It has been nearly a month since Kolkata lost its beloved rockstar, Sandeep Vyas, whose untimely passing sent shockwaves through the music community. In true Sandeep fashion, his friends, family and colleagues honoured his legacy through the medium he loved most — music. The tribute was hosted at AMPM Kolkata where music lovers gathered to celebrate his life.
The lead of the show? The Sandeep Vyas Tribute Band, which was led by vocalist Samara Mehta Vyas — Sandeep’s daughter, and a straight-out-of-school music prodigy.
The other band members included Hiten Mukherjee on guitar, Warren Thapa on guitar, Jayam Basu (JB) on drums and Surja Dutta on bass. While some surprise acts did pop up to belt out a number or two, the standouts of the show were Samara and her brother Nirvhan, who moved the audience to tears and smiles.
Fam frame
Samara and Nirvhan share a tight hug on stage while performing with the Sandeep Vyas Tribute Band
The most wholesome moment of the night took place when Nirvhan joined Samara on stage. Sometimes, they jammed together on stage and at other times, they let loose, headbanging on the dance floor. The two kept their father’s spirit alive through their infectious energy. “My dad loved AMPM and everyone in it. I’m grateful to them for their unwavering support during this time and for giving me a platform to honour my dad in the best way I knew how. This gig was one of the greatest moments of my life,” said Samara.
Samara and Nirvhan with mom Sanaya Mehta Vyas
While on stage, Samara performed from the setlist her father had originally given her. The date had been booked for her to play, which was later turned into a tribute night for Sandeep. From the playlist, Samara performed songs like Sweet Child O’ Mine, Smells Like Teen Spirit and the last (before encore) song, We Will Rock You. Yet the song that drew the loudest cheers was her rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody.
‘He filled our world with music, song and love,’ said Prochy Mehta about son-in-law Sandeep
“Thank you AMPM for your wonderful programme in memory of Sandeep. His children sang their hearts out in memory of their dad. Sandeep was a legend as a singer on stage. He filled our world with music, song and love. No words can express how much we miss him,” said Prochy Mehta, Sandeep’s mother-in-law.
Nirvhan brought a fresh sound to the stage
Nirvhan brought a refreshing touch to the gig with his confident attitude and sharp musical skills! Along with the band, he performed numbers like Jeremy by Pearl Jam and even joined his sister for Crazy Little Thing Called Love.
Friends like family
Pradyumna “Paddy” Manot, AMPM Kolkata’s music curator, with (left) Ahona Sen, who also took the stage for a performance
As music curator, Paddy has hosted Samara a bunch of times on the AMPM stage, often with Sandeep taking the mic and belting out his favourite covers. “Sandeep was one of the most energetic and hardworking performers I’ve ever known. He would pour his heart and soul into the stage every time he performed. Tonight, Samara did the same. The band that is accompanying her is brilliant — it is the perfect tribute to one of the greatest entertainers and performers,” said Paddy.
Russel Siraj of Yellow Taxi joins Samara for a cover of ‘Dream On’ by Aerosmith
The lead singer of Yellow Taxi, Russel Siraj, was also present to perform Dream On with Samara. “Sharing the stage with Samara was incredible — she’s full of energy and truly carrying her dad’s legacy forward. For a moment, it felt like Sandeep was with us. I miss him; he was not just an amazing frontman and singer but also a caring mentor who inspired me deeply,” said Siraj.
Blues musician Saul Samuel and (right) Aamir Rizvi and Aditya Servaia of The Riz Connection
Blues musician Saul Samuel described Sandeep as one of the city's true rock stars, someone whose undying energy and stage presence captivated crowds and got them grooving every time. “His loss is a huge blow to the music community,” Saul said, reflecting on how watching Samara perform brought Sandeep’s spirit back to life. “She’s continuing his legacy while carving her own. Such a wondrous sight. May he rest easy.”
Regular AMPM performer Aamir Rizvi added, “Samara’s tribute to her father was beautiful; an example of what a great performer she already is and will continue to be, just like her dad.”
AMPM Kolkata co-owner Dheeraj Manyar was also present for the night
“AMPM Kolkata hosted a memorable tribute to the late Sandeep Vyas. His daughter Samara gave an incredible performance proving that the late singer’s legacy will live on,” said Dheeraj Manyar, the co-owner of AMPM Kolkata.