Driven by passion for music and social service

It all started with a group of friends who hung out and jammed during weekends. However, over time, they realised they could channel their energies for something noble, while also indulging in their creative interests. “The band came together mainly to raise money for good causes and to pursue our passion for music. We also wanted to preserve retro music. Another aim was to support live music, an art that is dying with the proliferation of digital music and karaoke,” says Vidhya, a marketing and communication consultant and part-time lecturer at business schools. Like Vidhya, the 10-member band has people from different walks of life who are businessmen, corporate executives and doctors by the day, and musicians in the night. 

The group started off doing public concerts as well as shows at Race Club and Boat Club. However, their first ticketed show was in 2014 at Sivagami Pettachi Auditorium, called Pancham Meets Isaignani, a presentation of songs which portrayed the musical genius of RD Burman and Iliayaraja. “We raised funds to support people who need dialysis and help provide vocational rehabilitation to the patients who are attached to the Madras Kidney Trust and Hypertension Research Foundation, Aynavaram,” recalls another member Hari, a lawyer.

Over the last two years, the group’s performances include singing for burn victims, entertaining prisoners in Puzhal prison, and bringing cheer to cancer patients and inmates of oldage homes and orphanages. The group is gearing up for yet another act on September 9 at Museum Theatre. 

The proceeds of the event will go towards the charitable projects of Rotary Club of Meenambakkam —  paediatric cardiac surgeries, special children recreation centre and skin bank for burn victims. “We have meticulously curated from over 100 years of cinema, the best works of legendary composers like Naushad, SD Burman, RD Burman, Lakshmikanth Pyarelal, MS Vishwanathan and Illayaraja, to name a few. 

The 150-minute-long show will feature as many as 200 musicians who will also play some rare instruments that have been forgotten over time, apart from a specially curated symphony,” adds Sudeep, an engineer. The group says there’s been a noteworthy increase in terms of reception from the public. 

“Earlier, people would directly donate to charities. Now they say they come for our shows, where they are assured that their money will be directed to the right cause and the same time enjoy a good musical experience. Auditoriums are also willing to give us the space for subsidised rates, orchestras are willing to charge less. Everyone feels the need to give, they just need a platform,” finishes Vidhya.