Soul Jams, Bangalore

 

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to attend Soul Jams, a beautiful platform for music lovers where everyone comes together for the sheer love of rhythm and melody, jamming to their favourite Bollywood songs. It was their third anniversary celebrations hosted in Sunburn Union, Koramangala, Bangalore. One of my friends’ daughters suggested that we attend this event with them and experience a fun evening.

My first thought was, what would I even do there? It seemed like a place for young people to hang out, and I might feel out of place. But then I thought, why not check it out? I’d get to groove to Bollywood hits with my friends and have a blast. So, the tickets were booked, and we were all set to go, dressed in white as the event’s dress code suggested. When we reached the venue, a long queue of young, enthusiastic and fashionable people had already formed. They were full of life and buzzing for the show. As we stood in line, a sudden realisation crept in, we might be too old for this, as the grey in our hair clearly stood out against the youthfulness of the crowd. Yet, there was also a childlike excitement, tinged with nostalgia. I was transported back to 2001, to a concert I’d attended during my post-graduation days at SPA, Delhi. Indian Ocean, one of the most iconic bands of that time, had performed at our college, and we had danced with so much passion and happiness in our hearts.

We were welcomed into the hall by smiling young ladies holding yellow marigold flowers, which we were meant to wear on our ear. It made us feel like part of a community. The hall was jam-packed, and the music had already started. As my friend’s daughters moved ahead in the crowd, we chose to enjoy the show from behind, sitting on the high chairs.

The crowd cheered and danced as a series of talented singers took the stage one by one, performing beautiful Bollywood songs. The band was simply awesome. The guitarist, the drummer, the keyboardist, and all others supporting the singers were thorough professionals, leaving the crowd eager for more. The vibe of the place was electric. The mood was jubilant. Everyone had gathered together for the pure joy of singing and enjoying every moment. The sing-along session made everyone groove to some old Bollywood classics. It was a warm environment where age was truly not a barrier. Broad smiles, happy faces, tapping feet and clapping hands – everything resonated with the cheerful mood of the evening.

One of the sweetest parts of the show was how my friend’s daughters kept checking on us and encouraged us to go up front and experience the jam session. The energy was magnetic, and we danced with the girls gleefully. It also made me realise that today’s Gen Z is pretty chilled out, so much at ease, non-judgmental, and does not endorse any outdated norms. Hanging with them felt like catching a breath of fresh air, and I surely felt a little more alive.

Music connected us all, uplifted our mood and built an everlasting memory that would always bring a smile to our faces.