Ever since its conception in May 2012, local Bollywood band ‘Nasha’ has made its presence felt at all the major events in the city – from Diwali celebrations to fundraisers.
With the aim of providing ‘Bollywood entertainment in terms of dance and music’ to both Indians and Kiwis, Nasha has created a niche in the Indian music scene in Auckland in less than a year. And in order to build on this popularity, the band is now coming up with their first solo concert, which will present Bollywood in all its splendour. Apart from an exciting countdown, consisting of a mix of old and new Bollywood hits, the concert will also have a Kiwi dance troupe (RITZ Event Entertainment) grooving to Hindi film numbers and a Bhangra troupe (Anakh Punjab Di) to complete the cultural experience.
Nasha’s founder member and drummer Mark Pinto de Menezes also informs us about having an Irish-Kiwi singer for the song ‘Senorita’ from “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara”, who will give the song the required Spanish-Hindi twist.
Mark’s association with the Indian music scene goes back to the ’80s, when he was a part of India’s biggest rock band ‘Indus Creed’, known as ‘Rock Machine’ then. But the veteran rocker admits that he was never in touch with Bollywood music till he attended Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s concert in Auckland last year.
Mark got the first real taste of Bollywood beats when he saw his old time buddies Ehsaan and Loy perform their Hindi film songs at the concert. And so swept off was he by the music and the response to it that he instantly decided to form an Indian ‘Bollywood’ band here.
“I was stunned to see the concert and the potential Bollywood music has to pull crowds. Also, what was most surprising to see was that Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music was actually heavily influenced by Western music. It was a commendable blend of Hindi lyrics and Western tunes,” Mark tells us.
As a result of the impact the concert had on him, Mark brought together other professional Indian musicians in Auckland (with relevant experience in Bollywood music) and formed ‘Nasha’. The band members include Raul Cardoza (vocals), Ben Fernandez (keyboards), Liam Smith (guitars), Dean Rodrigues (bass), Mark (drums and percussion), Manjit Singh (tabla and dholak) and Ajit Singh Saini (dhol and dholak).
“Our main aim through this concert is to attract the young Kiwi crowd and get them interested in Bollywood music. This would open up the market. So far Bollywood centric shows have only been targeted for Indians. Our main target is to draw in the younger generation Kiwis because the older ones are already aware. In fact, there are so many Bollywood dance schools here, which are run by Kiwis,” Mark reveals.
Going by their target audience, the band has selected up tempo Hindi songs, which young Kiwis may find unique and fun. In addition to this, Mark has also roped in his Kiwi drum students, aged 14-18 years, to play at the concert.
With a blend of Western instrumentation, Indian percussion and Modern Electronic Pop, this one’s going to be quite a musical evening. Don’t miss it.
When: May 11, 7.30pm onwards
Where: Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, Corner of Wairere Ave and New North Road
Admission: $20 (Adult or child). Children under five years will be free.
For more details on the concert bookings, log on to www.nasha.co.nz.