Jhanu Band Performing | Photo Credit: Ravikiran Visa
Jhanu Chanthar, the founder of Chennai -based metal band Jhanu, disliked his name. He was often picked up by his classmates as he sang the song ‘Janu Meri Jaan’ from Amitabh Bachchan-Starrr pride (1980) around him. However, years later, the guitarist brother and the band drummer, Uday Bharat accidentally filled the area for the name of the band instead of the name of his members. This name has been a source of pride for the artist since then.
The metal band established in 2011 is set to perform in Thiruvananthapuram on 2 February, as they are ready to tour with their successful debut albums AchmilaiThe album was launched in 2023 after the name of one of the seven songs in the collection.
The collective performs as an Ode for their culture and language in Tamil. In addition to the founding members Jhanu and Uday, the dress has placed the Harkirat Singh Sangh on the bass, and Lawrence Ramu and Bharat Shankar as singers.
Janu has played instruments for a hit track ‘Nerupu da’ from the film 2016- Rajinikanth, KabaliThe band has also worked Black With the actor. Personally, Jhanu has composed music Hunting for Veerappan (2023), a web series.
“after BlackI knew that I would have to get out of my comfort zone and refocus on what my band had really represented – that is why we started playing in the first place. ‘Pujudhi’ (2023 Coke Studio Tamil Production) and Music Disha Hunting for Veerappan Pushed our sound and philosophy in a whole new direction, ”Jhanu is called.
After the release of his album, the band had a launch tour in Mexico, where he made 11 shows, including an additional show, as per the request from the Indian Embassy officials in Mexico, who invited him to perform. “The experience was amazing. After every song, we will listen to ‘Otra’ in Spanish, ask us to sing another song. We preferred to play in all the stages there, ”says.
After being inspired by a metal band in Chennai in the early 2000s, the band credited his growth to guitarists such as Steve Vatz, who died in 2023. “He was the person who wrote us his songs.” Then there were a lot of cover bands, but, writing original songs was a big thing. ”
However, the band believes that pop and hip-hop have recently overtaken the metal in India. In Tamil Nadu, rap has raised much more than heavy metals, they say. “For many people, heavy metal is very crazy and far from tracks. For a real metalhead, it is really sophisticated and calm, ”Uday says.
The band is currently working on bringing a new album this year.
Malayali connection
The band has a strong affinity for Kerala that has performed several times here. Jhanu studied architecture at NIT Calicat and was part of a band called Slingshot during college. “We were not allowed to represent the college in cultural programs because we were excluded from the music club – for breaking the lock and jamming,” Jhanu says.
He says, “One thing I have always felt in Kerala is that the audience listens.” The musicians on the stage become more honest and expressive when an audience really hears. It is rare, and this keeps bringing me back here. ,
“We have also created some incredible friendship with bands like Mothergen, Evia and Anarchy. He has inspired me as a musician and a person. Every time I play in Kerala, there is a feeling of rightness, a feeling that we are doing something that really matters. So I like to perform here, ”he says.
Jhanu performs at 7 pm on February 2 at Joy’s music room, Kunnukuzhi. The band column will also take stage. Tickets sorting my scene app,
Published – January 30, 2025 03:44 pm IST