logo
Desi Boys on the Block: Indian Boyband formed by 1D, Ariana Grande, and Ed Sheeran hitmaker to debut

Desi Boys on the Block: Indian Boyband formed by 1D, Ariana Grande, and Ed Sheeran hitmaker to debut

New Indian Express19 hours ago
In the '90s, when musician Savan Kotecha first entered the US music industry with dreams of being in a boy band, he was bluntly told that 'no girl will put an Indian guy on her wall' and he should focus on songwriting instead. 'I knew back then that was true, but I always waited for the day when it would be possible to do it,' says Kotecha. Having written hits like What Makes You Beautiful and One Thing for One Direction, God Is A Woman for Ariana Grande, Sapphire for Ed Sheeran, and many more, Kotecha has put together a boy band under his label Visva Records, along with Republic Records, and Universal Music India which may just make his doubters in the '90s change their minds.
Named OutStation, the band has 5 members from across the country between the ages of 17 and 22. One member, Bhuvan Shetty, is from Udupi, Karnataka. Others include Hemang Singh from Prayagraj, Mashaal Shaikh from Goa, Kurien Sebastian, a Malayali from Delhi, and Shayan Pattem from Hyderabad.
The aim was to create a band that 'feels truly Indian', says Kotecha, adding. 'I think what K-pop did right was that it got so big in South Korea that the rest of the world had to pay attention. We don't need to look to the West for validation. I want them to become a phenomenon in India first, and if it gets big enough, the West will pay attention.'
Shetty was scouted through his social media profile, where he regularly covers songs with a guitar accompanying his soulful voice. Clearing a multi-round audition process, he was put in a boot camp with 11 other boys. 'The camp was pretty hectic, there was no time at all, but it was life-changing,' says Shetty. Kotecha explains its purpose, ending with 5 boys finally selected, 'We made sure we had vocal coaches and choreographers teaching them, but we also did things like go busking on the beach and start performing, getting them used to what being in a band would feel like. It was a chemistry test, but also about seeing everyone's work ethic.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

India's here-and-now man Siraj ushers in the future
India's here-and-now man Siraj ushers in the future

The Hindu

time12 minutes ago

  • The Hindu

India's here-and-now man Siraj ushers in the future

It is unlikely that Indian television will devise a 'Sirajcam', but it should. Since the retirement of Virat Kohli (and the so-called 'Kohlicam', seemingly focused exclusively on him), it is Siraj's face that screens in real time all the emotions he and his team go through. There is sorrow and joy, disappointment and anticipation, humour and anger (England players called him Mr. Angry), and sometimes a combination. Watching him you know exactly how the team is doing. His shoulders never drop, he seldom cuts his speed, doesn't believe in saving it for the future. He is Indian cricket's here-and-now man, focused intensely on the present. Yet even he didn't register immediately the enormity of what he had done when, with a yorker his hero Jasprit Bumrah would have been proud of, he flattened Gus Atkinson's off stump. For a split second the screen that was his face went blank before shock, disbelief, ecstasy chased each other across it. Then his expressive hands came into play, hands raised in thanksgiving, and signalling redemption at the Oval after he had messed up a catch the previous day. In a series dominated by batting, his 23 wickets might have seen Siraj finish as the Player of the Series, but he will not cavil at the final choice, his captain Shubhman Gill. After all, Gill had been responsible for India's win at Edgbaston following the loss at Leeds, and had led the fight that culminated in a draw at Old Trafford to keep the series alive. Asked what he had learnt as captain, Gill articulated what might well be the team's motto: 'We never give up'. Gill has deservedly slipped into the slot occupied by Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar before him. The team is a productive mix of the established and the newbies who look up to the new captain. India return a better team than the one that landed in England, and you can't ask for more. Ironically, India won twice without Bumrah's presence. His absence seems to motivate Siraj more. He enjoys the responsibility of being the lead fast bowler. Seven wickets in Birmingham and nine at the Oval, 16 wickets in India's wins. Few supporting acts slide into the main role so easily. From Lord's to the Oval 🏟️ The power of belief 💪 A dramatic turnaround by Mohd. Siraj that inspired the change in emotions and result 🙌#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND | @ — BCCI (@BCCI) August 4, 2025 Has there been a more thrilling five-Test series involving India? Both teams must contribute to the excitement, of course, and England did so in equal measure, Bazballing to the end, staying with their philosophy, keeping at it come rain or sunshine or Mohammed Siraj. The dismissals of Harry Brook in the first innings and Jamie Smith in the second might have caused comment in other teams. But this is England. This is what they do. Ben Stokes, the on-field instigator of bright, entertaining cricket may have been a spectator here, but stand-in skipper Ollie Pope, despite personal failures, went with the programme. It's been a series of incredible cricket. One swing of the bat might have tied the final Test. As Siraj began his 31st over, the 86th of the innings, any of four results (although the draw might have needed the help of rain) was still possible. The odds on England making it 3-1 had receded somewhat, but someone still needed to take the final wicket. Preferably one where the DRS was not involved! Siraj made sure of both. There is time enough to discuss things that could have been better. Things that could have been avoided. From Gautam Gambhir's outburst and classist remarks to the rethink on Bumrah; from team selection to gaps yet to be filled. It has to be celebration time now, a 2-2 finish a fair one. India did win most of the sessions of play overall even if they didn't quite win some key moments. None of that matters now. For a team in transition to draw a series in England is remarkable. It came down to one man taking three wickets on the final morning. Siraj has explained how he googled the Cristiano Ronaldo emoji with 'Believe' (Ronaldo is with his arm raised and forefinger up rather like Siraj when he appeals for a wicket) to inspire him. Next time Ronaldo feels low, he can google Mohammed Siraj who believed. And triumphed.

