SANAM Band Credits Bengaluru for Shaping Their Early Live Performances
When the indie-pop sensation SANAM takes the stage in Bengaluru, it transforms into more than just another tour date. For band members Sanam Puri, Samar Puri, Keshav Dhanraj, and Venkat Subramaniam, the city represents a foundational chapter in their artistic evolution. The group, which first captured hearts through viral YouTube covers before amassing a worldwide following, emphasizes that Bengaluru was instrumental in refining their early live act.
Bengaluru: A Homecoming for Musical Roots
Ask SANAM to pinpoint a Bollywood anthem that encapsulates their unbreakable bond, and they unanimously cite Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge from the classic film Sholay. This selection, they explain, mirrors the deep friendship that has sustained them through every phase of their career. In an exclusive conversation, the band reminisced about their Bengaluru memories, tracing their ascent from online covers to becoming one of India's most celebrated indie acts, all while upholding authenticity as their guiding principle.
For bassist Venkat Subramaniam, Bengaluru holds profound personal significance. "I completed my college education here and resided in Bengaluru for approximately eight years, so this city truly feels like home. My parents currently live here, and we actually debuted some of our initial shows as a band in this very city. One of our early original performances took place at Catholic Club back in 2010," he fondly recalls. He further highlights the city's audience as exceptionally receptive to live music. "Bengaluru has consistently embraced music in all its forms. During our performances, the entire crowd would sing along. You can genuinely sense the profound love for music when you perform here," he adds.
From Friendship to Musical Fortitude
Drummer Keshav Dhanraj reflects that the band never commenced with a predefined strategy. "We were completely unaware of how the music industry operated. We were simply four friends united by a passion to create music together," he remembers. Like numerous independent artists, their path was fraught with challenges. "We encountered numerous highs and lows, but we navigated every obstacle collectively. Both the triumphant moments and the difficult periods strengthened our bond as a band," he states. After years of producing popular renditions, SANAM is now shifting focus back to original compositions. "We actually started with originals, then transitioned into renditions for an extended period. Now, we are gradually returning to our own music. It feels like embarking on a completely new chapter for us."
Navigating the Digital Age's Pressures
While the band acknowledges the digital era's role in sculpting their trajectory, they also observe its impact on music consumption patterns. "Occasionally, only a brief snippet of a song goes viral on reels, and listeners may not engage with the full track," they note. With metrics and virality dominating the industry, many musicians face immense pressure to remain visible. "We too have experienced phases where we attempted to alter our sound, believing another style was more effective," they admit. Over time, however, SANAM has realigned with their core values. "Now, we are concentrating on crafting music we sincerely adore, rather than pursuing external validation."
Overcoming Anxiety with Iconic Covers
The band vividly recalls the trepidation surrounding the release of their rendition of Lag Ja Gale, originally performed by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar. "It's such an iconic track that audiences feel a personal ownership over it," they explain, noting their uncertainty about how fans would respond to a male vocalist covering it. "But the reaction was overwhelmingly positive, granting us the confidence to continue experimenting." This experience underscores their journey from nervous newcomers to assured artists, continually evolving while staying true to their musical essence.
