A few weeks ago, Ben Kurian Thomas, a friend of mine who manages the work of many celebrities in Mumbai sent me a clip of the song Ishq Bulaava from the Bollywood movie Hasee Toh Phasee. The song is sung by Sanam Puri from the band SANAM. When I heard the song for the very first time I was captivated by Sanam's beautiful, melodious voice. Naturally, I started following the work of the band and I am pretty sure that they are going to reach a level of super stardom soon. The band has composed a song for the upcoming movie "The Amazing Spiderman- 2" and are well on their way to making a mark in the very competitive music industry in India.I managed to catch up with Samar Puri, a band member and also Sanam's brother.He quite happily agreed to be interviewed by me.
Read on to find out more in his own words.
1. Firstly Samar, thank you so much for taking the time out to be interviewed by me. I am curious to know, who is Sanam and Samar Puri? Tell me a little about your family background and life from childhood until present? Elaborate further on the other band members
As you know, Sanam and I are real brothers, Sanam is the younger one and we have this spiritual connection. :)
We are a Punjabi family.Sanam, Mummy, Papa and I have been together through thick and thin.
One thing I wanna tell you is that we have shifted house a hundred times.. haha. I was born in Muscat and then shifted to Delhi where Sanam was born. Then Dehradun, Delhi, Noida, Back to Muscat, Delhi and then finally Mumbai. Phew.. We have been changing houses almost every year. We love animals, and have 2 doggies, Cleo & Kai (They are like my kids) :)
Venky S, Who was my batch-mate in Indian School Muscat (Muscat) when we were 15, formed our first band together called 'Distorted' Hahaha.. He used to play rhythm Guitar that time. Musically I've learned a lot from him. After schooling he went to chennai where he met Keshav and they had a band called 'The previous band'. Then Venky went to Bangalore where his family is. He is an amazing jazz/swing singer started doing shows.
Keshav had moved to work with Furtados in Mumbai as brand Manager of Pearl Drums. He was looking for some people he can make music with and we were looking for a drummer. Venky told us about him and it clicked. Thats how the band was formed. Venky used to travel from Bangalore for rehearsals and shows.
2. Do you belong to a musically inclined family? Did you and your brother go for music and singing classes or did it just happen naturally?
We don't belong to a musically inclined family but our papa is an amazing powerful singer but never took it professionally. We took classes when we were young but don't remember anything as we were very small at that time. After that we did everything on our own. Learned from our own experiences and personally we believe in learning on our own. :)
3. How did the band "SANAM" come together?
As I told you Sanam and I were looking for a drummer in 2009. Venky helped us meet Keshav and then Venky also joined us after we won this Times Music Nationwide Pop band hunt contest called "Supastars'. Around 1,400 bands took part and we bagged the coveted title and had a 3 year contract. After that we changed our name to 'SQS Project' and met Ben Thomas and things got much much better. Many fans asked us what 'SQS Project' stands for and it was a pain to explain. So we decided to change it to 'SANAM' as its a Hindi word that means 'Beloved' or 'Lover', one word, easy to understand and connects with the audience.
4. What inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
I want to change things for the better & make people happy and do it through music.
5. If you could be granted one wish and have any skill or talent in the world, what would it be?
I have it. Just need to keep learning and get better everyday.
6. What are your favourite websites?
illgaming.in for gaming (Best gaming website in India)
Facebook obviously
Then metacritic.com where I check movie, music and game reviews and stuff.
I like watching movies so i check imdb.com.
I love watching this Japanese Anime called 'ONE PIECE' on WatchOP.com
7. I am sure that the female fans are going gaga over you and Sanam...You guys look like twins and are of course good looking. So any plans on the marriage front? Do you have a girlfriend? Does Sanam have a girlfriend?
Marriage.. Its too early to think about it.
Both Sanam and I are single :)
8. Where do you see the band five years from now? What are your plans for the future?
Our plan is to keep making/writing songs. I believe what we do now becomes the future. We'll just keep working.
9. Define success... What does it mean to you?
If I'm happy, I'm successful. No matter what, always smile. :)
10. How many times a week does the band meet up for practice? How do you train? Does the band have a teacher for guidance?
It depends, We try to rehearse whenever we can. Yes we have a teacher, His name is Ben Thomas (our manager). He's actually more like a friend / brother / father. :)
11. What has been the bands most memorable performance thus far?
Our First show at VJTI college, Mumbai when the crowd was singing our own songs. Nothing can beat that feeling. That day will always be special for Sanam, Venky,Keshav and I.
12. What advise would you give to young aspiring musicians out there?
Keep learning, Never give up. If you're good and your dreams high, Nothing can stop you!
Thank you Samar for taking the time to answer these questions. Desert Moon wishes you all the best in your future endeavours!!! This is definitely one of the most inspiring interviews that I have ever done. I am so honoured and proud to have interviewed a band that is all set and ready to make an impact globally. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.
Check out the band's latest song they composed for the movie " The Amazing Spider-Man 2"
Some of their other hit songs include "Ishq Bulaava" and " Teri Aankhon se"
