KOCHI: Didn’t the guitar piece in ‘Neruppu Da’ from the Rajinikanth movie Kabali give you goosebumps? The guitarist, Jhanu Chanthar, is from the band Jhanu, a first of its kind rock band to successfully blend the energy of modern rock with the aesthetics of poetic Tamil. The band has performed live at numerous venues across south India over the past two years.
Since the online release of their first single and music video ‘Prachanai’ in July 2013, Jhanu has gone on to release two more successful singles. Their growing popularity was amplified through the popular Kappa TV live music show, Music Mojo, where they performed six songs. They recently performed at RED FM Kochi’s event Red Live.
In conversation with Jhanu Chanthar, composer and lead guitarist of the band. Other members include Lawrence Ramu (vocals/lyricist) Harkirat Singh Sangha (bass) Udhay Bharath (drums and percussion)
You were in Kochi recently for the red FM show Red Live. How was the Cochin experience?
It was really awesome. It was a very happy moment when I heard that people were actually waiting for my band to play.
They had invited me with lots of interest and love. It was a great experience playing for them. It was in fact a very intimate experience playing to this crowd.
How was the experience working for Kabali?
For Kabali, the recording got over in almost one hour. I didn’t think then that the song would be selected. You know how the industry works. Keeping this in mind, I didn’t even tell my parents about this. It was four-five months later that Santhosh (Narayanan) called, and he made me hear the song. I heard it more as a fan than an artist because of the Rajnikanth factor.
Taking up music, or for that matter, any form of art as a profession seems a daunting decision. What made you do it?
I did architecture at NIT Calicut and had set up a firm in Nagpur with some friends. It was an impulsive decision to take up music for a career. One morning I told them I need a ten year break. It’s been 6 years now, 4 more to go. But as long as music comes to me I’ll play. I want to do justice to it.
Who are your personal favourites in music?
Michael Jackson tops the list. I have a major regret that I couldn’t watch him live
What is your take on Music Piracy?
I am not very keen on people buying music because I download music for free. My album would also be free.
Music for entertainment or music as a message to society?
I don’t believe in preaching. Whatever I say or preach might not be good for the society. I believe music helps to take your mind off something. That’s what I try to achieve.
Future plans for the band?
Playing live and be in focus for a long time. We aren’t technically studio people. But as I said, we have to mark our time. We have 3 albums in our hand and we have to record them one by one.
Message for budding musicians?
They have to keep playing, keep writing songs that go with the times you’re living in. An artist marks an era, songs reflect that. It is important to keep that in mind.