Pop & Rock Band ‘Sanam’ Speak their Heart

'Sanam'

Steering the return of Indian Pop, is Sanam, the rock band taking the nation by storm.

India’s very own One Direction comprises of singing sensations, Sanam and Samar Puri, Venky S and Keshav Dhanraj.

The band that is famous for rendering electrifying performances, is gearing up to play at a city college. Quiz them as to what crosses their mind right before they perform and Sanam Puri, the lead vocalist retorts, “Oh we’re super pumped!”

“Yeah, we’re excited and there’s a great adrenaline rush,” adds Samar Puri who plays lead guitar and vocals.

“I usually try to play an inspirational song in my head right before I step onstage,” reveals a fellow band-mate with a grin.

Bringing the band culture back to India, the popular rock stars focus on independent music and have released scores of hit singles. Ask them which one is closest to their hearts and pat comes the response. “That would be Teri Ankhon Se. Samar had in fact written it for an ex-girlfriend,” reveals Sanam with a grin.

“Yet it is close to all of our hearts because it was one of our first songs and it gave us a great push,” state the Puri boys in unison.

Wondering what inspires their soulful music? “Well its life experiences mostly,” clarifies Sanam

 “A lot of the times our songs are based on fantasies too”.

Perhaps it’s something that we haven’t experienced but just feel inherently for. Venky Subramaniyam, bass player and vocalist quips that his dreams too inspire songs sometimes.

Probe them about their passions and Sanam is the first to say, “Oh, I’m a huge foodie. I love eating with the band, as all of us love food. Venky especially is amazing in the kitchen.”  “My comfort food is dal chawal,” says Venky sharing that he loves to cook up a storm every now and then.

Keshav Dhanraj, the ace drummer who’s also on vocals divulges that he harbours a great love for cell phones. “My guilty pleasure is always getting my hands on the latest iPhone. I’ve also been keen on splurging on a sports bike recently, so I’ve been checking out bikes for a while now.”

 

Samar, on the other hand, voices his passion for editing each of their music videos personally and shares that he was recently checking out the latest Bruno Mars video.

As the four friends and bandmates sing together, play together and eat together, you can’t help but wonder how they resolve creative conflicts amicably. Sanam Puri touches upon the matter explaining, “We always pool our ideas together and try to blend them perfectly. It’s more about understanding each other and seeing where you’re coming from that averts clashes.

“Besides, we’re really good friends apart from being band-mates. I think that is what keeps us together.” Venky nods in agreement declaring what makes them work is that they get on like a house on fire.

Aditi Balsaver