515 Crew, The

Shama, Chirag Rao & The 515 Crew are a dynamic 8 piece band who deliver the highest quality of Bollywood music in power packed performances, bringing together influences from the Bhangra, Bollywood, Urban and World Fusion music circuits.

With a highly professional approach, a flexibility to deal with any audience and an equally impressive repertoire of songs, this band will definitely leave your guests wanting for more!

No limits. No boundaries. Just Music.

SHAMA

Shama, born in Libya, is very much attached to her Indian roots. A versatile and capable singer who has been performing since childhood to audiences around the world. Having received her vocal training from Smt. Swati Natekar and Smt. Krishna Chakraborty, Shama went onto developing her own voice and style.

Achievements

Shama is the only Asian female artiste in UK to have had not one but 2 successful long-running bands. Shama became a brand name in 1994 as she set out with the very popular Shama and Friends band, wowing audiences in South America, Caribbean, West Africa, Dubai, Europe and nationally over UK for the next 15 years. Her second band, The 515 Crew, has been performing & producing music since 2009.

In 2010, Shama made her debut as a lyric writer, penning the words to Maahi, the very first track released by 515 Productions quickly followed by Diljaani, Baarish and Jogan.

Shama’s last single, Jogan (released July 2014) went straight into the iTunes World Music Top Ten on the first day.

Shama performed at the prestigious Diwali on Trafalgar Square for 4 years running due to public demand and the Greater London Authority’s request.

Shama’s songs from her first album, Forever Yours (released in 1995) have been featured in the recent Liam Neeson film, Taken 3, National Geographic documentaries, Gomez et Tavarez (French Film), Coronation Street.

Shama sang on Geri Halliwell’s (Ginger Spice) debut album, Schizophonic.

Shama has performed with Bollywood music personalities such as Anup Jalota, Sukhwinder Singh, Nitin Mukesh, Mangal Singh.

CHIRAG RAO

A British Indian singer songwriter and composer who, with his velvet tone and well-developed range, has enthralled audiences with his outstanding performances and immensely varied repertoire.

Coming from a long line of classically trained musicians, Chirag was always surrounded by all genres of music which formed the basis of his versatility. His initial training was under his Grandfather Shri Jaganath Brahmbhatt, who was an accomplished classical musician himself and was able to nurture his keen interest in music. Having spent 2 years in Mumbai Chirag has already mixed with playback royalty under the guidance of world renowned Ustaad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, who has taught the likes of Sonu Nigam, Asha Bhonsle, Shaan, Hariharan and a host of other playback artistes.
Having released his debut singles in 2011, he is definitely a singer to watch out for as he makes a niche for himself in the UK Hindi market.

THE 515 CREW – The Band:

Hinal Pattani – Musical Director Instrument(s): Keyboards, Piano & Bass

Hinal Pattani is first and foremost a pianist and lead keyboardist and has been performing on stage since the age of 15, and been producing material for world music acts since 2000.

Hinal has acted as MD for several acts in the British Asian Music Circuit such as The 515 Crew, Shama Artiste, Chirag Rao, Sonia Panesar, Taz Stereo Nation, Shin DCS, Navin Kundra, Alaap, Najma Akhtar, Mangal Singh and Silinder Pardesi to name a few.

Having travelled the world extensively and played across several genre’s covering Jazz, Blues, Funk, Reggae, Soul, Bollywood, Bhangra, Indian and Western Classical, Indian and Western folk styles, it’s difficult to place him in one

In June of 2012 he debuted as Musical Director with The Royal Shakespeare Company on Iqbal Khan’s production of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ featuring Meera Syal and Kulvinder Ghir of ‘Goodness Gracious Me’, where he directed music produced by Niraj Chag over a theatre run that lasted 4 months, performing in Stratford at The RSC and The Noel Coward in Leicester Square, London. His session works also have an impressive clientelle with names such as Arijit Singh at SSE Wembley Arena in June 2015, Kumar Sanu, Himesh Reshamiya, Gurdas Maan, Asha Bhosle, Nitin Mukesh, Anup Jalota to name a few.

Bindi Bhumbra Instrument(s): Lead Guitar

Bindi Bhumbra has been a fully-fledged member of The 515 Crew for the past 3 years.

Born in Glasgow, Bindi started his musical career in the 80’s as founder member of the Scottish Bhangra band, Bombay Talkie. During this time he co-composed much of the band’s music, and wrote the hit Chargiye, which was the opening track of the band’s no 1 album Judgement Day. In the 90’s, Bindi moved to London and became part of the London music scene, performing major stints as guitarist for Holle Holle, and then more recently, Alaap.

When asked about his musical influences Bindi said “I started playing guitar because of Elvis, and then became obsessed by the Beatles – their talent for melody and arrangement was amazing. And Jimi, who was the greatest showman guitarist of all time. However I grew up watching Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh movies in the La Scala cinema in Sauchiehall St, and so the songs of Kishore and the compositions of R.D. Burman are a large part of my musical DNA. I am really enjoying my time now with the 515 Crew, I’m exposed to a huge range of genres and musical styles. I love the challenge, and the fact that therefore I’m always developing as a musician.”

