In 2011, four like-minded individuals who shared a passion for singing formed a band. Now, Sanam has become one of the biggest bands that has gained popularity through social media. It has over 10 million subscribers on YouTube. They say the key to their success is staying true to their sound and adapting to new trends in the music world. Read this alsoMeet the social media sensations who are reinventing Bollywood classics #CoverStars
The band consists of Sanam Puri (lead vocals), Samar Puri (lead guitar and vocals), Venky S or Venkat Subramaniam (bass guitar and vocals) and Keshav Dhanraj (drums and vocals).
In an interview with Hindustan Times, the band spoke about their journey in the industry, their evolving friendships and how artificial intelligence (AI) has influenced them. Here are excerpts from the conversation:
How has your friendship as band members evolved over the years, and how has that influenced your music?
Keshav Dhanraj: Our friendship has been the foundation of Sanam. Over the years, we have gone from being just bandmates to being more like brothers. This bond has deeply influenced our music, allowing us to be creatively and emotionally in sync with one another. When we are in the studio or on stage, that connection translates into a kind of musical chemistry that is hard to describe but easy to feel.
Can you share a memorable moment that highlights the bond within the band?
Samar: I remember one thing during our first international tour. We got a few days off to explore each city together. We always got lost in an unknown area together. We would wander around for hours, taste the local food and listen to some local musicians. It always reminded us why we love being a band, not just for the music, but for the experiences and memories we made together as friends.
Venky S: One of them was performing at Soda Yaari Jam at The House of McDowell’s, which was incredible, especially because it was on Friendship Day, which is very close to Sanam. The energy of the crowd was amazing, and we felt like we were just a group of friends jamming together rather than performing in front of an audience. The whole event was a celebration of friendship, and it was really special for us to be a part of it.
These days there is a lot of discussion about how AI is interfering in the entertainment sector. How do you see the impact of AI on the music industry?
Sanam Puri: AI is definitely a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a powerful creative tool that can help artists explore new sounds and ideas. But on the other, it risks becoming a substitute for human creativity, which can be a threat. For us, music is about emotion and engagement, something I think AI can’t completely replicate. It’s important to use AI as an aid, not a replacement.
Is the reel trend taking over the music industry and influencing the way music is produced?
Keshav Dhanraj: Reel trends are definitely having a big impact on the music industry. In some ways, it’s positive as it allows artists to reach a wider audience and be more creative in the way they present their music. However, it also has a downside, it can sometimes prioritise quick, catchy hooks over deeper, more meaningful music. We try to strike a balance between staying true to our voice, while also embracing new trends in a way that feels authentic to us.
What message do you want to convey to listeners through your music?
Samar Puri: The main message of our music has always been about spreading love, positivity, and unity. We want our listeners to feel that they are not alone, that there is always someone who understands and cares about them. Friendship is a huge part of being in a band, and we hope that through our songs people feel connected not only to us, but to each other as well.
Can you give us a glimpse of any upcoming projects?
Sanam Puri: We have some exciting projects in the pipeline, but we are particularly excited about some surprises planned for next year. We can’t reveal much right now, but all we can say is that it will be something new and refreshing.
