Pune on a musical high

If there is one thing that transcends time, religion & creed, it is music. Pune has given birth to many talents who have left a prominent stamp on the musical map of the country. Priyanka Naithani and Renuka Deshpande bring you 4 such gifted musicians

Koco
guitarist, Agnee

First is the guitarist of the foremost Indian rock band to have signed a record deal with Sony BMG. It is none other than Koco or Kaustubh Dhavale of Agnee band, who is the lead guitarist and the only member from its original lineup. The original Agni band was disbanded but Koco revived it on May 15, 2007, rechristening it Agnee.

“The mindset of people has shifted today, with home grown music being valued more. That is why our band chose to sing in Hindi, which is also the language that the band members think in,” said Koco. Agnee has delivered hits like Sadho Re and Shaam Tanha, along with composing theme songs for reality shows like Splitsvilla and MTV Roadies.

Sanjay Joseph
solo guitarist

Our next musician is one who forfeited the comfort and stability that comes with being in a band and made the decision to go solo. He has played guitar with music whiz AR Rahman at the live Rockstar concert and is none other than Sanjay Joseph, whose musical journey began in Pune. Over the years, he has played with Bollywood composers Vishal-Shekhar, Ranjit Barot and Salim-Sulaiman, along with singer KK, for numerous tracks and background scores.

Of his musical beginnings, Joseph said, “I started playing guitar in my teens and am basically self-taught,” he said. Sanjay created a buzz in Mumbai after he started playing with noted composer Barot.

Rahul Deshpande
classical vocalist

Most Maharashtrians and Indian classical music lovers are familiar with this name. Grandson of the legendary Vasantrao Deshpande, a vocalist par excellence and judge of Zee Marathi’s ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs’, Rahul Deshpande, started learning music at the age of 6. He has carved a niche for himself on the music scene in a big way. In 2006, his career gained momentum, and it was then that he had his most emotional moment.

He performed at the Sawai Gandharva music festival— on the same stage his grandfather once performed on. He has also lent his voice for some Marathi film songs and played a small part in the movie Balgandharva. Besides maturing as a singer, he is also keen on reviving Marathi musical plays. “The shows of Katyar Kaljat Ghusli, Sangeet Sanshaykallol and Sangeet Maanaapmaan, which I have attempted reviving, have received a great response, which was very heartening,” Deshpande said.

Varun Venkit
drummer

He is a qualified clinical psychologist, holding a masters’ degree in neuro-linguistic programming. He is also a percussionist and drummer. Merely 25 years old, Varun Venkit is a maverick musician who started playing when he was 14 years old. His mentor Zubin Balsara first introduced him to the concept of drum circles, where a group of people sit in a circle and play hand-drums and percussion, communicating through music. “My aim is to positively influence the area of health and well-being through rhythm and music,” explained Venkit.

From students and professionals, to drug addicts and children with learning disabilities, Venkit’s music has had a healing effect on many. The ace drummer first conceived the idea of rhythm ensemble Taal Inc in 2005. “After a lot of research and hard work, it was finally launched on February 9, 2011. Till date, we have conducted 55 drum circles all across India and wish to take it to a higher level,” he said.