The name Sandeep Vyas is well known to the music industry in Kolkata. If your party plans ever included stepping out on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve to private clubs like CC&FC or Tollygunge Club, chances are Sandeep Vyas’s voice was a star feature of the night. From Bollywood to Western and Indi-pop, the versatile singer was one half of the musical duo Vyas Brothers, with his brother Sanjeev. They were the voice and sound of the rocking number Mit Jaaye (Kidnap) and also entertained audiences at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium during the very first T20 match in India (Ind vs Aus, 2007).
A gracious smile, high energy and hitting every retro and modern song with the right note — Sandeep brought his unique charm to stage every time. Sometimes, he would even have his daughter, Samara, perform a duet with him and now we see her rocking the AMPM stages.
July 17 marked an unfortunate day for the music scene in Kolkata and the world at large as we lost this shining star, unexpectedly. To pay homage to Sandeep, fellow musicians spoke to My Kolkata, sharing memories about the rockstar who gave every reveller and music lover a night to remember.
A source on inspiration
Sandeep was a source of inspiration for me — a guide and a mentor. He was like a big brother. l learnt everything about performing by watching him set the stage on fire when he performed. It is hard to come to terms with the fact that he has gone. It’s heartbreaking.
— Shayne David Hyrapiet, singer
The sweet father-daughter duo
I had seen him sing a few songs at Tolly with Banned From Tolly, during the time we did a concert there to raise money for strays with Kingdom Animalia. He was an energetic performer, which is probably where his daughter Samara gets her stage presence from. Both father and daughter were performing on stage and they were both super energetic — it was a very sweet moment. I just found it shocking and upsetting that someone as young and fit could pass away so suddenly.
— Rupsha Sen, singer and guitarist
A source of inspiration, and someone who was always smiling is how fellow musicians remember Sandeep
Passion and love for music
We’ve made quite a lot of music together, and shot around five or six music videos. I was lucky to share the screen as well as studio time with him. I would describe him as a man who had the passion to go to any lengths for his love of music, but above all he was a great human being, and a family man first. Always full of energy, with a smile on his face, and fit. My favourite moments with him would be the times we would both try coming up with ridiculous ideas for the next song and we would both end up laughing at them. Will miss him dearly and it’s unfortunate I didn’t get to say goodbye.
— Pablo (Dutta), rapper
Always smiling
I didn't know him personally, but I did perform with him on stage when Ehsaan and Loy had come to CC&FC. He had the energy of a teenager and was always smiling. We played Rock On with the whole band. It’s a sad loss for the industry.
— Rohan Ganguli, guitarist