Best Viewed In Default Font Size​

Small-town boy, daddy's pride and joy
Up and left to fill a void
Door to door with a bag of dreams
He just kept knockin' but wasn't let in

Hello, my name is Tirthankar Poddar. (You can call me 2Blue.) I was made in Agartala and sold to Mumbai—to further my studies, get a job, and start a family. I started a band instead. And as the lead singer of that band, I've been on the road ever since. But now that you are here, a new journey may have just begun. Thank you for stopping by.

25 years ago, like countless other small-towners, I was circling the Mumbai sun in search of a job. Eventually I found one that paid my bills. But what I really wanted was one that nurtured my soul. Then when I least expected it, I found it at the erstwhile (Not Just) Jazz By The Bay. I was so happy at the end of my show that I hugged a waiter and cried. That waiter now runs the finest diner in Juhu. To this day, he hasn't let me pay.

Over the years, I've sung. I've acted. I've hosted radio shows. I've endorsed products. I've conducted leadership workshops. And I've done 16-hour days in windowless offices. So yes, I've seen changes. Fortunately, the thing that remains unchanged is how my old friends still treat me. Particularly that kind old man from (Not Just) Jazz By The Bay.

You see, we are what we do. We are Verbs not Nouns. Job titles can't define us. It is only what is inside of us that can.

Through the many changes, I would like to be remembered as someone who worked with honesty and respect while exceeding expectations. No, I don’t have one true calling. I have many. And this is what lets me synthesize ideas from diverse fields to create something unique at their intersection. 'Multipotentiality' like that is what the late theater legend and advertising guru—Alyque Padamsee—encouraged.

When I met Alyque, I was unemployed and broke. But He changed my life forever. Honestly, I learned more from playing Judas in Alyque's production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ than I did in engineering college and business school combined. And even though I had no job or money, He convinced me I wasn't poor. I believe it warrants a mention that on November 18, 2018, I was one of the 6 men who carried Alyque's body to the electric furnace at Worli Crematorium. His son Quasar Thakore Padamsee held my face as I cried. But I don't believe Alyque ever left. On October 14, 2022, I swear I saw Him at the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival in Kasauli when I climbed on stage to talk about His book. And on April 8, 2023, I saw Him again at St. Andrews Auditorium in Mumbai when I fell on my knees to sing 'Gethsemane' as Jesus.

So here I am, Tirthankar Poddar aka 2Blue. I am the guy who arrived in business clothes, changed in a crowded restroom, and rushed out to be on stage. I am the one who sang until the club manager felt that his Diwali bonus was guaranteed. I am the same guy who responded to every overseas client thereafter. Was I fulfilled? Yes, but only for the time I spent doing what I love. The rest of the time I felt caged. But the universe came to my rescue in its own mysterious way. One weekend when I wasn't performing, I watched 'The Shawshank Redemption.' And I heard Red (Morgan Freeman) say: 

"Some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright."

So here I am, head lowered with gratitude, because you are still here. Thanks to people like you, I am a self-employed man now. I only do what I love. After more than a thousand shows, some deeply moving original songs, some awards, and some prestigious guest-appearances (including those with childhood heroes from Guns N' Roses, Dokken, and Iron Maiden), it feels like my journey has just begun.

Small-town boy, daddy's pride and joy
Up and left to fill a void
Door to door with a bag of dreams
He just kept knockin' but wasn't let in

The city sun ain't for everyone
She asked him, "Are you willing to burn?"
And when he cried on the phone at night
She asked him, "Baby, have you even tried?"

What you seek is seeking you
This is not the end
What you seek is seeking you
Your life is in your hands

When you see the silver lining
When you see the stars aligning
You will see your life's a love affair

These are lines from a song I wrote. It's called 'Silver Lining.' Advice, they say, is a form of nostalgia. If there is any that I would like to offer, it's this:

Your future is not ahead of you. It is inside of you.
WELCOME TO THE BEGINNING!