We can't compose Hindi film songs: Parikrama

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We can't compose Hindi film songs: Parikrama

New Delhi: The oldest Indian rock band claims to have had 1.5 million downloads of its songs, even when it has not cut a full-fledged album yet.

CJ: Pooja Anand

Thu, Jun 22, 2006 00:00:00 IST

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Hindi Film Songs :

SUBIR MALIK IS the manager of the band and plays keyboard, synthesizers, truant and almost every musical instrument. At the age of 34 he is the oldest band member and driving force behind the band. Nitin Malik, vocalist, Sonam Sherpa, guitarist, Saurabh Choudhary, another guitarist, Chintan Kalra, bass guitarist, Dilip Ramachandran, drummer, Shambhu Nath, Indian and Western percussionist and plays tabla, Rajat Kakkar, percussionist, Surojit Roy, another percussionist and Imran Khan, violinist are the other nine band members. The band has performed at various music events across the country and has a great fan following. In spite of their personal responsibilities the music remains their first love.

Malik spoke with Pooja Anand of merinews.

Why the name Parikrama?

Nitin was a great follower of Osho at the time we thought of this band. He was reading a book called Vishwa Parikrama by Osho, and it just sounded nice to all of us. Besides, Parikrama clearly denotes the circle of life, something we all relate to.

What are the genres of the rock that the band specialises in?

Blues based rock.

How many band members are there presently and how was the teaming up/recruitment done? Were you all friends from the beginning?

There are six band members plus two additional members to play violin and tabla. Most of the six members are the same since 1991 when the band was formed. We were not friends before but are now.

Many band groups break away because the members leave. After almost 15 years of the band journey did anyone from the band come across any tension or differences when a thought of bidding farewell occurred?

We are human beings and differences do occur, but we solve them amongst ourselves. Over the years like in any family we have learnt how to adjust with each other.

Which section of music lovers listen to the band’s music?

Essentially rock music lovers. Since we are in it for years many non-rock people have also started to listen to our music and admire it.

You specialises in blending Indian musical instruments, like tabla and flute with guitar, keyboards and drums. Why is there a need for using Indian musical instruments when the rock is not Indian?

Rock is not Indian, but we are. We added these instruments way back in 1991 just as an experiment, but now if you ever see the crowd’s reaction when Imran plays the vaporise violin solo, you will get it that it was a right decision.

Name some famous concerts in which the band has performed?

There are many. For example, we performed at Banned AIDS in the year 1992. We have performed six times in BITS Pilani. We have performed 11 times at IIT Roorkie. We have played at Independence Rock, IIT Mumbai, Elevates; we have done a show with Saif Ali Khan and have also performed for Bill Gates.

Rock, though not Indian originated, yet it is quite popular in the country. There are also many rock band groups in the country. Yet we never had anyone like The Beatles or Pink Floyd. Why so?

It is just because we are playing in a country where approximately 95 per cent of the population does not understand English. If rock bands want to commercialise their music then they have to sing in Hindi or a song with Hindi-English lyrics.

At the time when bands are composing music and songs for films, why is Parikrama not participating in the race?

We cannot compose commercial Hindi film songs. It is not our cup of tea. We are happy by performing our originals and making rock lovers rock.

Parikrama has given so many single hits, but why so much delay in releasing a full-fledged album?

Album sales of Indian rock bands are nothing to talk about. So, we record our songs and put them for free download at our web site. Moreover, we have a Parikrama CD ROM of which we have distributed more than 35,000 copies for free. It has resulted in more than 1.5 million downloads till date. If you search the web properly, you will find enough songs out there to constitute full-length albums.

What is the main reason that Parikrama Inc. in cooperation with Andy Baines has shown interest in doing a rock festival in Dhanaulti?

We have nothing to do with Andy Baines at present. We did a show with him in 2005 and that’s the end of the story.

What are we going to get from the Parikrama in the coming days?

A new original song is just about to be recorded.

What is the basic difference between the Indian audience and audience around the world?

The audience educated in rock is the same everywhere. There is no difference in the audience. Music is the same everywhere and love for music is also the same for everyone around the globe.

How did the band manage to finance its musical instruments in the initial days?

We did not have enough money, so we sent band members to Singapore and got everything from there.

How is Parikrama different from other rock bands?

Ask the audience.

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Also see

India Rocks: the full coverage on Indian rock

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