Rashtrapati Bhavan corridors to resonate with rock ’n roll beats

But it will be the first time that three rock bands — Strings (Pakistan),Love Runs Blind (Bangladesh) and Advaita (India) — will enter the precincts of this iconic residence.

This is also the first time that a band from Pakistan will be performing in the President’s residence.

“It is a huge honour to play for the Indian President. This gig will bring three neighbours,who were once one country,together under one roof. If there is any effort,even if it’s in terms of softer power,towards peace,I am all for it. As for India and Pakistan,we haven’t had an easy past,but these concerts can make things go in the right direction,” Faisal Kapadia,lead vocalist of Karachi-based band Strings,said. Faisal will be performing with lead guitarist Bilal Maqsood.

Strings,known for its melodic tracks and thoughtful poetry,is extremely popular in India. The band will play some of their more popular songs,including Dur and Nai Jaana at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

For Ayub Bachchu,the lead vocalist and guitarist with Love Runs Blind,“it is a once-in-a-lifetime,prestigious opportunity”.

All three bands — each has 20 minutes for their performance,followed by a 10-minute jam session — are aiming at a “not so loud” set,but at the same time sticking to their basic styles.

The bands are also part of the three-day South Asian Bands Festival which will begin on Friday at Purana Qila.

Sanjeev Bhargav,the creative director of South Asian Bands Festival,said,“When President Pranab Mukherjee was the External Affairs Minister in 2007,he had inaugurated the first SAARC bands festival in Delhi. He was also instrumental in masterminding softer diplomacy by bringing together bands from neighbouring countries on a single platform. His interest in music is what has prompted this gig.”