Artists
Jolly Bhatia
(Lead Vocals)
Jolly is a biotech professional whose’s passion for music started at a very young age. Through his forming years in India, he sang in gatherings and on stage in school and college. His close friends say that he can sing for every situation. The creation of Din Check was a realization of a dream he has nurtured in his heart for years.
Sameer Bhambhani
(Lead Guitarist)
An international business executive and engineer by profession, music has been Sam’s passion since his childhood. He started playing guitar when he was 13 when his mother encouraged him to take guitar lessons in India. He has played in Bollywood, rock and blues bands for over 20 years.
Meenakshi Kulshreshtha
(Lead Vocals and Keyboards)
An accountant by profession, Meenakshi grew up learning vocal Hindustani classical music, holds a “Prabhakar,” an advanced degree in classical music, and has won multiple singing competitions at college, regional and state levels. She has extensive experience of stage performances and has played with various bands in India. She also holds the honor of singing on All India Radio.
Anandini Sekhar
(Keyboards and Vocals)
Though Anandini Chandra Sekhar is primarily a Bharata Natyam dancer, she trained in the basics of Carnatic music under Bhanumati Chari and her mother Guru Sudha Chandra Sekhar, she began playing keyboards and singing backup vocals for the band ISHARA from the age of 12, and also was lead singer in bands such as Umang in the Detroit area and Desi Jam in the D.C. Metro area. She also played keyboards for the South Indian music band Raagamaalika. Anandini had additional Carnatic vocal training from Nivedita Shivraj and Deepti Navaratna.
Kamal Dasu
(Drummer)
An Embedded Linux Engineer by profession, Kamal took to drums as a teenager and later formed a band with his college friends. Kamal has performed in several Bollywood cover bands in the US. Kamal brings the punch of live acoustic complete drum set to the band’s music. Playing with Sam Rao, Kamal enhances the band’s sound with his special styles of Jazz, Cuban, Rock and Bhangra percussions.
Mike Grover
(Bass Guitar)
Kidnapped by gypsies at a young age, Mike learned to play the bass as an escape from the vagabond lifestyle. Following his muse, he has played a wide variety of musical styles, including Bollywood with Tandoori Jukebox, until ultimately finding a home with Din Check.
Sam Rao
(Percussionist)
A scientist and researcher in a leading biotech firm, Sam has been a passionate percussionist since 1972 and is a founding member of Din Check. He has experience playing in several bands in Hyderabad, Seattle and New Jersey. He plays the triple conga and tumba drums, dholak, daphli, and electronic drum pads.