Needhi Gattani
What better way to end the weekend than with a Sunday evening that feels like a warm hug to the soul? In a city where the Gen Z corporate crowd often finds solace in techno beats and club bangers, Hyderabad recently experienced something refreshingly different—something intimate, soulful, and slow. As people grow weary of high-energy party scenes, many are now seeking comfort in moments of calm—spaces where music feels more like a conversation than a concert.
Last weekend, The Pioneer witnessed one such experience unfold in the heart of the city. Hosted by Airlive, Jubilee Hills, this special jamming session brought together a unique blend of poetry, music, and nostalgia. The session featured the Backstage Siblings—Raghav and Prachi, along with Sahil, an effortless performer who hails from Kolkata and brought in his poetic rhythm to the mix. Their set was nothing short of a soothing escape.
Over 300 people gathered for the event, and from the very first note, the trio managed to hold the crowd’s attention with ease. The show kicked off at twilight, and as dusk settled in, the vibe only got warmer. What truly made the night special was the setup—most of the audience sat cross-legged on soft carpeted floors, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of jam sessions in your cousin’s living room. There were kids, adults, grandparents—truly a crowd ranging from age 9 to 99—all soaking in the vibe together.
To get the audience going, the performers carefully built their set with a mix of sing-along segments, poetry, and impromptu crowd interactions. There was an undeniable charm in their sibling-like banter, which made everyone feel like they were part of an inside joke. They seamlessly moved through retro Bollywood tunes, romantic tracks, and childhood and adulthood-themed poetry, which struck a chord with many.
Sahil’s poetry added another layer of intimacy to the evening. From verses about love and growing up to reflections on friendship, the emotional range was vast yet relatable. And just when you thought it couldn’t get more delightful, they surprised the crowd with quirky throwbacks: the Doraemon theme song, the Nirma washing powder jingle, the Jungle Jungle Baat Chali Hai anthem from Mowgli, and even a patriotic song—each received with loud cheer and smiles.
One of the most heartwarming parts of the evening was how interactive the session was. The performers took song requests directly from the crowd. In fact, one attendee cheekily passed a song suggestion on a tissue paper, and yes, they sang it—“my moment!” as they described it.
The Pioneer also got a chance to connect with the Backstage siblings Raghav and Prachi and Sahil, ofcourse. Stay tuned!
But for now, here’s what we heard from the audience out there:.
“I experienced something like this for the first time—sitting on the floor and vibing my heart out,” shared Preeti Raj, a 21-year-old college student.
“It went really well. It was Ekadashi (a sacred fasting day), and they even sang devotional songs like Hare Govind Krishna and Shri Man Narayan. We are Sindhi, and they also sang Jhulelal—it was amazing,” said Deepa Savlaani, a 53-year-old homemaker.
“We had an amazing experience. All the retro and Bollywood vibes were so healing, especially with the daily hustle in life,” said Harsh Agarwal, a 27-year-old IT professional.
The show concluded with a magical 30-second meditation, accompanied by a peaceful rendition of Shri Krishna Govinda. That brief moment of stillness felt like a collective exhale—purely blissful and almost beyond words.
From the very first strum to the final hum, the energy in the room was gentle, powerful, and full of heart. The lighting was subtle and ambient, perfectly setting the tone for an experience that felt more like home than a performance space. It wasn’t just a musical gig—it was a shared moment of calm, of laughter, of memories and meaning.
As Hyderabad constantly searches for new weekend adventures, this anti-concert jamming session brought something fresh to the table. And judging by the way the crowd walked out—hearts full, humming old melodies—it’s safe to say: the city is ready for more.
