On July 19th, The Piano Man at Eldeco Centre, New Delhi, cracked open a sonic portal and invited us on a journey that was nothing short of magical. Future Retro Society ft. Sanjeeta Bhattacharya was not just a concert—it was a time-traveling celebration of sound, memory, and fearless musical innovation. From the moment the lights dimmed, we knew we were in for something special—and they delivered with style, soul, and a sparkle of retro glamour.
Curated and led by the indomitable Sanjeeta Bhattacharya and guitar virtuoso Aman Sagar, the night paid a shimmering tribute to the golden eras of jazz, rock ’n’ roll, soul, and disco—with an indie twist so fresh it felt like the future. Sanjeeta’s voice—earthy, ethereal, and electric—glided across languages and decades, effortlessly blending a Bengali folk tune into a waltz or slipping Spanish into a retro-jazz groove. “I don’t think about it consciously,” she says. “Each language inspires a different expression, and blending them keeps music-making exciting.” And it showed—every song felt alive, playful, and deeply personal.
The band was nothing short of exceptional: Aaliyah Qureishi’s vocal charm, Danik Ghosh’s warm, grounded basslines, Dan Thomas’ dynamic drumming, and Zion Mathew’s velvety keys gave the night its beating heart. Aman Sagar’s guitar work stitched it all together—like a sonic architect weaving nostalgia with neo-soul.
The magic wasn’t just on stage. It pulsed through the walls of The Piano Man—Delhi’s most beloved music venue. Originally a bakery, this now-iconic jazz space was born out of serendipity and passion. Founder Arjun Sagar Gupta reflects, “It wasn’t a well-thought-out plan. When the opportunity presented itself, I simply seized it.” That intuitive leap has since blossomed into a nurturing hub for India’s most exciting indie voices.
For Arjun, a Fulbright scholar and musician himself, the venue is more than a business—it’s a sanctuary. “When I’m on stage, I’m just an artist. My team respects that,” he says. While he no longer plays every Sunday jam, his presence remains central—curating performers not just by talent but by their ability to uplift fellow musicians. “A house band must support and build the community. That’s the spirit we foster.”
It’s this blend of intentional artistry and spontaneous joy that made Future Retro Society such a triumph. The crowd didn’t just watch—they danced, swayed, sang along, and begged for more. The show blurred the lines between decades, genres, and even audience and artist. Whether you came for the Ella Fitzgerald energy or the RD Burman nostalgia, you left with your soul humming and your heart full.
And if you’ve never been to The Piano Man, this is your sign. It’s not just a venue—it’s a feeling. And on nights like this, it’s pure magic.
Encore, please.