Ragen Brahmbhatt Instrument(s): Bass Guitar

Ragen was born in Kenya into a musical family and influenced from the start by his father J K Brahmbhatt, who was a self taught classical singer and one of a handful of ‘Dilruba’ players in Kenya at the time and then the UK.

Guided by his father, Ragen’s first instrument was tabla when he started training with Pandit Manikrao Popatkar for a short time. Guitar and bass lessons soon followed when an opportunity arose to join a local band, playing R and B, soul and blues.

Ragen joined his older brother band and performed in the UK bollywood music circuit.

During the Bhangra explosion mid 80’s, Ragen started playing with the hugely popular bhangra band, Holle Holle as part of the original set up as well as freelancing with other bhangra bands on the scene at the time including Premi and Shava Shava, whilst still maintaining his connection with the Bollywood circuit. In the 90’s Ragen left the bhangra scene to join a new bollywood band, Sound Machine. Having freelanced with several bands, Ragen has now been with The 515 Crew since it first started in 2009.

Dhaivat Acharya Instrument(s): Tabla, Dholak, Congos

Dhaivat is a versatile percussionist born and bought up in the UK who has performed with leading bollywood, bhangra and folk artists.

He has learnt classical tabla and indian percussion under the guidance of his father and tabla teachers both here in the UK and in India, where Dhaivat spent 6 months learning from the great Pt Bhavani Shankar.

Last year Dhaivat performed in the West End musical Bend it Like Beckham and has also contributed to various music albums produced in the UK and Mumbai as well as featuring in music videos released by top UK artists.

Sailesh Maisuria Instrument(s): Drums

Sailesh is a recognised drummer within the British Asian Music Industry. With experience in performing at major concerts, melas, private and corporate functions worldwide with many artists within the scene.

Sailesh has performed with well known artistes Ila Arun, Jaspinder Narula, Hans Raj Hans, Shin, Channi & Mona Singh, Stereo Nation, Shin DCS to name a few.

Testimonials:

“Shama is a versatile singer with an ability to sing all styles of Indian music. Shama and The 515 Crew’s music combines both traditional Indian melodies with modern production and are great for the dance floor as well as just to listen to. I congratulate them on their music.“

Ehsaan Noorani (Shankar Ehsaan Loy–Bollywood Film Music Directors)

“Hi Shama I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to you and the band. Having you guys at our Diwali event last week made it extra special and the students thought you guys were fantastic. I have received lots of positive feedback and I would recommend you guys without reservations. Thank you once again.”

Amy Hayer, ISH Events Manager, November 2015

“Woooo, Shama and the 515 crew, what a fantastic group of musicians and entertainers. Shama and the crew turned our Mehfil night into a storm. Every conversation about the party with our friends has started with comments about Shama and the band. The comments range from ‘…her voice is like an instrument…’, ‘…the band can play, man…’, ‘…I’m converted to Hindi music…’, ‘…the singers got the most amazing voices…’, ‘…these guys are craftsmen…’, ‘…the young guy on the left – so cute..’ and…

…On the day the best thing we did was relax and leave the music in the hands of the pros – this what they do. They controlled the tempo, the songs and had the guests captivated from the get go. Apart from playing the expected Bollywood and Punjabi tunes that got everyone swaying and dancing and they even squeezed a Bob Marley tune or two.

It’s a pleasure to meet and hear folks like this.”

Dindi and Parminder, Oct 2015

“I found Shama to be a wonderful delight to work with. We recently hired her and her band to perform at my sister’s Sangeet night. … the singing was just exceptional. Within minutes people were up and dancing and one of the greatest compliments we’ve had about the night was the music and the singing. I highly recommend Shama and her team and would have no hesitation in hiring them again for our next event.”

Vim Chatwani, Sep 2015

“I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you, Chirag and the whole band! I was enjoying the sound check as I got ready and it was amazing! I know a lot of the guests really loved it too. I can’t thank you enough for making sure everything was perfect for the entrances … I’ll hopefully be able to see you on stage again soon and thank you in person as well. It turned out that Taj E who is a personal friend recognised your guitarist as well and was so excited that i had an amazing band at the wedding.

Thank you all again for making my special day so amazing.”

Selina Thanda, Aug 2015

“Shama and her band were exceptional in making my husband’s 50th birthday party an evening to remember. I admire them for their punctuality and professionalism. The music was excellent Bollywood and Hollywood. All my family and friends thoroughly enjoyed it, they still talk about the evening. It was a wonderful feeling to see everybody dancing and singing with the team. I would have no hesitation in recommending to anyone and to hire them for any other future events. Well done to all the singers and thank you so much for a remarkable performance”.

