The Mekaal Hasan Band (MHB), formed in 2001 by Pakistani composer and guitarist Mekaal Hasan, has been known for blending traditional sounds from the East and musical arrangements from the West. The erstwhile band’s music included Jazz, Rock and Sufi influences and fetched them several awards as well.

Now, in a path-breaking move, MHB has turned into an Indo-Pakistan band and the new line-up includes guitarist Mekaal Hasan, flutist Ahsan Papu (both Hasan and Papu were part of the original MHB), drummer Gino Banks, bassist Sheldon D’Silva and vocalist Sharmistha Chatterjee. The band is expected to perform at music festivals by the year-end and plan to release their new record, Andholan, in March.