‘We want to set a trend of Sufi-rock in Pune’- Rudraksh

Tugging at the roots of tradition through Sufi music and modernising the act by adopting the rock culture, Rudraksh, a city-based Sufi rock band wants to make Sufi rock music a trend in itself. This band of five recently performed at The 1st Brew House at Corinthians, stringing to originals and renditions of famous songs by Kailasa, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Indian Ocean and many more.

All in their 20s, and hailing from different academic backgrounds met through common friends and social networking forums. Ajay Tapale, the lead vocalist of the band is currently pursuing a PhD in History. Gaurav Bhosale, the percussionist, is pursuing an MA in tabla, Ashpak Shaikh, the drummer is a full-time musician and has worked for several production houses, Shishir Sen, who plays the base guitar is now a full-time musician although when he joined the band he was a working at an MNC in the city. Kiran Dahibhate, who is the lead guitarist and the youngest of them all, is currently pursuing engineering.

It was their passion and love for music that got them all together and they now hope to never let go. While telling us about their journey Shishir said, “We have had a lot of ups and downs and numerous failures to learn from as well, but those failures only made us stronger.” No matter what the problems they have no regrets and are very content and satisfied with where they have reached today.

None of the band members are trained but help each other overcome their shortfalls with their own strengths.