1)Sir, you are acknowledged as the Grand Daddy of Indian Rock ? How does it feel especially in our motherland where rock music is still not so popular ?

I wish I was the grand daddy of Indian Rock as you have put it! The truth is that I was a school boy when I was influenced by the likes of Biddu (Lone Trojan) and bands like the Mystics, Beat 4, Reaction, Jets, Mascots, Savages, The Phantomes, The Combustibiles etc. They were performing to packed house at the Shanmukananda Hall and other venues in Bombay. The Beatles, Stones, Cream etc. were very popular in Bombay. We actually had hordes of girls screaming at Rock shows in air-conditioned halls with seats!!
Check out my 1997 article:
http://members.tripod.com/~Nandu_Bhende/articles/marticle1.htm
Rock Music will always remain niche music in India and this is not difficult to understand. It is not a part of Indian culture and although I feel and sing this music like the best in the world, it still will remain the music of the English-speaking minority. Also, please remember that we have a very strong Music culture of our very own which is truly incredible.

2) What prompted to take up rock music when in your times the condtions were worst then the present ones ?

Music is my passion and difficulties or conditions do not play any role in this. I sometimes marvel at my determination when I think back about the old days. There were no amps, instruments etc. We used to get guitars made and amplifiers assembled. We have even played through radios!!

3) Nandoo Bhende & Velvette Fogg the two were almost synonymous with each other ? Comment

Velvette Fogg was a band that was started by a friend of mine called Prakash Bijlani. We were in college together and he recruited me to actually play the drums! There is an article that I have written about the early days of the Velvette Fogg for a Japanese website that will tell you more.
http://members.tripod.com/~Nandu_Bhende/articles/marticle4.htm

4) Some of your former bandmates have also become huge celebrities like Remo,Bashir Sheikh, Leslie etc ?

Bashir was my idol at one time. It was a great honor when he joined our band. Lezz started off as my assistant for my recordings. He was learning guitar from a former guitarist of mine, Gussy Rikh. He later joined the band and we went on to write some songs together too. Later when the band split he furthered his jingle business and then of course "Colonial Cousins".

5) What is the basic difference in Indian Rock Then and Now ?
There are only superficial differences. The conditions and facilities are better but there is still no real consistent money. It is a wonder how people still take up to this a career. Most of the musicians do this music in college and then move on to more mundane careers. I am amazed at the number of Rock bands that exist today just as I am at the number that was around when I was in college. I guess that is the power of ROCK.

6) The internet has become an important tool in music marketing ? How do ypu paln to exploit it further ?
Citing economic reasons, the music companies in India and abroad have always made it difficult for innovative music to reach the masses. The Internet is the only avenue available today that can bypass the corporate music world. We have used the Internet since the last 8 years in our various music and studio businesses. As far as music marketing goes, till recently digital download was not seen as a viable option. Today with the Ipod and other devices, it has become the medium of millions in the developed world. India still lags far behind but for information & advertisement purposes; there can be no better option for low budget Rock musicians. A lot of Indian bands are now releasing their own CDs and selling it on their own which is a great phenomenon. I have yet not chosen this path but I hope to soon.

7) Some time ago , u jammed for a gig with Warren Mendosa . your former bandmate son ..Can you describe the gig esp since Warren has been acknowledged as GOD ?
I have had the honor of performing with some incredible guitar players during my long career as a singer. Some of them that come to mind are Remo, Barry Murray, Lezz Lewis, Neil Chattopadya, Abraham, Gussy Rikh, Keith Viegas etc. They are all incredible guitar players and Warren continues in the same tradition. I have seen Warren develop as a guitarist since he was a kid and it is indeed great that he has reached just a high level of proficiency.

8) How do you plan to connect with Geneartion X ?
My various activities have made it very difficult for me to concentrate on music. There was a long period of time when I actually had stopped singing as I was too busy and was not motivated enough. Today, Music has once again become my prime moving force and I truly enjoy the times that I am able to perform with my band. I am hoping to expand my musical activities in the next few years and there are so many exciting things that I am hoping to do. I guess you will have to wait till they happen to know what they are!

9) And finally, what is your message to all the people out there ?
Rock on………………………..

Ritesh
ritesh365@yahoo.com
www.drummingworld.com