Showing posts with label Sherrin Varghese. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sherrin Varghese. Show all posts
We are the only act in the country right now that sings and dances together-A Band Of Boys
8:18 AM
(L-R) Siddharth Haldipur, Sherrin Varghese, Chin2 Bhosle, Karan B Oberoi and Danny Fernandes
A Band Of Boys are all set for their concert at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival today
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; February 12, 2023)
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...
‘WE’RE THE ONLY ACT IN THE COUNTRY NOW THAT SINGS AND DANCES LIVE’
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!”
‘PERFORMING AT KGAF IS LIKE COMING HOME’
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.”
‘THE YOUNGER GENERATION MAY NOT REMEMBER OUR BAND NAME, BUT THEY KNOW OUR SONGS’
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.”
‘AS A BAND WE NEVER REALLY BROKE UP’
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.”
#MenToo movement: Karan Oberoi joins the dharna at Azad Maidan in Mumbai
8:20 AM
He was joined by friends Pooja Bedi, Sherrin Varghese and other supporters and equal rights activists at this peaceful protest
Ismat Tahseen (BOMBAY TIMES; June 16, 2019)
A large number of people from various fields, including actors and several men’s rights activists, gathered at the Azad Maidan, Mumbai, yesterday for a peaceful dharna to voice their support for the #MenToo movement. The purpose of this dharna was to create awareness about the misuse of law, in cases where men are falsely accused of rape and other such charges by women. Recently, TV actor Karan Oberoi was accused of rape and extortion by a tantrik-and-healer. He was granted bail by the Bombay High Court on June 7, about a month after his arrest.Talking to Bombay Times, Karan said, “After being wrongly accused, I realised that I’m not the only one. There are so many men out there who are falsely accused. After being in prison for all those days, I can say that no one should go through such an ordeal ever. When I was in jail, the ones who suffered the most were my mother and sister. So, when you are fighting for men’s rights, you are also addressing the whole family that has been affected. I’m here today to support #MenToo, because I believe that justice shouldn’t be determined on the basis of one’s gender. Every man is vulnerable if the law is misused. We are fighting for gender-neutral laws here. When I was in jail, there were so many people fighting for me outside. However, there are many voiceless people, who do not have a support system, the means or money to help them. How can you just let them suffer for no fault of theirs? So, this fight is not just mine, and it doesn’t end with me getting out of jail.”
Pooja Bedi, who has been at the forefront of this movement and is one of Karan’s best friends and strongest supporters, said, “Movements like this are initiated because there is a need for it. There is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. What this movement needs at this point is support, visibility, and among many agendas, the most important one is to put a stop to fake cases. This is possible by modifying laws and strictly punishing those who file fake cases.”The event, organised by a foundation, saw several known names lend their voices to the #MenToo movement, like equal rights activist Barkha Trehan, activist Amit Deshpande, theatre personality Dolly Thakore, Karan’s sister Gurbani, his friend Sherrin Varghese (member of Karan’s music band, A Band Of Boys; pictured right) and Maneck Contractor, among others. Said Sherrin, “I support my bandmate Karan Oberoi; it’s not about men or women, male or female, it’s about equality for all genders.”
Added Barkha Trehan, “I’m here to show support to all my innocent brothers who have been falsely implicated in fake cases. Their lives are ruined.”
Activist Amit Deshpande explained that the aftermath of such false cases could lead men to take drastic steps in their life. “These false cases affect men so badly that it even leads them to suicide. We have a suicide helpline for men and the maximum calls are from those who are falsely accused,” he said.
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