Sanam Puri: We didn't achieve success on YouTube overnight

Sanam Band

Sanam Band

Referred as India's 'One Direction', Sanam Band, a four-member Indian pop-rock band has had their own sweet and sour stories before they could finally 'arrive'. The band achieved recognition for their cover renditions and originals that are often hinged on love. And taking that lovable magic ahead, they will be ushering the month of February on MTV Beats through a series of the specially curated show. Talking more about their foray into television and how to celebrate the month of love, members - Sanam Puri, Samar Puri, Venkat Subramaniam and Keshav Dhanraj get chatty with mid-day online.

Excerpts from the interview:

How does it feel to have your own show on a youth-oriented channel? How did this association take place?

Venkat S - It's amazing! MTV Beats is a fun, young and a vibrant brand with loads of fun, excitement which resonates with our band as well. The association was made through our management at KNC Talent who's always trying to put us out there and helps us make strategic partnerships. Being associated with MTV Beats is special for all of us as we've all grown up watching MTV! Viewers will see all of us this February on Dil Beats - a specially curated show which revolves around love, romance and everything mush. It was premiered on Valentine's Day. Romance as a genre has been evergreen which is loved by all age groups. Collaborating with MTV Beats for the month of love has been one of the most exciting projects so far and we're confident that the viewers are going to love it as well.

Tell us about the show.

Sanam Puri - It's a show where we present the 12 stages of love through music - so we've shot 12 episodes worth of fun content that you should watch. So tune into MTV Beats and you can watch us every Wednesday 10.00 AM, 4.00 PM and 8.00 PM

How did the whole idea of recreating old songs stem up and how did 'Fab Four' was born?

Keshav Dhanraj - We've always been fascinated by the melodies and lyrics in the classics. Indian film music has a diverse collection of tunes and we wanted to learn and render these songs in our own style so that today's generation of youth can revisit the songs we love along with us.

With what motive did you'll start the band? Did you ever think that it will be amongst India's top 10 YouTube channels?

Sanam Puri - We are friends first - Venky (an old classmate/bandmate from Indian School Muscat) connected Sanam and me to Keshav - we had moved to Mumbai in the same year - about 2010. We hit it off well at his garage and have been close friends ever since. The road has been bumpy but my philosophy is to always stay positive and have fun doing what you're doing. We didn't achieve success on YouTube overnight, it took us a while and we cherish each and every step along the way.

Tell us something about your experience working with AR Rahman for 'Jammin'?

Venkat S - We worked on a song called 'YAARA' which included all the artists who were a part of the project 'Jammin' - a musical collaboration between YouTube music content creators and Bollywood composers. AR Rahman had composed a beautiful love song called 'Thalli Pogathey' in 2016 - it's amazing how he transformed this into an inspirational song and got so many of us to be part of it.

From YouTube to working with Oscar-winning musician and now Television, how do you see the entire journey going?

Keshav Dhanraj - It's very important to try and reach out to as many people as possible. So we want to appear in all possible mediums where entertainment is viewed or consumed.

What kind of a bond do you'll share with each other?

Sanam Puri - We are friends first; we hang out with each other all the time since we are neighbours. We play video games, work out together and hang out - I like to eat some amazing vegan meals when I go out with them.

How do you process the feeling of having so many female fan-following?

Samar Puri - It's an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness and we're grateful for all the love being showered upon us. Like I say, we're just having fun.

Any incident where a fan has outdone herself to express her feelings for any of you?

Venkat S - I have a funny incident where one woman asked me to take off my glasses I was wearing on stage because she couldn't see my eyes. I left the glasses on the amp, and towards the end of the show she whacked off my glasses and bounced from the gig.

With women's day around the corner, a message that you would want to give to them?

The four of us in the band ‘Sanam' love you beautiful women; we couldn't be here without you'll. This show is specially done for you'll.

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