This Sunday over 150 people took charity flash mob ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’ at Leicester’s Gateway College. People of all ages and cultural backgrounds danced along in unison to the world famous Bhangra song, ‘Tunak Tunak’ by Daler Mehndi.
Fitness organisation, BhangraBlaze collaborated with Daler Mehndi Green Drive, an environmental charity that aims to plant millions of Saplings in India, which will help towards improving the environment.
Sunday was the first of many ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’ days held by the organisation, which is helping raise money for the Green Drive Charity, as well as spreading environmental awareness. The event allows people to take part in a free BhangraBlaze session, featuring their incredible ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’ routine.
Kirit Thakore, Founder of BhangraBlaze speaks about how the event came about:
“It started initially as a collaboration between Asian Network and Daler Mehndi. We did a small Tunak Tunak Tun workout and somebody from the Asian Network Radio Station picked it up and shared It on their Facebook, from there Daler Mehndi himself saw it and shared it, said Kirit.
“I later found out the Daler Mehndi works with the environment and has a project called Green Drive, which is responsible for planting new trees in Delhi to better the environment, so I thought what better way to have a fun afternoon whilst raising funds for that. The main aim is to make people more aware of how to better environment.”
Puja Rana, a regular BhangraBlaze class member said:
“I’ve been coming to Kirit’s classes for the past 6 years and it’s a great way of exercising. It’s fun, energising and the best thing is you can see the results, I definitely recommend it.
“We also do different things including boxercise and the latest thing is Bhangracise. We’ve had Daler Mehndi supporting us and we’re supporting him on his charity.”
Ian Cooper, 52, said: “Bhangra is a great way of getting fit, there’s brilliant music, it’s very lively and exciting. Everyone who takes part enjoys it and is like a family.”
‘Tunak Tunak’ was released by pop-Bhangra singer Daler Mehndi. The track with its wacky video was an instant hit. As of June 2016, the video has over 23.7 million internet views. The song is the greatest grosser in non-film music in India to this day.
By Jessica Challoner-Sterland
