulated Shukla. Kambhampati said, 'Congratulations to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on becoming India's second astronaut in space after 41 years…His journey aboard Axiom Mission 4 embodies the spirit of New India — bold, ambitious, and visionary. A proud moment for our nation!' Majhi said, 'Heartiest congratulations to Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla on being part of the prestigious Axiom-4 space mission. His participation marks a proud milestone for the nation and reflects the excellence, discipline, and commitment of the Indian Air Force. As India strengthens its presence in global space exploration, this achievement will inspire countless young minds across the country. Wishing him and the entire mission team a safe and successful journey.' K Annamalai, Tamil Nadu BJP president, posted, ''This is the start of India's human space program. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat' – these stirring words were from space from Indian astronaut Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of the four astronauts flying on SpaceX's Dragon for Axiom Space's fourth mission to the International Space Station. Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has etched a moment of pride into the Indian consciousness.' 'Touch the sky with glory': Opposition leaders wish Shukla The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wished Shukla a safe and successful return, writing on X: 'A proud moment for every Indian as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launches off on his journey to the International Space Station. Forty-one years after Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space, Shukla now carries forward that legacy, inspiring every Indian. Wishing him and the team a safe and successful return.' Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge urged Shukla to 'touch the sky with glory' and said: 'We welcome the successful launch of the space mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US. After Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma in 1984, our astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is now en route to becoming the second Indian to travel to space, after 41 years. We pray for his successful mission. The entire nation is proud of this achievement.' Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor wrote on X: 'Proud to see an Indian back in space after 41 years! Congratulations to Grp Cpt Shubhanshu Shukla @IndiainSky on his way to becoming the first Indian at the International Space Station. Wishing him and his fellow astronauts aboard Axiom-4 (from Hungary, Poland, and the US) all success and a safe return home. Not even the sky's the limit!'
