A group of Delhi-based youngsters have set out to add a mystical touch to the city with their music band Manzil Mystics.  Anurag Hoon, the vocalist of the band talks about their music and more.


What sort of music can we expect from the band?
Indian folk music with a fusion of Bollywood.

How did the band come together and when?
Ravi Gulati founded Manzil — a non profit organisation to promote learning amongst low income groups. I was teaching music here. In 2010, I formed the band with two students with an aim to promote classical music amongst the youth.

Why this name?
While Manzil is the name of the social organisation from where the group began, Mystics are the kind of people who inspire us to make music. 


What do you think people remember most about your gigs?
The mix of classical melodies and peppy folk music created by 11 vocalists singing together.


What do you think of the music scene in Delhi? Has it changed over the years?
Delhi is the place where you can have the taste of music from all the 28 Indian states. You can see a talented musician in every third house in the city. In the recent years, a lot of western music bands have mushroomed in the city.


What, according to you, has been the most inspiring artist for the band?
Kabir’s songs and poems have had a great influence on us. We have created a mystic version of his famous song Chadariya Jhini re Jhini. Most of our songs are based on ragas of Indian classical music with a twist of Indian folk especially Rajasthani tunes combined with the guitar and drums.

If you could play at any gig in the world, it would be...
South Asian Bands Festival that happens in November at Purana Qila in the city.


Do you guys enjoy performing in Delhi? Why?
Delhi loves fusion music. Here we get more opportunities than other states. Our home sweet home Delhi is the reason of our busy schedule.


What are your future plans?
We want to continue our beautiful journey as a choir group and spread some love around the world. We are also planning to record some of our original tracks.

Catch them live here...
What: Manzil Mystics live at musical play ‘Swayam ka Safar’
When: January 23 from 7pm onwards
Where: Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road
Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh on the Yellow Line