This is the OFFICIAL PROFILE of the Rock Band rudrAGNI, popularly known as AGNI for the last two decades. We are back, reformed, live and kicking , in a new avatar, with:
BELL-BASS, ROSS-DRUMS, CHRIS-GUITARS, LEO-KEYBOARDS, UDAY-VOCALS

Formed in 1985 by Pravin Bell, Bharath and Juggie, Agni has stood the test of time to become one of the most loved rock bands in the country. It grew up struggling with sub-standard instruments and disinterested recording labels, but always with the goal of carving an identity of their own. In 1992 Agni came out of its childhood with Rustom (Ross) Kayani and Kaustubh (Koko) Dhavale joining the band. And it translated all its restless energy and hunger for succour (very much a hall mark of Agni, the Firegod) into a creative force that could not be denied. And from Pune’s best band they grew into one of the premier rock acts in India.
  
 
A record company, Virgo, took notice and their first album, Wind Dance With Fire, was released in 1993. In spite of poor production values on their first video, Darkening Light, their supporters were delighted with the air time on MTV and the album sold more than 60,000 copies all over the country. In fact, their appeal was such that 10,000 CDs were sold out within the first four days. The band toured all over the country, from the plushness of Delhi’s Holiday Inn and the grimness of Tihar Jail to the rocky heights of the North East. The number, Kashmir, is chanted by crowds till this day whenever and wherever they take the stage.
 
All this was enough impetus for the band and they came up with the concept for their second album, Mrityunjaya - Victor Over Death. It was essentially Juggie’s baby. But on the eve of going into the studios for recording, tragedy struck and what transpired in May 1995 is today rock folklore. The band, then on the pinnacle of its success, lost Juggie and manager, Mandy, in an automobile accident.
  
But the fire never died. It took the band three long and heart wrenching years of soul searching to get back on its feat. Vocalist Bharath could not cope with Juggie’s death and was replaced with the prolific Uday Iyer. And the band rose from the ashes in a new avatar. Gone was the recklessness, the negative vibes, and the association with all that was dark and murky in rock ’n’ roll. Agni returned in pristine white, pure in sound, Indian to the very core and burning brighter than ever before. 

THE CURRENT LINEUP:
 
CHRIS - Lead and Rhythm Guitars.
A guitar stalwart, and seen his time for the last 20 years as an extremely experienced, talented and professional guitarist. Has been a freelancer, session player and a lead man in various Rock Bands over the years.
He runs his own Guitar School and a Mini Studio in Pune.
He uses a Gibson Les Paul and a BOSS GT10.
 
LEO - Keyboards
Our new entry into the Band. 
Calm and composed, with a classic rock upbringing.
He has widened our sound spectrum and band personality.
He uses a Yamaha and Roland Keyboards
  
UDAY - Vocals
Our Frontman
He is a madman, A very sexy madman, and he’s at his maddest and sexiest when he is on stage.
He is the perfect expression of the raging energy, the passion, the sensuality and the power that drives Agni.
He uses: A beautifully toned, well trained human larynx.
 
ROSS - Drums
This guy’s a dude.
Slick, powerful and very intense - and that’s what his playing portrays too.
He’s an awesome spectacle too watch when he’s playing.
Forget the long-haired kids and flashy stick dancers, this guy is an awesome sight as he pounds those skins. His music comes from his speed, power and great ear.
Of course, he also has one of the most desirable kits in the country...
 
The Kit:
Tama RockStar:
Double Headed Kit comprising of:
Bass Drum / Double Beater, 3 Toms, 2 Floor Toms, Snare, Chokes, Cow Bell, 11 Cymbals (All Zildjian)
 
BELL - Bass
Ok, now there are black sheeps in every family and for us it is Bell. He is the only remaining original founder-member of Agni who is still with the band and the fire burns in him as much as in the rest of us. He is quiet, has long curly locks, a very mischievous smile and an understated manner of playing his bass. It’s only when he stops, do you realise how much of the noise he is making! He is a study in how to play steady and innovative bass without making a fuss about it.

He uses:
Bass Guitar:
Ibanez – SDGR 540 ( Sound Gear)
"The safest instrument yet played by me on the stage, great Zing and body to the sound, acts as a wall to the band sound, one of the sleekest instruments in this category. "
During Rhythm days:
Gibson Les Paul, Custom Made, 3 Humbucker pickups, 22 carat gold plated.
BOSS Pedals…Viz : Chorus, Turbo Distortion, and Delay.
  
DENZIL - Sound Engineer
He's again a quiet one, and believes in delivering the sound of rudrAGNI without making too much fuss about anything.
He's been with us for the last year or so, understanding the rudrAGNI sound, our dynamics, our tones.
He's got excellent working exposure to all types of sound consoles and PA's and specially Line Arrays.

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