Mid-Day Anniversary | This sound checks out: Meet the Mumbaikars behind the city's sunrise concert movement

(From left) The founders of Soundrise, Shaan Khanna, Varun Narayan, Raoul Nanavati, and Mohit Chhatrapati

If you have attended concerts in the park in cities like New York, and wished Mumbai had something of the sort, well it does. SoundRise does that and much more. Five years ago, four Mumbaikars who wanted to bring people together - Shaan Khanna, Varun Narayan, Raoul Nanavati, and Mohit Chhatrapati - began the movement as an experimental project. The first open-air gig was held at Dharya Garden in Colaba, and there has been no looking back.

Khanna, who also runs Networking Now, says that the main challenge was getting people to show up so early in the morning and permissions."In India, there are several locations but restrictions, and little space to fit the numbers. Initially, we didn't even charge for entry! We learnt over time," says Khanna.

Shaan Khanna. PIC/SAYED SAMEER ABEDI

What started with one gig has grown massively over the last five years. Over time, it has grown from a small neighbourhood project into a community experience. They partnered with local businesses, coffee shops, and independent artisans to set up pop-up stalls around the stages. They now even have formats like ‘SoundRise Darbar' which features ghazals and Sufi music.

"Our vision is to build SoundRise into India's leading live music movement - where artists, audiences, venues and brands come together through meaningful, real-world connection - enabling discovery and joy for everyone. We started in parks and today curate everything from intimate mehfils and jazz brunch gigs to vinyl listening sessions, at heritage venues, museums, cafes, as well public spaces across the city. At a time when so much of life happens on screens, we believe live music is one of the simplest ways to improve mental wellbeing, create human connection and bring joy back into everyday life. If SoundRise can inspire people to step out, discover artists and fall in love with their city a little more often, we'll have done our job," says Chhatrapati, who has a background in fintech and commerce.

For this writer, the events they hold at Bandra Fort are a favourite. It truly makes Mumbai feel like a world-class city. What has surprised Khanna is the repeat customers that show up, and newcomers. "It's also very surprising how people are open to new genres and original music. They have discovered artists and used them widely for performances and weddings thereafter. The community we have built with such love continues to grow, says Khanna.