Vanita Vekaria, May 2015

“Shama and The 515 Crew deliver more than just a show – the clarity of vocals and passion in their performance left both us and the audience wanting more. The stand out highlight of Bollywood Fever 2015 was having Shama and The 515 Crew ‘wow’ those present, set against the perfect backdrop of Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf in the heartland of London’s cultural district South Bank. Polite professionalism, whilst being able to perform to an expectant audience is a rare commodity in the entertainment industry, however Shama and The 515 Crew achieve this in abundance.

Comfy seats are not needed since by the end of the jam everyone will be on their feet shaking a leg!’”

Mark Sarfo-Kantanka, Bollywood Fever Film Festival, May 2015

“Once again you guys were amazing at the KMK Mehfil Night on 25th April, one of the most popular event organised by Kutch Madhaapar Karyalaya. Everyone loved it! Lots of compliments from the audience. Very talented group of musicians & singers. Fantastic job of getting everyone singing along. Cannot thank you enough. What I like most about you Shama is that you are very easy to approach & you understand what we want and we cannot wait for you to perform again for us!!”

Shanta Siani, KMK Association London, April 2015

“Shama and her band, The 515 Crew were exceptional in making my wedding reception a night many of us will never forget.

Being passionate about live music, I was adamant that the evening’s entertainment had to centre around a band and I was not left disappointed. The music was exceptional, diverse and energising which had everybody on their feet. Shama, Chirag and Nimesh were versatile singers who played to the crowd changing the tempo when required. Whether it was a Bollywood classic, a dance track or a Michael Jackson classic, they had everything in abundance.

It was a joy to have had such talented singers and an outstanding band at my wedding reception. It is a night that my friends and family still talk about and want to re-live again simply because of the flawless entertainment present in Shama, Chirag, Nimesh and The 515 Crew. Collectively they had such a unique offering and I have no hesitation in recommending them.“

Nilay Dassani, March 2015

“Friday 5th December – What a night! I think that at our Sunday reception, it was the talk of all the guests who had attended. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening, your band were amazing and your guest vocalist simply knocked the audience out. His ability to sing popular Indian, Classical, Qawali and Western Pop left the younger audience screaming for more. We exceeded the allotted time by 40 minutes and in all honesty, I really think we could have easily gone on for another two hours. Absolutely superb evening and one that will be remembered for many years. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you again really soon.”

Rex Shah, Libra Group – December 2014

“Wow! What a performance! Believe me, the amount of praise I got from the written comments (suggestion slips) and also verbally about you and your group should make you proud of your abilities. I personally found you very professional, polite and straight forward to deal with. I will definitely recommend you to all my contacts. Please thank all you group members for a really enjoyable night on Saturday. The place rocked!”

Anju Dedakia – KPS Women’s Group, KP Centre, Harrow, October 2014

“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Navnat Vanik Bhagini Samaj & our entire team to congratulate you for your outstanding performance on September 20th 2014. We have received hundreds of positive comments, not only for your music, but also for the way you got the audience involved. It made them feel part of the show!! Pure delight-rollicking good fun mixed with uplifting songs that made our heart sing. We will recommend you and your crew without reservations.”

Navnat Vanik Bhagini Samaj Committee, Hayes, September 2014

“We are writing to thank you for your scintillating performance at our daughter Sheena’s Sangeet night. You, along with your accomplished musicians from 515 crew had the whole crowd of 400 absolutely enthralled all evening. Accompanied by your co-singers Chirag Rao and Sreejith, you delivered some intricate numbers, more so our favourite Kwaja Mere Khwaja (Jodha Akber) that still reverberates in our ears, well over a month after the event! It’s rare that audience get so captivated that they sing with you. Your team carried the event every moment of the evening, a fitting tribute to your talent. We are grateful to all of you for setting our important event alight with amazing music and making it such a success. May God Bless you all!”

Mansukh & Shila Ganatra, Beckenham, Kent, May 2014

“KMK audience had a fantastic evening! You guys were excellent! Can’t thank you enough. I am getting a lot of messages. They are looking forward to next year!! I think as KMK audience is very jolly, we make a good team.”

Shanta Siani, KMK Association London – April 2014

“On behalf of the OAUK North West committee, we would like to express our sincere thanks to you, Chirag and the 515 crew for contributing to the success of our International Women’s Day celebrations and making it an evening to remember. You and your whole team surpassed our expectations once again with the amazing music, punctuality and professionalism. All the ladies cannot stop talking about the evening. It was a wonderful feeling to see everybody dancing and singing with you and your team. Thank you once again for a very memorable evening. We hope to see you soon.”

Meena Shah, Oshwal Association UK North West Committee – March 2014

“On behalf of my committee, I would like to express our profound gratitude to you and your team for contributing to the success of our event and making it a night to remember. We have had nothing but positive comments about your performance and the quality of music. You can perform to almost any genre whilst tailoring the music to meet the needs and tastes of your audience. Once again you surpassed our expectations and have raised the bar again. You meet the demands of your role with the highest standards, punctuality and professionalism. The evening is always too short when you perform and I look forward to your fourth performance with us.”

Kiran Patel, President – Leuva Patidar Samaj (Coventry, Rugby, Nuneaton) October 2013