Certainly, in India, the concept of a band has been somewhat elusive due to the absence of iconic bands like The Beatles or the Rolling Stones. Movies like Rock On! may have introduced the idea of a band to some extent, but the focus still tends to be on individual singers. According to Venky S, the bass guitarist of the band of boys, Sanam, the current music landscape in India is not band-centric; it leans more towards produced music, with singers taking the spotlight.
The band of boys, consisting of Sanam Puri (vocalist/frontman), Samar Puri (lead guitarist), Venky S (bass guitar), and Keshav Dhanraj (drums), started their journey recording songs in their parents’ homes with makeshift lighting and sound effects. Despite humble beginnings, they’ve become YouTube sensations with over 4.3 million followers and successful live shows. Their core objective remains consistent—to champion indie pop and band culture in India.
The band members acknowledge that the major hurdle in reviving indie pop culture is the dominance of Bollywood. In India, the music industry is often synonymous with Bollywood, which operates as a film industry. The challenge lies in breaking away from the Bollywood mold, where music is tailored to fit specific actors or roles dictated by producers and directors. The band of boys wants to reintroduce the freedom to make music for the sake of art, without being constrained by external influences.
Reviving indie pop culture is a daunting task, given Bollywood’s pervasive influence on musical preferences. Sanam emphasizes that the revival depends not only on their efforts but also on a collective movement. He points out that once a musical act gains traction, Bollywood tends to swoop in, diverting attention and resources. The band aspires to bring back the vibrant independent music scene of the ’90s, fostering an environment where bands and independent artists can thrive without feeling compelled to align with Bollywood.
The inception of Sanam traces back to the Puri brothers’ school and junior college days, marked by wins in competitions and stage shows. Originally starting with English songs, they later shifted to Hindi, drawn by the allure of the beautiful melodies in older Hindi songs.
Addressing concerns about covering iconic songs like Lag Jaa Gale and Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi, Sanam admits to initial nervousness. However, the band’s renditions have been well-received, even by multiple generations within families, surprising them with positive feedback.
While the initial goal was to achieve fame, the band now emphasizes sustainability. They recognize the transient nature of success and the challenges of maintaining momentum. Acknowledging the difficulty of surpassing initial success, Sanam expresses a commitment to growth as artists, exploring new avenues and learning, even if it means venturing beyond the familiar, requested content.