2Blue

In the 2016 sequel to the movie 'Rock On,' Kedar Zaveri (Purab Kohli) enquires rather excitedly about the lead singer of Vayu. Now that's a scene many young adults rewound to watch many times. They were mostly Indians born in the '80s who were raised on indie rock and engineering books. Why did they rewind the scene? Because that lead singer is someone they grew up knowing as Tirthankar Poddar, or mononymously as 2Blue, the man who quit his job to headline their college festival. 

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2Blue has been described as a blend of Axl Rose and Robin Sharma. Some have said he is an attitude. Others have said he is a muscular statement like a raised fist. With a four-octave vocal range and a shamanic persona that borrows from science, art, and spirituality, he has earned himself a reputation for the metamorphic experiences he creates. So when Bumblefoot of Guns N' Roses came to India, it was 2Blue he performed with. And so did Paul Di'Anno of Iron Maiden, George Lynch of Dokken, and Jonas Hellborg of Mahavishnu Orchestra. Other accolades? 'Best Band' at ArtistAloud Awards, Mumbai and 'Asian Anthem of the Year' at AVIMA, Kuala Lumpur. But the most significant milestone for him as an artist was playing Judas in 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' The role was demanding but 2Blue had hands to hold on to. These were the hands of Shiamak Davar, Sabira Merchant, and Alyque Padamsee.

2Blue is currently putting the final touches to his album, 'Dance With Infinity.' For Indians born in the '80s who were raised on indie rock and engineering books, it's emotional. Because this is the artist who they laughed and cried with when they were young. Yes, it's 2Blue they connected with on MySpace and Orkut when they needed a friend. And over the years, it's 2Blue they grew old with: the lead singer of Vayu who went solo, the man who quit his job to headline their college festival. At his album launch, chances are they will carry their little ones on their shoulders. Chances are they will wait back for a selfie. And chances are they will see a familiar face from 'Rock On' then. After all, nothing inspires fiction like reality.