an experience that can awe spectators with its live performance. An arts student from Gujarat, Mayur developed an impeccable flair for classical music, an art form that is deep-rooted in his upbringing. A tabla ace, Mayur dived head-on into the world of percussions, earning repute as a tabla player, and adoration as a jazz-funk drummer. Fuelled by his father’s vision, today he is a master of rhythm through a cross-section of genres.
He has used his roots in classical tabla and percussion training to bring to the music maturity and authenticity while his taste for strange sounds and electronic noises brings in wildness and fervour. The classical element keeps Mayur grounded, while his need for experimenting takes him to heights unsurpassed and us to the lands unexplored. It is a journey of life beyond the known.
“Since I was a classical tabla player, I started experimenting with different sounds. I was still in school when my love for music and different genres translated into something more tangible —Bandish Projekt, which I believe is the future of Indian music,” said Mayur.
Bandish Projekt is known for coming up with something new and fresh every time it performs. The young musician rocketed his way to becoming a popular hysteria. He has done it all with parties, ramps, clubs and performance stages sponsored by ITC and Microsoft. He has performed live drum ‘n bass sessions for The Red FM, Mumbai, while promos for Radio Mirchi, Times of India Group and promos for 101.6 City FM, Dubai are milestones juggled simultaneously.
Bandish eventually made a swift entry into Indian commercial music. He moved to Bombay to produce his first ever studio album, Bhor, featuring popular Bollywood tracks presented with a modern touch. The album turned out to be his undeniable break in the mainstream market. And with the sweltering Isha Koppikar entrancing us in the chart-topping title video, Bandish was an instant hit countrywide.
Over the years, Mayur has also collaborated with various artists and performers to give a wider dimension to Bandish Projekt. This apart, the maestro is also into producing albums, music composing and producing for films, short films, TV serials, adds, radio and websites.
Being in the music industry for the last 12 years, Bandish projekt has carved a niche for itself. Now based in Mumbai, Bandish started its musical journey from Ahmedabad toured round Dubai and UK and eventually the entire world.
Some of the most remarkable achievements Bandish has to its credit are:
Composed music for Bollywood film ‘Dubai Return’ by Aditya Bhattacharya and for a Hollywood film ‘The Moment’ by Spicy Mango Production 2004. Bandish has also performed over 120 shows and festivals across India, Dubai, UK, Sweden and France.
Clandestino Festival, Sweden; IIFA Awards, India; Edinburgh Fringe Festival, UK; Leicester South Asian Arts Festival, UK and Indian Electronica Arts Festival by BBC Asian Network, UK; Lille 3000, France are some of the milestones Bandish boasts of.
The fact that Bandish’s first album, titled ‘Bhor’, was on the countdown charts for nearly eight months, while the second one is ready for release worldwide is also one of its major achievements.
Other achievements:
Won the All India Radio Competition in 1999
Nikhil Ghosh Award, 2000-Promising Percussionist
Started and performed drums & percussion for a Jazz band called Flipside
Mayur’s vision for 2010 is to release its newest album ‘Correkt’ with the help of his UK-based partner Pritesh Varia, who manages Bandish’s bheja fry records and Bandish project gigs.
To those thousands of music fanatics who want to set out with their own venture, Mayur says, “Study and know the market, see what the market wants and what can fill the gaps. Be unique in whatever you do and always be optimistic.”
