Kolkata sang their hearts out till late at night as Euphoria set the floor on fire at Refinery 091 on July 16. Weaving together a set list comprising classic Euphoria numbers and delightful covers, Euphoria made the crowd sway in unison and jump the very next moment, with palpable passion and energy sweeping the room. Founder and frontman Palash Sen made sure every single person in the packed room crooned together, as he sang the all-time classics including Maeri and Mehfuz, basking in the nostalgia of college days, CDs and falling in love. In conversation with The Telegraph, he talks about the city, what drives him as an artiste and the band’s evolution.
How was it like performing in Kolkata? Does the city hold a special place?
I can only say, euphoria happened last night, here in Kolkata. It was complete mayhem and magic. So many people inside the space, singing and enjoying, I really couldn’t have asked for more. We have just completed 23 years as a band, and if this is the kind of love I get from the city, I’m a blessed man. I’m friends with Kolkata, since our first gig at Presidency College. The city has always welcomed me with open arms.
How has the journey been for Euphoria?
It’s been a life’s journey with all its ups and downs, hurts and happiness, smiles and tears. Irrespective of the type of journey it has been, surviving in a scenario like this for 23 years has not been very easy. The people of this country have supported us, and it is really a gratifying feeling that people still want to listen to us. Euphoria’s music is still relevant across age groups. It’s honest music, and I think this is what makes it evergreen.
What inspires Euphoria’s music?
A number of things. But personally, unrequited love has been a strong inspiration for my songs. The feeling of love is my favourite thing to write about. Besides that, we have a number of songs on social issues.
Euphoria is hailed as the highest-selling Indian band of all time. Did you have an inkling that it would turn out to be this big, if it struck the right chord?
Ha ha, absolutely not. Even when you are saying this, I am finding it difficult to believe you. I never got into music for the money or fame. It was just pure passion that kept on driving me. And that made it work out.
With the pandemic halting live shows, how has the experience of getting back to live concerts as a band been?
I think, people were extremely fed up with the situation. However, we have to learn to live with the virus, and protect ourselves. The country fought bravely through the deadly waves of the pandemic, and with our resilience, we have been able to get back to the groove of things, the normal way. There’s no denying the fear, but now, collectively we have got the courage to face it.
Which song defines the core essence of Euphoria as a band?
Every song that we have ever written holds Euphoria’s essence, but if I had to isolate a single number, it would certainly be Dhoom pichak dhoom. It started the journey, and everything that happened thereafter, was an offshoot of Dhoom.
Any favourite contemporary bands, or ones that you follow regularly?
I listen to a number of independent bands. Like, Thermal and a Quarter, The Yellow Diary and The Local Train. I think it is very important to support independent acts. People want to enjoy live independent music which is raw and organic. Here, Cactus and Chandrabindoo have been all-time favourites.
Palash Sen on stage has always defined energy. Be it 2000 or 2022. What has the secret been?
Music is everything for me. I’m a teetotaller, I don’t go to parties. I’m either at home or on stage. All my effort and energy is channelled through music. I believe in conserving energy. Reason why for me Bollywood was good but not my cup of tea. I could not invest my energy into someone else’s long-term vision. I am someone who wants to live the moment, in all its glory. Just doing your thing, if one has a strong and honest voice, they’ll be heard. I put all my vision, passion and energy into the music I make, pursue and perform, without any distractions. Staying energetic, staying euphoric.
What are your favourite Kolkata delicacies?
As I mentioned, Kolkata has always been my place, having the best food in the world. Without any doubt, kosha mangsho with khichudi is my all-time clear favourite. Aloo posto, begun bhaja, aloo seddho and obviously, Kolkata biryani. My mouth’s watering already!
Pictures: Rashbehari Das
Euphoric fans
We spotted actress Ritabhari Chakraborty soaking in the nostalgic and vibrant energy of the night and we can’t get over how stunning she looked in that LBD!
“I’m filled to the brim with happiness after witnessing one of the doyens of the ’90s independent music scene live, for the first time in my life. Refinery 091 was high on energy and transported me back to my teens. Being a musician myself, I highly look up to Palash dada for his exceptional gayaki and longevity,” said Sreetoma Bandyopadhyay.
“I’ve grown up listening to Euphoria and I’m extremely fond of Palash da, so the gig was really special, they played few of my favourite songs from their band and the energy of the band as well as the crowd was epic,” said actress Mishmee Das.
The Telegraph camera caught this gang of girls — (l-r) Dr Devjani Ghosh Shrestha, Chandrima Mukherjee, Purvi Shah, Jaya Bhattachraya and Kokoli Ganguly — having fun! “Being a Euphoria fan since school, I couldn’t have missed the Euphoria night at Refinery 091... the venue being a personal favourite as well. The place was packed and the ambience was electrifying. I had a blast with my girl gang. It was a trip down memory lane,” said Devjani.
(L-R) Mrinalini Vasudevan, Kanaklata Datta and Sucheta Chakraborty. “The Euphoria gig well and truly lived up to its nostalgia tag. It took us back to the glory days of high school, indie music and MTV-Channel V. Was especially amazed by Palash Sen’s still youthful energy,” said Mrinalini.