Shubhanshu Shukla's Space Launch Echoes with Bollywood Spirit
On the day Shubhanshu Shukla embarked on his historic journey to space as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), he brought more than just his dreams and skills — he carried a soulful anthem connecting his Indian heritage with an iconic Bollywood legacy.
Yun Hi Chala Chal: The Chosen Launch Anthem
Mr. Shukla's Tune of choice was Yun Hi Chala Chal, a famous composition by AR Rahman from the 2004 film Swades, starring Shah Rukh Khan. The song’s uplifting message about perseverance and moving forward perfectly mirrored the spirit of Shukla’s historic departure from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
This track was part of a launch-day playlist thoughtfully curated by the entire Ax-4 crew and shared publicly by the mission operator, Axiom Space. The playlist featured a blend of inspiring songs chosen by each astronaut, creating a shared musical backdrop to this momentous event.
A Diverse Playlist Reflecting International Teamwork
- Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Yun Hi Chala Chal by AR Rahman
- Commander Peggy Whitson (USA) – Thunder by Imagine Dragons
- Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) – Supermonce (a Polish track)
- Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Bvhely, a traditional Hungarian song
Pioneering Indian Presence in Commercial Spaceflight
Shubhanshu Shukla now holds the distinct honor of being the second Indian to journey into space as part of a commercial mission and the first Indian aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through such a mission. After a 28-hour flight aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, the Ax-4 crew autonomously docked with the ISS, orbiting approximately 400 kilometers above Earth at a staggering speed of 7.5 km per second.
An Emotional Message from Orbit
Once safely in orbit, Shukla shared a heartfelt message with his countrymen:
"Namaskar, my dear countrymen! What a ride! We are back in space after 41 years. We're orbiting Earth at 7.5 km per second. The Tiranga on my shoulder reminds me that I carry all of you with me."
The crew’s arrival at the ISS was met with camaraderie from the current station residents, including three American astronauts, one Japanese astronaut, and three Russian cosmonauts. This mission underscores the rising wave of private sector ventures expanding humanity's access to space.
