This story is from February 3, 2016

Sudhanshu Pandey of 'A Band of Boys': I am living a dream of a performer

Known for hits like ���Aa Bhi Jaa��� and ���Nain Katari���, 'A Band Of Boys' - comprising of Sudhanshu Pandey, Sherrin Varghese, Karan Oberoi, Chintoo Bhosle and Siddharth Haldipur- began its journey in 2002 with the release of its debut album ���Yeh Bhi Woh Bhi���. With its music, the band created a new mirror for pop in the country so much so that they came to be known as the Backstreet Boys and the Boyzone of India. The boys have now reunited for Mumbai's Ballard Estate Festival after a very long hiatus and with a great zeal too. We had a little chat with them about their experience, their journey so far and their future plans. Excerpts from our conversation...
Sudhanshu Pandey of 'A Band of Boys': I am living a dream of a performer
Known for hits like ���Aa Bhi Jaa��� and ���Nain Katari���, 'A Band Of Boys' - comprising of Sudhanshu Pandey, Sherrin Varghese, Karan Oberoi, Chintoo Bhosle and Siddharth Haldipur- began its journey in 2002 with the release of its debut album ���Yeh Bhi Woh Bhi���. With its music, the band created a new mirror for pop in the country so much so that they came to be known as the Backstreet Boys and the Boyzone of India. The boys have now reunited for Mumbai's Ballard Estate Festival after a very long hiatus and with a great zeal too.
We had a little chat with them about their experience, their journey so far and their future plans. Excerpts from our conversation...
A Band Of Boys to reunite
How did you guys feel after performing at the Ballard Estate Fest after so long?
We were extremely elated to have performed at the Festival. It was our coming back and sussing out not just our vibe and chemistry but also an audience who perhaps remembers us, perhaps not - and perhaps a whole new audience at that. And super happy to say that the love we received, the energy of the band, the singing, the jumping and dancing was all, just like the good old days! Music remains the king of all sorts of good times and we're happy to say that it looks like it shall be thus for a long long time to come!
Are you planning to comeback together as a band ?
Yes we are. It's been almost 8 years since we wrote new material, as pop music had almost died out due to an overkill of Bollywood. Thankfully with the increasing number of festivals and curators, there has been a heavy demand for independent music, which honestly during our times was just called Indi-pop and now seems to be the right time for us to come back with a new album.

Sudhanshu Pandey: 'Acting or Singing' - what do you prefer?
I am living a dream of a performer, where I can act, sing and perform live... what more can I ask as an artiste. And my profession gives me the scope and space to be able to do so much more and keep excelling in my art. I love everything I do!
Sherrin Varghese: Tell us about your biggest memory with 'A Band Of Boys'!
My biggest memory with 'A Band of Boys' has been a tour which we did to Las Palmas, Canary Islands some time ago. I remember it very fondly for a couple of reasons. One was because we performed on the same stage as Shakira the night after & secondly it was an insight into a Southern European way of living complete with volleyball, swimming, partying and a very easy pace of life which one can choose when to get in and get out. Practically a 10 km island, everyone knew everyone there and the weekends were a giant 3 day & night affair all rolled into one. People would just pass out on the beach anywhere, anytime they felt like with literally no care in the world, not worried about anything or anyone as such was the festive atmosphere all around. The best looking people were bartenders and they were the most sought after lot happily serving tourists and ridiculously proud of their jobs. They were very content with what they had and were not chasing money at all which made it even more intriguing when I learnt that most of them were just doing that job to keep them about and moving or else they didn't really need to. Also what got my goat was the special bars for them which started at 7 am in the morning to 11 am to accommodate their working hours. Seriously wicked!
Chintoo Bhosle: What makes live performance and performing within four walls different?
Live performances are all a spur of the moment thing. You don't get a second take and if the moment passes where you've messed up or could capitalize on something - it passes! You can't regret it but simply move on and make the best of the time that lies ahead. I love live performances as it's a true test of your mettle, readiness and two shows are never the same - hence can never get boring! Studios on the other hand, though sterile and very controlled are the ultimate mirror to your talent - who you are and what you can do. Every breath, emotion, voice crackle is laid bare for the world to hear and you have to aim for perfection. Something you record is something you will have to live with for the rest of your life so you better be sure that not only are you ready but you like what you do. Two entirely different mediums but vehicles nonetheless to take your art and song to your fans... in love and totally at home with both!
Karan Oberoi: When did you realise that you have a connection with music?
I was born with a connection to music because we had a very musical environment in the house. My dad, despite being an army man was a very avid musician, and my mom had a very beautiful singing voice, as did my grand parents. Music and the learning and knowledge of fine arts was very heavily encouraged as food for the soul. Since i was very little most of our evenings were spent with dad playing the harmonium, my mum singing with all of us. I learnt about 20 instruments by the time i was 16. That lay the founding stone for my connection to music. And it has been such a blessing!
What's the band's immediate future plan?
Finish recording the comeback album and do a national tour with it and relive the legacy of being India's first and only boy band.
Listen to A Band Of Boys on Gaana.com
WATCH: Gori | A Band OF Boys | Full Album Song
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