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Manpriya Singh
Someone left the promising field of commerce, while another dropped out of college; back in the day (by that we mean easily a decade), these artistes jumped headlong into an industry that didn’t exist, tastes that were never discerning and audience that wasn’t evolved. All guided by instinct to pursue their passion — music. Here are a few big names from the city that have influenced the music scenario and how the city has in turn inspired them.
First love
Gurnazar Chattha
It was in 2012 that Gurnazar Chattha first got a 15-minute slot at a concert in Leisure Valley. But it was back in school, DAV, Kurukshetra, when he picked up the guitar; college fests and youth fests gradually followed. But the Chandigarh crowds can easily connect all the dots from the Sattva days when his extremely popular gig with the property lasted well over a year-and-a-half. “At that time, Sufi and folk numbers were big, but nobody played them in a lounge set-up or associated them with clubs,” shares the now Mohali-based artiste who is touring for at least 15 to 20 days in a month. “I did do a job initially for Rs 10,000 a month and it’s only once my musical gigs started paying me more than that I quit to pursue it full time,” he signs off.
Creative streak
Ramit Mehra (The Local Train)
It’s hard to believe that Chandigarh-bred Ramit Mehra dropped out of college to pursue his passion — music. Around 2008, when he founded The Local Train along with four other members, he was already dabbling in fields tangentially related to music, radio and theatre. “It was difficult at first for all of us to meet and make music, especially since a couple of members had full time jobs,” he shares while reflecting back on the decade-long and fruitful journey it’s been. A decade later they are all full-time musicians, happy to be doing what they do best and love most.
Speak of creativity and he gives ample credit to the city and the various musical influences it brings. “There are so many festivals happening, there is a Bollywood night at Leisure Valley, then there will be a rock band performing at PU and some French musician always in town thanks to Alliance Francaise. Moreover the city lets you get home faster, so that you practice more,” shares the bass guitarist.”
Meaningful lyrics
Hari & Sukhmani
Sukhmani Malik always has her suitcase either packed to take off anytime or it’s always open in her room, which means she is out of town! Having already done a crazy schedule in Muscat, Kerala, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Udaipur, coming up is another one… “It’s only for a week in a month that I’m home.”
Everyone in Chandigarh can pick up all the connecting threads from when they know her as the Sukhmani of the famous duo Hari & Sukhmani, who many years ago started with the famous gig at Orchid Lounge that happened twice a week for over two years. But it wasn’t easy carving a niche in an industry cluttered with musical influences and artists, and even prejudices. “Our language is Punjabi and many festivals wouldn’t have it, and also it took a while for us to shift it into the cool zone,” she minces no words.
Melodious note
Jasleen Aulakh
Instead of dolls and toys, Jasleen Aulakh had a little studio with tape recorder and a xylophone for toys. Needless to say, she took to music like the proverbial fish to water. She laughs, “I did a Masters in French and that is not just related to music. The only thing is I can sing in French.” Not that she needs the language to connect, “I have performed in places like Europe, New Zealand people always make an effort to understand and truly appreciate our folk music.”
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