With its storytelling compositions and genre-spanning musicianship, the Varun Nimbolkar Collective is all set for their debut performance in Goa
ADITHI SHARMA | NT BUZZ
When the strains of the sitar meet the energy of blues rock, the result is like a conversation in sound. That’s the promise the Varun Nimbolkar Collective (VNC) is bringing to Goa this weekend, as they make their full-band debut in the state.
Their two concerts in the state are part of a four-city tour following the release of their new single ‘Amrita,’ the first track from their forthcoming album ‘BahBah BlackSheep,’ due in September. While the ensemble has performed in cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, this will be their first performance as a complete five-piece unit in Goa.
“For me, firsts are always special,” says composer, sitarist, and frontman of the band, Varun Nimbolkar. “I have been looking forward to this for a while, and finally it’s happening!”
Goa has long been a haven for experimental music, and Nimbolkar is confident that the local crowd’s open-mindedness will allow the ensemble’s genre-fluid style to be received with genuine interest. “Goa is one of those very few locations where the audience is very well receptive to music. They won’t judge, they would just listen—and that’s a great space to be in as a musician.”
While Nimbolkar states that much of modern fusion music relies on improvisation, their approach is centred around something more deliberate: narrative. “These are stories in the form of songs, lyrical or instrumental, with a set structure, direction, and ethnicity blended with contemporary treatment,” he says. “Everything revolves around the story including the title of the song. The arrangements, lyrics, chord progressions, and the flow of melody all align with the direction that the story warrants.”
This layered and evocative approach to composition is supported by his band members.
On bass is Rishikesh Kamble, who brings a nuanced rhythm sensibility to Nimbolkar’s unique structures. “The songs are mostly raga-based, and the progressions are unlike regular pop songs,” shares Kamble. “I got to learn a lot from Varun’s approach to crafting the bassline.”
Despite it being his first visit to Goa, Kamble is thrilled that it is music that’s brought him here. “I’m really looking forward to this,” he says, noting that crowd energy helps shape the vibe onstage. “But I also try to stay in the groove as much as possible to serve the song at my best capabilities in that moment.”
Faraz Haider, the band’s guitarist, adds melodic depth with his blues and jazz-influenced style. For him, the key is to listen more than play. “The sitar has such a rich and expressive voice. I enjoy creating space for it by blending elements of rock and blues that provide a harmonic context for it to weave its magic,” he says.
Haider also shares a sentimental connection with Goa, having spent time playing music and busking on its beaches. “I’m genuinely excited to be back and to share our sound with the beautiful people of Goa,” he says.
At the heart of the band’s rhythmic energy is Pratik Nandre on drums, whose versatility allows the ensemble to explore diverse textures. “Although there are sections of improvisation, there is a solid structure to the compositions, making them well sorted and balanced,” he explains.
He adds that being part of the collective is both personally and musically rewarding. “There’s a lot of discipline and professionalism in our rehearsals and shows. Even with new compositions, charts and references are shared, which helps set a clear direction. It feels very enriching overall.”
Complementing Nandre’s drums is Ganesh Bojji, the band’s percussionist, who brings in folk timbres and ethnic textures with a djembe and an array of side percussion. Bojji, a disciple of Ustad Taufiq Qureshi, has performed in Goa before and finds the reception here deeply encouraging. “The audience in intimate settings are always more attentive and connected,” he observes. “This is a challenge as well as a chance to strike a chord between the musician and the audience.”
As they prepare for their performances, for Nimbolkar, this Goan chapter is a cultural testbed. “Getting approved by a Goan audience flows the music into different parts of the country,” he notes. “There are many states that follow what’s happening in Goa. This is the best opportunity to showcase my music.”
(The band will be performing on July 26 at Hideaway, Vagator, and on July 27 at Silva Heritage, Benaulim)
