We chose the time or time chose us!

 

In Early 1990s, the grey matter and tropical emotions of an average Bengali youth were restless with the farcical socio-political system, the apprehensions of globalisation and a feeling of urban by-product, like alienation. There was even a lack of knowledge about the local music culture. So, the youth was disoriented and confused. A sense of dissatisfaction was creeping in.

 

Every initiation is certainly derived from a need. A need to improve the existing states - the picture was no different in our case. In 1990s the music scenario in Bengal was a complete contrast to the present one. We had to satisfy ourselves by taking pride in the music composed much before we were born. As the locals were unable to identify with the contemporary music, we suffered through the same emotions.

 

Thus, Cactus was an outfit that catered to the thirsty youth. We derived our name from the fact that the music scene was then devoid of life as in a desert. We survived amongst all odds.

 

Back in early 1990s, Bengali music lovers were not used to an idea of Bangla rock. A very small percentage of the mass used to listen to the rock music and that too was in English.

 

Cactus was formed way back in 1992. Inspired by Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden, we started the journey with a purpose of making some real good rock music in a language closer to our soil. We organised the first ever Bangla rock act, thereby growing its vista and erasing its existing limitations.

 

The professional debut of the band saw the light of the day on 6 March 1993 at Aban Mahal, Kolkata. It tasted some success when our first self-titled album came out in 1999 released by HMV. Along this journey we had to part ways with many of our friends for different reasons some personal some not.

 

In 2003 for the first time in the history of Bangla music, a Bangla rock band got associated with a Bengali movie titled Nil Nirjone and the soundtrack for the movie was released. Cactus composed and performed all the songs in the movie along with a bit of acting thrown here and there.

 

In India the rock n roll music is just cultured by a niche group of musician, which also is getting popularised very fast among the common listeners. The audience is getting the hang of guitar or drums and understanding how the musical instruments are contributing to the music. And, as usual the underground music is more serious and creative.

 

It is essentially a realisation that the mainstream bands still popularise or promote folk, which again have a strong commercial feel. So, it should be worked out properly, rather the entire movement requires an industry to get the rock n roll musicians into the limelight. One good thing to be noticed here is that more and more corporate companies are joining the movement, which is important for the musicians to survive.

 

[Paul is the drummer of Cactus.]