Indian Ocean - My Inspiration

Indian Ocean : My Inspiration , My Heroes....

-AnkurSharan

Indian Ocean is an Indian rock band formed in New Delhi in 1990. They are considered to be the pioneers of fusion rock genre in India.

In 2003, when my dreams and my passion confused my destiny, I got the inspiration that I needed to go on…

It was a live concert by Indian Ocean at Pragati Maidan, Lal Chowk when I first saw him, Mr Amit Kilam, the drummer of the band. As mesmerized that I was, I truly believe till date that I have never had a more invigorating experience in my life yet. I can never forget the moment when the great singer Smt. Shubha Mudgal suddenly appeared from the audience in a row right before ours. Watching Mr Amit Kilam gave a new direction to my thoughts. The beat that a drummer provided, gave me an inspiration to try my hands on the art. I went ahead and bought a second hand drum kit. I was always an active member of the music societies in my school and college. But having my own drum kit, this 'extra-curricular activity' became my passion. I started realizing how it created magic for me and pushed me to newer horizons.

I got in touch with several musicians and my guitarist friends and we started practicing together. Slowly our 'band' got recognition as we performed in various college festivals and fresher parties.

In 2005, I interacted with Amit sir in a school show. I had always taken inspiration from him and had always considered him as my mentor, and I still do. It might sound funny but I always considered him like my 'guru', just like Eklavya. I met him in Blue Bells School (in front of LSR), and it was the first personal interaction with him. He was casually juggling a basketball was at complete ease with himself. I was absolutely surprised to meet the humble

man inside him and was definitely in awe. It was a pleasant surprise to know that he lived in the same area where we've been residing at 1226, Sec 37 Fbd for the past few years. It definitely is a small world.

We often played the songs of Indian Ocean, especially 'Kandisa', 'Maa Rewa', 'Hille Re' and others. All of them are my personal favorites.

In2007, when again I attended the Indian Ocean concert in C.P., I realized how much the band and the drummer have inspired me. I look back and realize that hadn't it been for them, I would not even be a drummer.  If Mr. Amit Kilam, had not inspired me, I would be a mundane and a lifeless body.

I thank him for the heights that we've reached today. We are working professionals who form the band and live our passions. Featured in NDTV India and performance in Times Youth festivals has been our greatest victory, all thanks to that one ray of inspiration that drove me.

Himanshu Joshi

Himanshu has been singing with Indian Ocean since October 2009 and it has been an exhilarating experience. But it all happened by accident.After the untimely demise of Indian Ocean’s founder band member, the extremely talented Asheem Chakravorty, Himanshu was asked to jam with the band by Susmit Sen. The initial experiment worked and Himanshu has been with the band ever since.

Himanshu now balances two careers – music and making films. He is mutlitalented person, highly inspirational. Himanshu Joshi is a singer, music composer, poet, writer, photographer and filmmaker.Himanshu is also an avid poet and short-story writer, choosing Hindi as his language of creative expression. An alumnus of MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia, he co-owns MIME TV Pvt Ltd, a film production outfit that produces corporate films, chat shows, game shows, news & current affairs programs and documentaries.

Tuheen ( Tabla, Percussions and Vocals), My wonderful buddy. It was my privilege that I played with him during college band festivals , music circuits. Extremely innovative in fusion like Tabla & Drumming. He is best because he knows the actual basics of Live Concerts n always share smiles. Just loved the way - he is enjoying with Tabla & Audience...! One must go & watch the Live Performance of I.O, they all will make you Crazzzzy...

Rahul Ram (Bass guitar and Vocals)          

The Big Man...Our Great Guru Rahul Da !

Rahul Da  is having such a cool stage presence ; he  is an essential part of Indian Ocean’s live concerts. His vocals have a power and edge that emphasizes the folk roots of the band. Rahul Da also does most of the talking at live shows now..! He is not only a great musician, but also a lovely person that I know in Music World. His experiences as an activist/supporter with the Narmada Bachao Andolan (1990–1995) and during his four years studying in the US have exposed him to a variety of musical styles from all over India and the world, and have strongly influenced his musical expression. Rahul Da has done PhD in Environmental Toxicology from Cornell University in New York (1986–90) ; he is the back bone of the Band...! Always Full on Masti, very funny just like Kids...

Keep Loving -Spread Music, Spread Love.

Lots of Love & best wishes,

Ankur Sharan