Brotherly bonhomie

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Rock ‘n’ roll genre is synonymous with the city band, Parikrama. Brothers Subir and Nitin Malik founded the band way back in 1991 during their college days. As we chat with them, the easy camaraderie among the brothers is evident. Subir, dressed in his trademark Pink Floyd T-shirt, and Nitin in a loose pair of tracks and black T-shirt, make you feel at home instantly.

ROOTS
In 1947, grandparents of the Malik brothers took the last train from Pakistan and entered the capital. Around the 50s, they managed to get a sizable bungalow in the Model Town area of the capital. The brothers grew up in a joint family, with numerous cousins, uncles and aunts.
“While growing up in a joint family, Nitin and I were immediately drawn towards music, as our cousins used to get formal training in music. We used to observe them and start fiddling with the drums and guitars in their absence. That’s how we ventured into music,” recalls Subir.
The brothers are not formally trained in music and it was only through, musical meandering that they built their base.
“Infact, I remember, I learnt playing the keyboard only by playing my grandmother’s harmonium,” he adds. Smiling at those memories, Nitin puts forth, “Ironically, our cousins who were getting trained in music are now full-fledged businessmen, and have no connection with music. And we veered towards making a full-time career in music.”

EARLY DAYS
The band Parikrama was formed as a continuation of musical bond established among the band members during the Delhi University days. Nitin is two years younger to Subir. He has fond memories of coming over from school directly to attend rehearsals of the band.
“During my senior school, I would eagerly wait to dash off to practice with Subir and his gang at DU. Those were such fun days. We used to jam together and create music,” he says.
Parikrama started as a short term project, after which Subir was supposed to join the family business of motor spare-parts. Nitin was to complete his college and follow suit.
However, destiny had other plans. “We had never imagined the kind of response we received from our shows. Fans became crazy. We got paid handsomely. Expectations were high. We just couldn’t stop what we had started. Subir decided to keep alive the band then. He worked simultaneously for our family business and managed the band for many years,” informs Nitin. Adds Subir laughing, “Nitin absolutely refused to join our family business. My father coaxed him to just work for a while and see if he likes it or not. Within 2 months sharp he quit, saying he just didn’t have the aptitude for it.” The family business is primarily handled by their father now.

FAMILY SUPPORT
As a Punjabi business family, one would expect strong resistance from parents to pursue a full-time career in music. But they never faced any opposition.
“My parents were quite supportive from the beginning. My dad wanted us to manage both. But eventually, he realised equal dedication to both is not possible and relented,” says Subir. Talking about his wife Anu, he says, “She is understanding and enjoys music as much as we do. Even if I am traveling for shows across the country, I try and take my kids and my wife, so that we get to spend some time together. This ensures they don’t miss me.” In addition, the family tries to catch up for important festivals and occasions.

SIBLING EQUATIONS
Just like brothers engaged in the same commercial ventures who aim towards its growth, Subir and Nitin constantly try to improve their music as a band.
They might disagree from time to time, but share common goals. “I remember this particular time when Subir was hell-bent on trying out an innovative piece on his keyboard. I absolutely hated that bit and detested the idea of incorporating it. I was constantly badgering him to drop it. But then, when he played the part in front of other band members, they all liked it. I realised, probably I was being unreasonable and decided to do away with my apprehensions,” says Nitin.
The roles of the brothers are very clearly defined in the band. While Subir manages the entire band and plays on keyboard, Nitin produces music and sings. “I am mostly risk-aversive, Subir loves to think out-of-the-box. But ultimately want to work towards creating great music for our band,” adds Nitin.
As the family gathers for the photo shoot, you can’t help but notice how Subir’s daughters adore their grandmother and chachu and insist on sitting next to them!
The Maliks have been residing together at their present Sainik Farms residence since the new millenium and love to catch up with each other as and when they get time.