Bhubaneswar, May 29: Ghar Jaana Hai by California-based Odia singer Konark Sarangi tries to relay an important message and Mumbai paused to listen.

The song brings alive the plight of huge migrant populations whose voices are drowned in the cacophony of our daily lives. The song is part of a music video album by filmmaker Snehasis Das to create awareness on various social issues.

The song's accompanying music video was recently launched in Mumbai and was attended by luminaries from the industry, including Ila Arun and K.K. Raina. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar also attended the event. Das shot the video in Kantabanji, one of India's worst drought-affected areas. It features veteran actor Raj Zutshi and Odia actress Gargi Mohanty. "I could've never imagined playing a character like this who is totally opposite how I look and starkly different from the roles that I have portrayed in the past. It was a challenge and I accepted it," Zutshi said.

The lyrics were penned by Svati Chakraborty, t co-director of Satyamev Jayate. Sanjoy Dazz and Ambar Das, who have scored music for directors such as Rituparno Ghosh, composed the melody.

"The video is not just to address the drought or the economic migration issue. It tries to understand the emotions and love that exists in such adversities. It is the love and the longing to return home that drives the underlying theme of the song," the director said.

Odisha has faced several drought-like situations since the famine of 1866 affected more than 13 districts, leading to mass migration to other cities. Konark said: "The video is a homecoming for me in many ways. The plight of the people back home affected by this issue needs global attention. The words and melody reflect the pathos of the situation and how human emotions are suppressed by the evil of calamity."

The album, Stories Untold, will have five videos and will be released in a phased manner by the year-end.

"Music videos are a strong medium to spread social messages. We will feature known faces to ensure that it reaches more people," said Das.