Bollywood Anthem "Yuh Hi Chala Chal" Joins Axiom-4 Launch Playlist, Courtesy of Indian Astronaut Shukla

As Axiom Mission 4 soared towards the International Space Station from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a familiar tune resonated with Indian pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla: "Yuh Hi Chala Chal" from Shah Rukh Khan's film Swades.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla selected "Yuh Hi Chala Chal" for his launch playlist.

This uplifting song, composed by AR Rahman and performed by Udit Narayan, Kailash Kher, and Hariharan, was Shukla's personal choice for his launch-day playlist. It represents his connection to his homeland and embodies the spirit of determination that defines both the film and his ambitious mission.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's first words from space.

Axiom Space shared the Ax-4 crew's complete playlist on X. While mission commander Peggy Whitson, a seasoned space traveler, opted for Imagine Dragons' "Thunder," Shukla's selection of a Bollywood song caught the attention of fans worldwide.

The Ax-4 mission, which launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon from Launch Complex 39A in Florida, signifies the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS. The crew, consisting of Shukla, Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, is scheduled to dock with the station.

During their stay in orbit, the team will conduct over 60 experiments and commercial activities. This extensive research program involves collaboration with 31 countries, including India. Shukla's participation highlights the increasing cooperation between ISRO and NASA, with the astronauts utilizing advanced AxEMU spacesuits designed for future lunar expeditions.

Reflecting the theme of Swades, where an Indian-American NASA scientist finds renewed purpose in rural India, Shukla carries that essence into space. He underscores that science, like music, transcends geographical boundaries.