Proving that the human voice is the first and purest musical instrument providing the most intimate expression of sound, Penn Masala, the a cappella group from the University of Pennsylvania charmed a hall full of fans on the evening of April 20.
Organized by the MIT South Asian Society at the Kresge theater, the event drew young and old alike to the musical evening.

Since their inception in 1996, Penn Masala, the world’s first desi cappella group enjoys a reputation as a much sought after and highly acclaimed vocal ensemble. The twelve members of the band have developed a diverse repertoire that includes popular Hindi songs as well as English hip hop and chart busters.

Pleasing the audience with such hits as Mitwa sun Mitwa from Lagaan and Desert Rose by Sting, they had the hall up on their feet when they performed Mast Kalandar. Keeping their songs harmonically rich, rhythmically interesting and improvising freely, it was easy to see why they are so popular the world over. They also delivered great renditions of the late Nazia Hassan's "Aap Jaisa Koi," as well as "Another Night Another Dream," complete with the low-voiced rap interlude--or whatever you want to call it. Their original piece, "The Meaning of Being Desi," was the icing on the cake, presenting a hilarious view of the FOB/ABCD divide, and making fun of both groups equally. The audience loved it when Rishabh started in with, "You know me, I'm your TA" in an Indian accent, with his pants hiked up.

Their youthful energy and keen sense of rhythm made easy forgiving the minor inaccuracies in intonation and ensemble untidiness expected in a 'live' performance.

We caught up with Sandeep Raj Acharya, Rishabh Jain and Indranil Guha after the concert as they mingled freely with fans outside, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

All three expressed enthusiasm for the Boston audience and commented that they love performing here.

When asked why there were no female members in their group, all three conceded that they did not think there was room for women in the group.
“We are a bunch of guys who enjoy a terrific rapport, we have this brotherhood kinda thing going. Having women in the group will upset the equation. You know, the dynamics are sure to change with girls around.” Said Sandeep. Indranil piped up “We are helping some other great a cappella groups which have women members.”
And practice? How much time do they spend practicing?
“Way too much time!” Smiles Rishabh.
Some of the songs call for very strong classical training, how did they manage that part so well? Rishabh says that he has trained in classical music in India. Everyone in this group has a varied musical background. In the end they all share and create beautiful music together!
As some of the seniors in the group plan to retire this year, what will the future hold for Penn Masala?
“Penn Masala will attract the best always and will go on and on. We hold auditions in the beginning of every semester, and we scour the campus for people who are talented and willing to try out to join the group. We have an audition process in which we put on our songs and they try blending in with the group. Many apply, we pick 4 or 5 out of about 60! ” said Indranil.
As we leave, we could see the boys sorrounded by fans, enjoying every bit of the attention showered on them.

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