Divas’ day out

 

With Ranbir Kapoor and his “Rockstar” being the flavour of the season, it's also time to introduce Chennai's divas of rock. They are young, talented with powerful voices that can penetrate your soul and often leave you swaying.

While Nanditha the vocalist for ‘No Idea' has been around since 2000, Shakthisree Gopalan fronts ‘Off the Record' which was formed in 2009. Not just these ladies, it's good news for their bands as well which have been selected by Rolling Stone India to be part of Divas of Rock. This is an initiative by Vivanta by Taj in association with Rolling Stone India and Sony Music Independent's ‘Day 1' to provide a platform to showcase talent from across the nation. It encourages upcoming female artists to exhibit their music skills. “It's fabulous that there are people taking charge and doing something like this…it's like a revolution. This will encourage more girls to be part of rock bands,” says Nanditha about the project. She adds that when she started out, acceptance did not come easily. “I remember once I was on stage and about to perform a Judas Priest track and some in the audience started booing me. But after I sang they were okay,” she recollects.

The initiative has a solution for that. “Vivanta will take these talented artistes to a discerning audience across cities. The idea is to pool in resources and opportunities to scout for quality home-grown talent and along with patrons such as Rolling Stone India and Day 1, offer entertainment with a purpose,” says Veer Vijay Singh, chief operating officer, Vivanta by Taj Hotels and Resorts.

Selected bands from around the country will be performing at the event which kick-started with a performance in Bengaluru and makes its way through Chennai to Pune and Goa. The Chennai leg that will take place this evening at Vivanta by Taj Connemara will see ‘No Idea' and ‘Off the Record' perform originals along with The Petri Dish Project from Mumbai. “The Petri Dish Project is one among the many established rock bands that will headline concerts at various venues. The idea is to make emerging and established talents share the stage,” adds Singh.

Shakthisree is excited about performing with The Petri Dish Project. And how is it to be the only girl in the band? “The boys are very supportive…just that I can't discuss what to wear before a show,” she laughs.