(L-R) Siddharth Haldipur, Sherrin Varghese, Chin2 Bhosle, Karan B Oberoi and Danny Fernandes

The last day of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) will see A Band Of Boys comprising Karan B Oberoi, Chin2 Bhosle, Sherrin Varghese, Siddharth Haldipur and Danny Fernandes regale fans with their songs and dance. This group had started off over two decades ago, and while many believed that they had parted ways, the boys tell us that as a band they never really broke up.

Together, they have given us songs like Meri Neend, Gori, Kaisa Hai Ye Jaadu, Nain Kataari, Choori and the newer Yaari, Dil Sarphira, Nain Ladalein among others. The band took time out to do a special shoot and interview with BT, and the bond and energy they share, is for all to see. Read on...

What has made A Band Of Boys stand apart from the other musicians and bands is that they are

among the only bands who also dance on stage. “A lot of people used to ask us how we do this and that dancing on stage is clearly a plus. We are the only act in the country right now that sings and dances together. There are choreographed movements and dancing along with live singing. This is something that the younger generation hasn’t experienced — we are a full audio-visual package that people should look forward to seeing at the KGAF,” says Karan.

Siddharth adds, “We are coming up with our own original act, we have all our original songs and after a long time we are performing live at such a prestigious festival. To have such beautiful songs to our name and the fact that people know our songs means a lot. Over the years, life has changed, and we have many other responsibilities, but we always find time for the band, and we come together and put our heart and music out there!”

The band is excited about the upcoming show and there are many reasons for that. Chin2Bhosle says, “For us, KGAF is one of those first festivals that made a huge impact in the city and it perhaps, started off a lot of other festivals. It has a nostalgic value and crowds come from all over Mumbai no matter where they live. We are an indie pop, independent band, and while we do dabble in other stuff like film music, at heart, we write our own music, our own expression and put it out there. While a few of us have performed here, for us to be on this platform is like coming home. This is where we are meant to be — a festival that has kickstarted art and culture.”

There are a plethora of bands and singers today, but A Band Of Boys feel that their songs have found a place in people’s hearts over the years. “We have lasted for two decades because the memory of our songs stuck on and have lived through. The younger generation may not remember our band name or know who we are, but they know our songs,” says Karan.

Sherrin adds, “The reason our songs stuck around was that they were soulful songs that stayed in people’s memories. And we are a band that believes our melodies are always going to stay, they will always outlast us. Hum rahein na rahein humare gaane rahenge.”

When asked where they had been for so long and whether they had parted ways, Karan says, “That is a bit of a misnomer and inaccurate because we have always been alive on stage. What you have missed out on is possibly the volumes of albums and the album getting promoted. In the last few years, we have been doing singles but as a band we never really broke up. Our act is a stage act.”

Initially, Danny began as the choreographer for the band. He says, “Twenty one years is a long journey. I started off as the choreographer and trained them over the years since Meri Neend Ud Gayi Hai and I am still the choreographer. The journey has been a lot of fun, we’ve travelled a lot and have had many crazy, fun memories. I gave my full sweat and blood to make them dancers and now I am really proud of the band.”