Lyricist Shabbir Ahmed to release two bhajans ahead of Ram temple consecration ceremony

Lucknow: Lyricist Shabbir Ahmed, known for penning songs for films such as 'Bodyguard' and 'K.G.F: Chapter 2', says he is set to release two devotional songs ahead of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple.

The consecration ceremony of the temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya is set to be held on January 22, with several dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance.

Ahmed will launch 'bhajans' titled Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram and Ghar Mere Aaya Hai Ram Ramaiya this week on YouTube. He has already released Mere Ghar Ka Kona, Ram Naam Se Jagmag Hai.

"By these bhajans, I am paying my respects and expressing joy over the construction of the much awaited Ram temple in Ayodhya. The bhajan that I released last week on YouTube was written jointly with Hemant Tiwari was a hit with 3.5 million views in just five days. Few days ago, this another melodious bhajan on Lord Ram called 'Ram Siya Ram" had made a record with 169 million views,' the Mumbai-based lyricist told PTI.

Ahmed said he is happy that finally a temple is being built in Ayodhya, which close to his hometown Jaunpur.

"Ever since beginning of my career in Bollywood, I have been writing and composing devotional songs and got tremendous response from people. Lord Ram has been my source of inspiration and I owe all the success I have achieved to him. I would be happy to visit Ayodhya and present my bhajans there," he added.

Calling himself a 'Ram bhakt', Ahmed said as a child, he used to perform at Ramlila programmes in Jaunpur.

Citing the titles of few of his bhajans Mohe Ram Rang De and Siyapati Ramchandra from the 2021 film Bhavai, the lyricist said that being a Muslim he considers Lord Ram as 'Imam-e-Hind'.

Ahmed has penned songs for several Salman Khan films including, Teri Meri from Bodyguard, Aaj Ke Party from Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and Naiyo Lagda from Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan.