India鈥檚 presence in space just reached new heights, quite literally, as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla blasted off on the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). But while the achievement is monumental, what truly struck a chord with many Indians was his song of choice for the big moment 鈥 the soul-stirring Swades track 鈥淵un Hi Chala Chal.鈥 The song featured Shah Rukh Khan and Makarand Deshpande.
Ahead of the launch from NASA鈥檚 Kennedy Space Centre, Axiom Space revealed the astronauts鈥 personal playlist 鈥 and Shukla鈥檚 pick stood out for its meaning and emotional weight. A nod to determination and quiet strength, the song from the 2004 Shah Rukh Khan-starrer instantly connected with fans back home. The soul-stirring track Yun Hi Chala Chal Rahi from the 2004 film Swades is a timeless ode to self-discovery and perseverance. Sung by Hariharan, Udit Narayan, and Kailash Kher, the song beautifully blends earthy vocals with inspiring lyrics by the legendary Javed Akhtar.
Shukla, a 39-year-old fighter pilot, is the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma 鈥 but the first to do so as part of a commercial American space mission led by Axiom Space. He was selected by ISRO and is serving as the pilot for this historic voyage.
Soon after reaching orbit, he delivered his first message to India from space. 鈥淣amaskar, mere pyaare deshwasiyo鈥um antrisksh mein pahoch gaye hain aur kamaal ki ride thi,鈥 he said. The moment was made even more memorable when he shared that the Tricolour on his shoulder reminded him that his country was with him on this journey:鈥淭he Tricolour on his shoulder reminds him that his nation is with him in his flight to space.鈥
At exactly 12:01 pm IST, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket soared into the sky from NASA鈥檚 Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying the Ax-4 crew to the International Space Station (ISS).
IAF test pilot Shubhanshu Shukla鈥檚 incredible journey 鈥 from the streets of Lucknow to the threshold of space 鈥 now marks a proud moment in India鈥檚 space legacy.