Ragas to rock

Set in picturesque IIT-Bombay campus is the Staccato Music Club. It is a known fact that IITians are big fans of music be it Indian or western. The students of the institute have the opportunity to choose between Saaz-the Indian music club and Staccato-the western music club.

Kunal Mittal, a third year student at IIT who is also part of Staccato explained, "IIT's Mood I hosts Livewire-one of the largest music competitions in the city. It is just natural that we have enough representation there." Staccato has 10 to 12 rock bands as members.

Both Saaz and Staccato have 2 events each every semester. Saaz's 'Sur Bahar' caters to musicians who perform not just classical but popular music as well. "The western music club has an event called 'Acoustic Dusk' where all the member bands perform. It is a very casual event held at the convocation hall," said Kunal.

Kunal who is a drummer, currently plays with three bands. "I play with a hindi band and two bands which play progressive/ alternative metal.

Playing with all three bands has given me an opportunity to come up with original and innovative compositions. We reached the finals for Mood I's hindi band competition-Mantra and even came in third at Malhar this year."

Despite being away from hometown, Kunal has feels that his initial days at IIT were smooth sailing. "I knew to play drummer before, but my seniors at IIT groomed me for performing at shows," he said .

Though this becomes a part of the extra curricular, students are more than willing to give their time and effort at these clubs which help them make the most of their college life.

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