‘Hijackers’, oldest orchestra band of Himachal Pradesh, still going strong at 49

Raghav Guleria

Dharamsala, February 21

Renowned orchestra band “Hijackers” of Dharamsala has been entertaining music lovers of the town and the state since 1975. It is probably the oldest band of Himachal Pradesh that has survived for so long.

Forty-nine years ago, Saravjit, now a retired engineer, had laid the foundation of this group. He had learnt how to to play a guitar while he still a student. His younger brother Kuljit, who was in Class XI then, joined him on the drums and a few other friends like Ishwar, a banker, followed suit, and the group took shape.

Kuljit Chetri, the real strength behind the musical group, has now retired as an officer from the Kangra Deputy Commissioner’s office but his zeal for music is still intact.

Recollecting the days bygone, Chetri says, “It all started as part-time enjoyment. Since everybody was gainfully employed, there was no need to think commercially. The much-awaited stage performances would come once in a while. Initially, only Army officers would invite us for a live band performance. Subsequently, we started getting offers from Shimla hotels while Dharamsala was still a sleepy town.”

Kuljit has a dedicated music room in his house where evening jamming sessions are joined by youth who have an interest in learning music, especially guitar. Kuljit, a seasoned guitarist himself, is ever helpful to the aspiring youth. In the process, innumerable aspirants have benefited from his tutoring. Mohit Chauhan, now a singing celebrity, also started his journey with this band in 1990s.

Now, the band is seen playing in Dharamsala’s leading hotels every weekend or on festive occasions. The team, whose core is Kuljit, has participated in all major events, fairs and festivals throughout the state.

The group members, however, feel a bit dejected when they don’t get support as per their expectations. They say, “We feel ashamed begging for a small slot in government programmes. Merit, seniority and self-esteem of the native artistes must be considered.” Now, all founder members have grown old, but the musical tonic has kept their morale high. They are seen in the town still entertaining as if they are on an unending journey.