07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Song by Coke Studio singer, documentary: How the famed friendship of Gir lion duo Jay-Veeru is being kept alive
As he paid tribute to Jay and Veeru by releasing a folk-style song and a documentary on them, Rajya Sabha MP and wildlife enthusiast Parimal Nathwani Thursday said that to keep the memories of the Gir lion duo alive, he will request the Prime Minister to issue a postal stamp on them.
The two adult lions, renowned for their friendship, had sustained serious injuries in territorial fights in June when they were not in each other's company. Veeru died on June 11 while Jay succumbed to its injuries on July 29.
Nathwani released the folk-style song titled 'Jay Veeru ni Jodi' and a documentary called 'Jay-Veeru ni Amar Gatha'.
According to an official statement on the event, 'Renowned singer Aditya Gadhvi has lent his voice to the track and the documentary. Acclaimed Gujarati screenplay and songwriter Parth Tarpara has penned the lyrics and story. The music is composed by the talented duo Kedar & Bhargav.'
Gadhvi rose to nationwide fame in 2024 after his Coke Studio song 'Khalasi' became a chartbuster.
In memory of Jay-Veeru, Nathwani also got designed special commemorative T-shirts, which will be available at the Sasan-Gir Souvenir Shop, as per the statement.
An emotional Nathwani, while reminiscing about the lion duo, said, 'Jay and Veeru were not just lions — they symbolised loyalty, unity, and companionship. Their story moved many of us deeply. This song and the documentary express the emotions I, and many other lion lovers, feel. It is my way of honouring their memory.'
He further said, 'Let the spirit of Jay and Veeru roar forever in our hearts. Through this song and documentary, I hope to immortalise their memory in a way they truly deserve.'
Nathwani said that he was personally involved in naming Jay and Veeru along with forest department officials.
In reply to a question on how he wants to carry forward Jay-Veeru's memory, Nathwani said, 'I will request the government and the Prime Minister to issue postal stamp (on the duo). And on my part, I will certainly do whatever I can.'
