On the occasion of Labour Day, music composer and singer Vishal Dadlani reflects on the deeper significance of the day and the people it celebrates. He says, “It’s a day to acknowledge and appreciate the labour force that often works behind the scenes, ensuring our comfort and progress. It’s about recognising their sacrifices, understanding their struggles, and committing to creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for all workers.”

This year, he lent his voice to a powerful tribute dedicated to construction workers — an often invisible workforce that quite literally builds the world around us. The song, composed by Chaitanya Pandit with lyrics by Chirag Modi and Pandit, stands out for its unique creative approach: it incorporates authentic construction-site sounds — hammers, drills, footsteps — layered into a moving melody that honours the rhythm and dignity of daily labour.

Explaining what drew him to the project, Vishal shares a personal connection: growing up in Mumbai, the sounds of construction were part of his everyday life. “I was always surrounded by the sounds of construction — hammers, drills, the rhythm of labour,” he says. “It was the heartbeat of a city constantly rebuilding itself. But what stood out more than the noise was the silence around those who were actually doing the work.”

He recalls seeing workers toiling through heat and rain — their contributions vital, yet largely invisible in everyday conversations. “That disconnect stayed with me,” he says, adding, “So when the Sugee Group reached out to me to sing a song that honoured their contribution, it instantly felt personal. It was finally a chance to use my voice — literally and metaphorically — for people who build our lives but rarely get acknowledged for it.”

What made the project even more meaningful for him was the sincerity behind the initiative. He shares, “It wasn’t just about putting out a message; it was about putting the workers at the centre of that message. It was a heartfelt salute. The fact that they used real sounds from the site — the clangs, the drills, the rhythm of daily toil — and built the track around it made the tribute incredibly real. That completely changed how I approached my vocals. It wasn’t about performing; it was about feeling every beat as a reflection of the labour behind it. Chaitanya and Chirag’s lyrics were honest and grounded, and the emotion in the composition was so powerful, it demanded a more vulnerable, stripped-back delivery. This wasn’t just a musical decision; it was a deeply emotional experience.”

Vishal also believes in the transformative power of music to highlight the lives of underrepresented communities. He says, “Music connects us emotionally — across barriers of class, language, and privilege. When a song tells the truth, it can cut through indifference. For communities that are often unseen, music can stir empathy and even change how we collectively think. It may not solve everything, but it can absolutely start the right conversations and that’s a beginning worth creating.”

Speaking on the role of public figures in driving awareness, he underlines the importance of sincerity and sustained effort. “It’s not about making grand statements; it’s about consistently choosing to stand for what’s right. If my voice can amplify even a small gesture of gratitude or spark more respect for the labour force, I’ll use it that way because it’s the least we can do,” he signs off.