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Euphoria: The Story of Palash Sen
Euphoria, a biographical book on Palash Sen by Ashish Kate, bares the soul of the band by the same name that came into focus in 1998. A multi-talented writer, Ashish Kate is a proficient painter and poet as well. He hails from Pune. Kate tells the story of Palash Sen, demystifying the man and the band. Through his conversations with Sen, Kate delves into the psyche of the man who has been branded as having anger management issues. The book begins with Kate contemplating this book and approaching Sen. He also tries to decide the role that he wants to play in telling this story. Their conversations, which mostly take place late at night owing to Sen's busy schedule, are eye-openers. It tells the story of how a doctor became a musician of the calibre that had everyone on their feet. It redefined rock for a whole generation, giving birth to the genre of Hind rock. Sen describes his feelings when he was faced with challenges in childhood that left an indelible mark on him, filling him with a lot of anger, for one. He comes across as a family guy who is just much more talented than any other. He balances medicine and music with equal ease. It is his passion for music that sets him apart. The book is dotted with quotes from his contemporaries and friends-from Shaan, Pradeep Sarker and Vidya Balan to Shubha Mudgal, Sunidhi Chauhan and Mika, extolling his virtues. Apart from being a superb entertainer, he is a wonderful human being. There is none in that generation who is immune to the magic of Dhoom, Maaeri and Mehfuz. Sen is an entertainer who loves to give his best when they perform live. Euphoria is basically a live band which thrives on applause. Euphoria's videos have also been noteworthy. It has launched some of the best faces in the entertainment industry; Vidya Balan, Rimi Sen, Michelle Innes and Neha Dhupia, to name a few. Sen's fondness for his family and his friends is evident in all his conversations. He is not stingy in his praise for his contemporaries. Those who have drifted apart from the band for some reason or the other are also not run down but are fondly remembered and their contribution acknowledged. It has helped the band become better and stronger. He forms bonds with everyone around him and is hurt when these people don't reciprocate on the same level or take him for a ride. The book strips off layer after layer of misconceptions and brings to the fore a man who is a thinking musician, a man who believes in the greater good of society and in giving back to it. An e-mail from his sister Dahlia, which has been published unedited, demystifies him further. It is a simple book in a question-and-answer format which helps you understand Palash Sen, Euphoria and his vision for it with ease. The book includes a music CD, Item, which is rocking and a myriad mix of peppy songs. A must read for all the Dhoomers and the Euphorians.
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