MUMBAI: "It’s easy to begin something. But to keep it going is an art " 26-year-old Mohit Gopalani may not have framed this quote, but his desire to successfully bring back ‘Drum-e-Baaz’, an event he started in 2015, makes him almost suitable for it. In 2010, Gopalani began teaching students who shared the common passion for drums. Through the classes, named ‘Musical Vibes’, Gopalani expressed his intent to teach and encourage music learning among students. 

WHAT 
'Drum-e-Baaz’ is a Mohit Gopalani initiative that focuses on the importance of drums as an important part of music, and allows the students to portray their talent and understanding of the instrument through solo performances. Six performers will take the stage with a purpose to entertain and educate the audience present at the venue. The event is on an ‘invitation only’ basis. It returns with musical equipment partner ‘Furtados’, magazine partner ‘Youth Incorporated’ and online partner ‘Radioandmusic.com’. The six performers will cover some of the most popular tracks ever composed with a supporting bassist and recorded backing track. Certificate distribution would follow the performances. 

WHY

Gopalani recollects his first experience with a live audience as one of the few key reasons behind the birth of this initiative. Like many young aspiring musicians, Gopalani found his ‘National Anthem’ performance convincing enough to fall in love with the idea of ‘performing’. “The whole coming on stage, facing live audience was an absolute thrill and I wanted my students to experience the same. Drum-e-Baaz offers them that,” said Gopalani.

He later took to drums, and under the guidance of Gino Banks, learned some important lessons that make a good drummer. “The role of dynamics, technique and rhythm are obviously crucial. But what’s equally important is ensuring you provide equal importance to other members performing with you.”

In the month when his mentor Gino Banks prepares to inaugurate the first ‘Drum Day’ of the country with some of the best drummers from the independent scene, his disciple, Gopalani, prepares for the second edition of his version of drum day. “I was sceptical about returning with a second edition, but everyone had the faith in me and seemed confident of its return. Drum-e-Baaz may not have big names, but it surely contains some big surprises,” added Gopalani. 

WHO

Although the brains behind the concept are Gopalani’s, ask the 26-year-old about its journey so far, and he names few people responsible for the return of ‘Drum-e-Baaz’, especially the performers. 

The six performers for the second edition are: -

Gaurav Raghani
Prisha Sheth
Arush Gandhi 
Aaryan Sehgal
Leander Pinto
Sivaram Madathil

WHERE

Mithibai College Auditorium, 1st Floor, JVPD, Mumbai - 400 056

WHEN

2.30 pm to 4.00 pm (Date: 24 January 2016, Sunday)

WHAT'S NEXT

Gopalani recalls the lack of certainty for the second season, and counts it as a huge personal motivator. “Season 1 was a blank canvas. This time around, I have a couple of people who helped me throughout its execution and implementation. The fact that people asked me about Drum-e-Baaz’s return makes it a brand by itself.” Gopalani hopes the success of the second season would lead to the growth in Drum-e-Baaz. Gopalani adds, “I wish to see four times the performers in the next season.”