More than three decades after they redefined India’s independent music scene, Colonial Cousins are all set to making music together once again. The iconic duo of Hariharan and Leslee Lewis have begun work on their 41st original composition, their first collaboration since Once More, in 2013.The announcement comes at a time when the duo’s music has found renewed global attention after PM Modi presented the collector’s edition vinyl of Colonial Cousins to Australian PM Anthony Albanese during a diplomatic exchange, highlighting the album as part of India’s cultural heritage.Known for hits like Krishna, Indian Rain and Sa Ni Dha Pa, Colonial Cousins pioneered the fusion of Indian classical music with contemporary Western sounds. “We have done four albums together including Colonial Cousins, The Way We Do It, Aatma and Once More, and around 40 original songs,” says Hariharan.Reflecting on the recent recognition, Leslee says, “When we created Colonial Cousins, we were simply following our hearts, never imagining that decades later it would become part of India’s diplomatic story. For an artist, there can be no greater joy than seeing music continue to inspire, connect people and proudly carry India’s identity across the world.”Hariharan calls the moment deeply emotional. “It is an incredibly emotional moment to know that our vinyl was a seen as a gift that reflects India’s cultural soul. Decades may have passed since the album was created, but its message of harmony, unity, and shared humanity remains timeless. Now, we are all set to create our 41st song. This one will be a spiritual song about our country. It will have a patriotic flavour.”
