Indian Ocean goes reel-life

For the first time ever in the history of Indian cinema a film on the life of one of the most prominent Indian music bands, Indian Ocean, is releasing in cinemas across the nation. The film is however releasing after the unfortunate death of the legendary vocalist Asheem Chakravarty.
   
Former adman Jaideep Varma took the initiative to direct this film in 2006 which is titled Leaving Home — The Life and Music of Indian Ocean. Jaideep believes that the film showcases one of India’s greatest musical entities since Independence and he tells their inspiring story of fiercely holding on to their integrity in the current commercial scenario.
   
He says, “On a personal level, Indian Ocean makes me more proud of being Indian than any other entity,today. It has led me to the surprising realisation that their music shows no signs of dating.”

The lives of the four band members, Sushmit Sen (guitar, vocals), Rahul Ram (bass guitar, vocals), Amit Kilam (drums, other percussions) and Asheem Chakravarty (tabla, other percussions and vocals), is traced through extensive interviews with the band members, their family members and people they have worked with.

Band member Amit Kilam says, “There is a big space that needs to be filled between cinema and contemporary Indian art. Maybe this film does that effectively.”