The Hot List 2016: Parvaaz (Prog Rock Band)

Turns out psychedelia and Urdu make a perfect match

Published by

“The audience always want us to play more,” says vocalist/guitarist Khalid Ahamed from Parvaaz. Photo: Prashin Jagger

Bengaluru has a way of being the breeding ground for experimental music. Parvaaz’s love for rock giants such as Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin has gained them an audience far beyond their headquarters, reaching Gulmarg, Lucknow, Chandigarh and all the major metros.


        “The audience always want us to play more.”


Armed with one EP (Behosh, 2012) and one full-length album (Baran, 2014), the prog rock band know exactly what their fans want””a gig that rewards their patience with indulgent but practiced psychedelic jams, and profound Urdu poetry for lyrics. That’s probably what led them to create a live DVD called Transitions last year, taking on a massive two-hour set. Says vocalist/guitarist Khalid Ahamed, “The audience always want us to play more.” A few more songs away from their next full-length album, Parvaaz, which also comprises Mir Kashif Iqbal (guitars/vocals), Fidel D’souza (bass) and Sachin Banandur (drums/percussion), are regulars at every other big-stage festival in the country, something they weren’t accustomed to even until a couple of years ago. We wouldn’t have it any other way though.

Watch the music video to “Beparwah” off Parvaaz’s debut album Baran below:

Recent Posts

The Best World Cinema of 2024

As the credits roll signaling the end of 2024, here are some of the films…

December 24, 2024

Gminxr Promises Legacy-Building Set at Zomaland Mumbai

Punjabi hip-hop artist part of hits like AP Dhillon, Gurinder Gill and Shinda Kahlon’s ‘Brown…

December 24, 2024

SulaFest 2025: Divine, Ritviz x Karan Kanchan to Perform at Comeback Edition in Nashik

When Chai Met Toast, Madboy/Mink, Dualist Inquiry and more will also perform at the wine…

December 24, 2024

Paul McCartney Wants to Finish a New Solo Album Next Year

The musician says he hopes to return to a bunch of songs he was working…

December 24, 2024

‘Babygirl’ Lets Nicole Kidman Get Her Kink On

The actor delivers a no-holds-barred, everything-bared performance as a woman who finds sexual liberation through…

December 24, 2024

‘Nosferatu’: Robert Eggers’ Remake of Horror Classic Is Anything But Bloodless

The only thing that sucks here is a vampire — otherwise, 'The Witch' director's take…

December 24, 2024