Sanam set to rock their SA fans in one-off show
THEY are India’s answer to One Direction.
And after taking the internet by storm, popular pop-rock group Sanam are in South Africa to perform in front of their South African fans for the first time.
The band, who rose to fame after composing renditions of Bollywood hit songs and uploading them to YouTube, will be performing a one-off show tomorrow at Emperors Palace.
The Saturday Star caught up with band members Sanam Puri, Samar Puri, Venky S and Keshav Dhanraj.
Q: What are some of the strangest things that you have heard about South Africa?
A: Venky S – I’ve heard that you’ll require a licence to purchase a television set – that’s odd. I’m guessing it has something to do with the crime rate. Oh, there’s this meme that defines Oscarpistosis as the fear of going to the toilet at your boyfriend’s house – morbid and funny.
Q: The band has been described as the Indian equivalent of British boy band One Direction. Is it something that flatters you?
A: Keshav Dhanraj – Sure, it’s a compliment. One Direction is huge. They’ve worked hard to get where they are. And they also have dedicated professionals working on each aspect of their lives and music. We have Ben Thomas (Kurian & Co), who ensures we reach our goals as a band.
Q: Do you guys ever get on each other’s nerves?
A: Samar Puri – The four of us live in the same vicinity, so we see each other all the time. It’s cool when a band can just have fun, play video games, share meals together, enjoy workouts and band rehearsals. It’s quite stress-free unless we’re on the road and haven’t seen friends and family in a long time.
Q: What would you say has been the best Bollywood hit song that Sanam has done to date, and why?
A: Samar Puri – Our rendi- tion of the song Duaa is most popular on our YouTube channel with over 15 million views. We never expected it to do so well, but that’s the beauty of music. You do your best and it’s up to people to like or dislike it.
Q: Which musicians would Sanam love to collaborate with?
A: Venky S – We’ve had great experiences on collaborations. I’d say Ladysmith Black Mambazo for their Isicathamiya harmonies and Bakithi Kumalo for his funky basslines.