MUMBAI: After taking movies to the remotest corners of the country, Picturetime is now set to make the mountains sing. In collaboration with the Indian Army, Picturetime is hosting the maiden Ladakh International Music Festival at Leh and Ladakh in May first week.

The mega rock band fest will be a four-day event starting from April 30. The festival promises scintillating performances by popular rock bands, a rock band competition among the local talent and a special tribute to the Indian Army at one of world's highest war memorials, Rezang La.

Bands like Indian Ocean, The Yellow Diary, Parashara, the Joi Barua & his  Band and Tetseo Sisters from Nagaland, EDM DJ Ali Burrni and DJ Anna Radko are some of the names that will enthrall the audience at the festival. All performances from April 30 to May 2 will be held at Leh's
Sonam Wangchuk Stadium.

The festival is touted to be a part of "Youth Engagement for Ladakh" initiative by the authorities. Divided into legs, the first half of the Ladakh International Music Festival will be a rock band competition where five-six local rock groups are set to participate.

The event will be graced by the frontline warriors of the Indian Army and Bollywood actors Richa Chadda and Darshan Kumar.
The concert will also see a huge audience participation from local Ladakhis. In its second half, the Ladakh International Music Festival will pay a special tribute to the martyrs of Galwan and war veterans of the Indian Army at Rezang La (18045  ft) in the afternoon  on the 4th of May by launching the Rezang La anthem.

Renowned music composer Joi Barua and his band will be performing this new anthem with Picturetime in metaverse / VR format  for the Rezang La memorial.  GOC-in-C Northern command and LG, UT Ladakh will likely grace the event and also launch the Rezangla Anthem. The anthem will also soon be tele cast abroad on a few leading channels.      

On the Indian Army playing such a pivotal role in the  festival, Major General Akash Kaushik, Chief of Staff, Fire & Fury Corps says “The Indian Army has a rich musical tradition and a penchant to assist the local populace. Bringing these two aspects together we decided to organize this music fest with a twin fold aim, to give an opportunity to the young population of Ladakh to enjoy an international music festival as also to show case the talent of young Ladakhi musicians to the country at large. With this aim in mind  we decided to ask bands from rest of the country to work with us and all have obliged. Picturetime and Sky2ocean are two companies with similar ideal and it was natural for us to merge on these ideas and create a marquee event that shall resonate in the minds of the people for a long time.”

Sushil Chaudhary, Founder & CEO, Picturetime, member of the founding committee, LIMF, says “Ladakh International Music Festival brings local Ladakhi music bands an opportunity to play with nationals bands. And the Indian Army is setting an example to justify unity in diversity by not just being the perfect host but also provide a musical piece  at Rezangla to enforce ethos of our defence forces.. ..it is an honor and proud moment for us to be a part of new original musical dedicated to our braves from Rezangla.”

To appeal to the local youth, the Ladakh International Music Festival will also include a fashion show and a dance performance by local Ladakh groups.

Indian Singer and Bollywood Music Composer, Joi Barua who is also Program Director, LIMF says “I am so honored to bring this festival & my music to the sacred land of Ladakh. I am aware of its special history in the context of Rezang La. This is our tribute to the spirit of Ladakh & the Indian Army . This festival will be proud to showcase the rich musical talent of Ladakh to the rest of the world. As a 1st time initiative I am so excited to see what surprises are in store”.

The Ladakh International Music Festival will provide an outlet to local Ladakh bands in the field of contemporary music and likely to become a popular calendar event for coming year in tune with local aspirations.