The answer to “which IPL team anthem is Halla Bol” is Rajasthan Royals – the inaugural Indian Premier League winners in 2008.
One of the original teams who had begun their journey in 2008 itself with a bang, IPL cricket team Rajasthan Royals have carved a unique and niche identity for themselves in the league’s history. From their title victory against all odds in 2008 to their years spent under-performing. From getting banned from the cash-rich cricket tournament for all the wrong reasons to promoting youthful talent and local Rajasthani culture following their return, RR have had the legacy of being the underdogs as well as everyone’s second favourite IPL team.
With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcing the establishment of a T20 tournament called the Indian Premier League in September 2007, Rajasthan Royals were one of the eight original franchises based out of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Emerging Media gained ownership of the Jaipur-based franchise team with a bid of $67 million, making it the least expensive team in the league. Famous Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty became the co-owner of the team.
As of 2021, the franchise is owned by Manoj Badale-led Emerging Media IPL Ltd which holds a majority 65% stake. Key minority stakeholders include Lachlan Murdoch and RedBird Capital Partners.
There have been controversies and scandals in the past regarding the ownership of the franchise, leading to a brief expulsion of the team from the league in 2010 as well as a ban from the IPL for two years in 2015 with former owner Raj Kundra being banned for life.
However, despite the controversies and their status as underdogs in the league, Rajasthan Royals’ roots are embedded in the culturally rich state of Rajasthan. As such, they position themselves as a rich brand that identifies with the distinguished qualities of elegance, style, valour, and class which are synonymous with the culture and people of the state.
How IPL team anthem Halla Bol was formed?
According to Rajasthan Royals’ own website, ‘Halla Bol’ started off as a battle cry for the team and has been the Rajasthan Royals’ anthem ever since. The phrase ‘Halla Bol’ literally means to raise your voice and launch an attack.
“The Royals brand of cricket has received praise for its spirit, aggression and the ability to display courage in the face of adversity. The phrase “Halla Bol” represents that very same intensity and never-say die attitude that is synonymous not just with the team but also with the people of Rajasthan,” the statement further reads.
The song was sung by Bollywood actress, TV personality and Rajasthani folk singer Ila Arun. For the second season of the Indian Premier League, famous Bollywood playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan sang the song. Former Rajasthan Royals co-owner and reputed Indian actress Shilpa Shetty provided steps to the music video of the song which further embraced local Rajasthani dance forms and art.
The song Halla Bol filled the stands and chants of Indian stadiums by die-hard Royals fans and continues to be a part of the league every time Rajasthan Royals play. The song is played through the Public Announcement system whenever a batsman hits a boundary or a six or whenever their bowlers take a wicket.
As mentioned before, Rajasthan Royals were banned from the IPL for two years following the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee inquiry. On 16 May 2013, three Rajasthan Royals players S Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila were arrested from Mumbai by Delhi Police along with 11 bookies on charges of spot-fixing in the tournament. The fixing happened in the matches against Pune Warriors on May 5, Punjab Kings (then known as Kings XI Punjab) on May 9 and Mumbai Indians on May 15. Later, the BCCI suspended the three players
The team was gripped with further controversy when inappropriate and fictitious bids were made, violating BCCI norms. Ranjit Barthakur and Fraser Castellino were the only two shareholders of the team, which was completely unknown to the BCCI at the time. An out-of-court settlement between the two ensued. In 2015, Rajasthan Royals were banned for two years by the BCCI, with its owner Raj Kundra banned for life.
As a result, when they made their comeback in IPL, they came with a fresh look and a new vibe. That year’s team anthem was called ‘Phir Halla Bol’ and it continues to be Rajasthan Royals’ team song in the Indian Premier League.
New Rajasthan Royals anthem “Phir Halla Bol”
The onset of the IPL 2018 season in which the franchise was making a comeback after an absence of two years saw Rajasthan Royals unveil their new team anthem ‘Phir Halla Bol.’ The anthem sung by Ila Arun who had also lent her voice to the original anthem in 2008 was launched with renewed spirit and exuberance at the Game Plan event organised by Star Sports in Jaipur.
“Our anthem has been unique in the sense that it is soaked in the flavour and colour of Rajasthan. ‘Phir Halla Bol’ is a tribute to our fans who have awaited with anticipation to see us back in the IPL,” Rajasthan Royals co-owner Manoj Badale said.
Ahead of the Game Plan-in your city event organised, where the music video also came to the limelight, Ila Arun had said, “Yes, I am singing ‘Halla Bol’ for the Rajasthan Royals team. It’s a very proud feeling for me to sing for the Rajasthan team since I am myself from Rajasthan. The song is written by Piyush Pandey and composed by Amar but I have also provided my inputs to give the song a really earthy flavor. It’s a very royal, rhythmic and energetic number which will have the crowds cheering for their local team.”
“I don’t have much idea about the video. It doesn’t matter if I am there in the video or not but I would make my presence felt through my voice. The common man relates to my voice. However, at some point I would be going and cheering the team personally during the matches,” she also went on to add.
The video of the anthem vividly portrays the emotions and the love that the people of Rajashthan have for cricket in the north-western region of the country.
Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022 so far
Rajasthan Royals fans will find immense pleasure with the way the team has performed so far this season. Their intent to revolutionize their fortunes was clear the IPL 2022 mega auction event itself and RR have lived up to that billing on the pitch.
Their displays this year, led by the likes of Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, captain Sanju Samson, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Trent Boult have characterized the ‘Hall Bol’ attitude with panache and grace. RR have also been very resilient and have shown tremendous will to bounce back from adverse and challenging situations.
Rajasthan Royals occupy the third spot in the IPL 2022 table at the time of writing and have already qualified for the playoffs. Marching ahead with fine form, they will be setting their sights on winning their first IPL title since that memorable victory in 2008 when nobody had given them a chance.
FAQs
What is the meaning of Halla Bol?
‘Halla Bol’ literally means ‘raise your voice.’ It is a traditional war cry that asks comrades and soldiers to launch an assault.
Who is the captain of Rajasthan Royals?
Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson has been the captain of Rajasthan Royals since IPL 2021.
How many IPLs have Rajasthan Royals won?
Rajasthan Royals have won only one IPL title so far – in the very first season of the Indian Premier League in 2008.
