Ranjit Barot’s first band reunites after 30 years

People band group, who created a live band culture when Mumbai didn’t have nightlife beyond Bollywood parties or the odd cabaret or jazz nights, have reunited as 4 Tune Kookies to make music again.

When Mumbai didn’t have nightlife beyond Bollywood parties or the odd cabaret or jazz nights, four young men took it upon themselves to create a live band culture. The band was called People and it’s line up read — somewhat unknown four musicians then — Ranjit Barot (now Bollywood composer), Ronnie Desai, Babu Chaudhary and Hosi Nanji.

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Thirty years later, the formerly disbanded quartet has reunited as 4 Tune Kookies, to make music again. Naturally they are supremely excited.

“It is great to be making music again. Four of us started our careers as musicians together. Ranjit is now a famous composer. Babu and I have our own studios and we make advertising jingles. We are going to release our singles soon,” says Desai, vocalist and guitarist.

The band’s recently released video, of their track I don’ need by Saregama, has animated characters based on each of the four musicians in it. “We all look a lot different now. I think we will only make public appearances on webcerts as animated characters,” Desai laughs.

Drummer and music composer Barot, who last gave music for Sankat City (2009), is currently in New Delhi preparing for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games. “I have composed for a Yoga installation for the inaugural day,” says Barot. The programme, Yoga — Mind, Body and Soul, will host Barot’s symphony, which has been synchronised to a two-and-a-half hour presentation. “People was my first. I am so happy that we will be making music again,” says Barot.