23 years later, guitarist Susmit Sen all set to start a glorious second innings

Known as one of the pioneers of fusion rock in India, the rock band Indian Ocean bids farewell to Susmit Sen, who has been a member ever since he helped co-found the music band in 1990 with the late Asheem Chakravrty. Sen was adored by fans all over for creating what could be termed a whole new style of playing the guitar, with a strong Indian sound that formed the basis of the band's unique music. 

After quitting the band, Sen has decided to continue his glorious career by taking a new path, with big plans lying ahead of him. He he already released his own album titled "Depths of the Ocean", where  his unique guitar playing style shines through. Moreover, he is set to work together with big names such as Anirban Ghosh (bass guitar), Gyan Singh (Tabla),Nikhil Vasudevan (Percussions),Amit Sharma (vocals) and Rajeev Raja (flute), in a collaboration as "The Susmit Sen Chronicles". They will premier in Hard Rock Cafe, Mumbai on 9th August.

The guitarist has also had the honour of being invited this July by the Festival Guitare en Scene, Geneva, France, one of the most renowned Guitar festivals in the world where he will be representing the country as ‘the Guitarist’ whose guitar sounds like no other

Finally, a coffee-table styled book on the band is set to be published later in the year, accompanied with a national concert tour to promote their book. This will be the guitarist's final adieu to the band. 

The band posted this on twitter earlier today: 

Very Important Update: Susmit Sen is leaving Indian Ocean after 23 years of a long and fruitful association.... fb.me/1ECGc1gGl

— indian ocean (@indianoceanband) June 12, 2013

Fans took to twitter to reach to the news too: 

Indian Ocean guitarist Susmit Sen leaves band. What? NOOOO!

— Parveen(@Parveenpuskar) June 13, 2013

The distinctive riffs of #IndianOcean was a new sound in Indian music. #Susmit's leaving marks the end of an era youtube.com/watch?v=bKWKDO…

— shubhra gupta (@shubhragupta) June 12, 2013

This is so unfortunate! #SusmitSen has quit @indianoceanband. Sad day!bit.ly/172wCzi @satishkolls @overdosefilms

— Aseem Chhabra (@chhabs) June 12, 2013

In a statement explaining his reasons for wanting to leave Susmit says, explains how his own creative differences from the style of the band sparked his decision.

"So I feel restricted now as I am sure must be the case with the others as well. I strongly believe that my moving on will be beneficial for both Indian Ocean and my creative expression as well." 

"Right now, I am at my creative best. Indian Ocean is a sound and style we created. After more than 27 years of playing I feel that I am brimming with more compositions, more music - but in a grammar and style that is different from Indian Ocean', he says.

The band will now feature a new member, a younger guitarist Nikhil Rao who is set to step into Sumit's shoes. Susmit seems to have much faith in the upcoming starlet. He adds, "Rao is a promising young guitar player with a lot of Indian-ness in his playing. He will be able to give a lot of impetus to Indian Ocean as he will not only add value to concerts but will also be able to create new music with the band in their signature style."