Green gold, evergreen song

Showcasing Karnataka's rich biodiversity has been a proud task for both music man Ricky Kej and wildlife photographer Amoghavarsha. This pride is inherent in their collaborative effort, a music video featuring all that abounds Karnataka's wild and verdant landscape ranging from the Daroji Bear Sanctuary near Hampi to the lush green Western Ghats. The rendition will reach out to Kannadigas the world over via Internet and television channels on Thursday, Rajyotsava Day.
Amoghavarsha confirms that some of the animals found here exist nowhere else on the planet. "Also, each year, new species are being discovered, highlighting the fact that we still have pristine forest patches," he says.
The bio-richness was shot over 18 months. "I made over 40 exhilarating trips to the forests, sometimes lying patiently in watch for the bush frog in the leech infested rainforests in the night and at other times, being washed away by strong currents while shooting. The blue eyed bush frog was just discovered a couple of years ago and the fresh water jellyfish has never been filmed before in India," he says.
"We have shot the video on high definition mode to be able to reach out to Kannadigas all over the world, and have kept it crisp!" smiles Amoghavarsha.
Ricky has composed poet H S Venkateshamurthy's Jaya He Kannada Thaye anthem for the music video.