Who Is Vikram Chatwal, Priya Sachdev's First Husband Before She Married The Late Sunjay Kapur?
Who Is Vikram Chatwal, Priya Sachdev's First Husband Before She Married The Late Sunjay Kapur?

News18

time40 minutes ago

  • News18

Who Is Vikram Chatwal, Priya Sachdev's First Husband Before She Married The Late Sunjay Kapur?

In 2006, Vikram married actress and investment banker Priya Sachdev in a high-profile wedding. The couple welcomed a daughter, Safira, the same year. As Sunjay Kapur's sudden demise ignites a Rs 30,000 crore inheritance battle, one name that keeps resurfacing is Vikram Chatwal, the ex-husband of Sunjay's third wife, Priya Sachdev. While the family tussle over Kapur's vast business empire has captivated headlines, Chatwal's past relationship with Priya and his own controversial life make him an intriguing figure. Here's everything to know about the flamboyant businessman once called the 'playboy hotelier." Early Life and Education Born on November 1, 1971, in Ethiopia, Vikram Chatwal is the son of Indian-American hotel magnate Sant Singh Chatwal. He grew up in New York and graduated from the prestigious Wharton School of Business in 1993. He began his career as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley but soon ventured into more glamorous industries including modelling, acting, and eventually hospitality. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vikram Chatwal (@vikramdoc) Modelling, Acting and Hollywood Cameos Vikram briefly worked as a model and became the first Sikh man to be featured in Vogue magazine. His dapper looks also landed him minor roles in films like Zoolander and Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd. Though he didn't pursue acting full-time, he remained a staple in social circles across New York, London and Mumbai. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vikram Chatwal (@vikramdoc) Marriage to Priya Sachdev and Divorce In 2006, Vikram married actress and investment banker Priya Sachdev in a high-profile wedding. The couple welcomed a daughter, Safira, the same year. However, Vikram's substance abuse issues and wild lifestyle led to two stints in rehab. By 2011, Priya divorced him. She later married Sunjay Kapur in 2017. Sunjay adopted Safira, and she now goes by the surname Kapur. Scandals and Legal Troubles Vikram Chatwal's lifestyle caught up with him. In 2013, he was arrested at Fort Lauderdale airport for drug possession. A year later, his father Sant Chatwal pleaded guilty to illegal campaign contributions. In 2016, Vikram faced public outrage after being charged with setting two dogs on fire. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to community service. Hotel Empire and Comeback Despite his turbulent past, Vikram has managed a remarkable comeback in hospitality. He founded Vikram Chatwal Hotels and owns several luxury properties, including the iconic Dream New York hotel, which underwent a Rs 166 crore ($20 million) renovation in 2015. His brand has since expanded to Miami, Bangkok and India, known for stylish décor and celebrity clientele. Ties To The Kapur Succession Battle In the current Kapur family dispute, Vikram's name has resurfaced due to the legal status of his daughter Safira. If Sunjay Kapur legally adopted her, she loses any right to inherit from Vikram's estate. Meanwhile, Priya Sachdev and Safira have both dropped 'Chatwal" from their names. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Made debut with Govinda at 19, romanced Mahesh Babu, her toned body destroyed her career, name is...
Made debut with Govinda at 19, romanced Mahesh Babu, her toned body destroyed her career, name is...

India.com

time42 minutes ago

  • India.com

Made debut with Govinda at 19, romanced Mahesh Babu, her toned body destroyed her career, name is...

In glittering world of Bollywood, where dreams are spun and stars are born, a young actress once stepped into the limelight with hopes as bright as the arc lights. She debuted at tender age of 19, opposite a seasoned actor known for his comic timing and dance moves. Her entry was marked by a blend of innocence and determination, a combination that promised a luminous career ahead. Who is this actress? This actress is Sonali Bendre, a name that slowly but surely carved its own place in the world of Indian cinema. This actress is Sonali Bendre, a name that slowly but surely carved its own place in the world of Indian cinema. Sonali Bendre faced several rejections early in her career, especially because she didn't fit the typical Bollywood 'heroine' mold of the 90s. In her throwback interview with Bollywood Bubble, Sonali mentioned that she had to face rejection many times due to being thin. She said that in the 90s, I was not considered special. I was very thin and people wanted to cast curvy figures that was the era of curly hair and I had straight hair, but the actress made her mark based on her talent. How was Sonali Bendre's Bollywood career? She made her debut in 1994 with the film Aag, opposite Govinda. Though the film didn't create waves at the box office, her presence was instantly noticed. Her pairing with Govinda brought a fresh on-screen chemistry that audiences appreciated. After her debut with Aag, she starred in a series of films alongside major stars like Salman Khan (Hum Saath-Saath Hain), Ajay Devgn (Diljale), and Akshay Kumar (Angaaray). Though she wasn't always in the spotlight as the central lead, her elegance, expressive acting, and natural beauty made her a memorable part of many ensemble casts. Her pairing with actors like Ajay and Akshay was well-received, and she often brought grace to family-oriented and romantic roles during the late '90s. How was her collaboration outside Bollywood? Outside of Hindi cinema, Sonali made an impactful crossover into South Indian films, especially Telugu cinema. One of her notable collaborations was with Mahesh Babu in the film Murari, where their chemistry drew attention. Their romantic and bold scenes stood out at the time and helped her gain popularity among South Indian audiences as well. She also worked with stars like Nagarjuna and Chiranjeevi, showcasing her ability to adapt across regional film industries.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store