Formed in 1994 in Stockholm, Sweden, Bombay Vikings is a trailblazing pop group that masterfully blends Indian pop and classical music. The band was founded by Neeraj Shridhar, Oscar Söderberg, and Mats Nordenborg. They quickly rose to prominence with their innovative remixes of classic Bollywood hits, such as “Kya Soorat Hai,” “Woh Chali,” and “Chod Do Anchal.”
Bombay Vikings’ music resonated deeply with audiences both in the Indian subcontinent and among the global Indian diaspora. Their unique sound, which melds the timeless charm of Bollywood with modern European musical experimentation, captivated listeners and set them apart in the music industry.
In 1994, in the vibrant city of Stockholm, Sweden, the music scene was forever changed with the formation of Bombay Vikings. This innovative band was the brainchild of three seasoned musicians: Neeraj Shridhar, Oscar Söderberg, and Mats Nordenborg. The trio came together when Mats introduced Neeraj and Oscar, sparking a creative synergy fueled by their shared passion for Indian melodies drawn from Hindi films and classical music.
Neeraj Shridhar, hailing from Jalandhar in Punjab, India, moved to Sweden at the age of 13. His rich musical background, steeped in both Western and Indian classical traditions, laid the foundation for Bombay Vikings. As the lead vocalist and backup guitarist, Neeraj not only led the band but also composed an eclectic mix of pop rock, jazz, hip-hop, soul, and reggae.
Mats Nordenborg, a saxophone virtuoso and jazz specialist, brought his deep understanding of jazz to the band’s compositions. Together with Johan Folke, a keyboard expert, Mats infused their music with a diverse range of genres using the synthesizer. The ensemble was soon completed with Morgan on drums, Par on bass, and Staffan as the lead guitarist, each adding their unique flair to the band’s sound.
Bombay Vikings began their journey by performing live shows across Sweden and Norway. Their jam sessions, filled with creativity and a desire to innovate, led them to develop a unique musical style. They didn’t initially set out to create a new genre, but their fusion of Indian and Western influences naturally led to groundbreaking music that resonated with audiences.
Under Neeraj’s leadership, the band incorporated Hinglish—a mix of Hindi and English lyrics—into their songs, setting them apart in the music industry. Their performances predominantly featured English songs with Neeraj adding a distinct Indian touch, which captivated listeners and set the stage for their rise to fame.
Despite the eventual departure of most original members, Neeraj retained the band’s name and continued to perform with the remaining members. Bombay Vikings’ legacy as pioneers of a unique musical fusion lives on, inspiring countless fans and musicians around the world.
POPULAR ALBUMS OF BOMBAY VIKINGS
Kya Soorat Hai (1999)
In 1999, Neeraj Shridhar produced Bombay Vikings’ debut album, Kya Soorat Hai, after a nearly four-year hiatus. Initially, Indian music companies were skeptical about its success due to its strong English and Western influence, demanding changes to suit the local market. However, Sony BMG saw the potential and agreed to produce the album without any alterations.
The album featured eight tracks, all remakes of classic Indian songs, predominantly recorded in English with a few Hindi lines. Despite initial doubts, the album became a massive hit in India, paving the way for the westernization of Indian music. Songs like “Kya Soorat Hai,” “Mona Re,” and “Night Is So Perfect” became particularly popular among teenagers. The music video for “Kya Soorat Hai,” featuring Raju Sundaram, brother of South-Indian star Prabhu Deva, was a notable success due to its hip-hop sound and comical style. “Mona Re” also had its own music video.
Woh Chali (2000)
Riding on the success of their debut, Bombay Vikings released Woh Chali in 2000. This album included four remakes of old songs and five original tracks, showcasing Neeraj Shridhar’s desire to establish himself as a modern music composer. The album’s hits, including “Woh Chali,” “Jambola,” “Angel Eyes,” and “Jump Up,” received widespread acclaim, with “Angel Eyes” achieving international success.
Even legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar was impressed with their remake of her song “Main Chali” from the film Padosan, inviting Neeraj to perform at her birthday function. Music videos were produced for “Woh Chali,” “Jambola,” and “Angel Eyes,” further boosting the album’s popularity.
Hawa Mein Udata Jaaye and Best of Bombay Vikings (2002)
In 2002, Bombay Vikings released Hawa Mein Udati Jaaye, an album that once again modernized old songs, endearing them to a younger audience. Neeraj collaborated with guest singers Linnea Spores and Falguni Pathak. The music videos for “Hawa Mein Udati Jaaye” and “Tera Mera Pyaar Sanam” became hits. That same year, the compilation album The Best Of Bombay Vikings was released, featuring tracks like “Kabhi Phool Dena” from the film Rules: Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula. “Hawa Mein Udati Jaaye” remains popular among teenagers, often used in Instagram and TikTok reels.
Chhodh Do Aanchal Zamana Kya Kahega and Fusion Remixes (2004)
In 2004, the album Chhodh Do Aanchal Zamana Kya Kahega hit the shelves. The title track, featuring lines sung by Linnea, became a significant hit, with its video dominating Indian music channels for nearly a year. The songs “Ik Badal” and “Aa Raha Hoon Main” were milestones, and the video for “Aa Raha Hoon Main” was a commercial success. That same year, Neeraj released the single “Hum To Anything Karega,” a remake of “Hum To Mohabbat Karega,” included in the compilation album Fusion Remixes, which also featured songs by other artists like Falguni Pathak.
Zara Nazron Se Kehdo (2006)
The success continued with the 2006 release of Zara Nazron Se Kehdo. The titular song, produced by Soundism and featuring Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly in its video, became a hit. Another track, “Mere Dil Ne,” also had a music video. Following this album, Neeraj took a break, which eventually extended indefinitely. In 2011, Bombay Vikings announced an album titled U n I. Meanwhile, Neeraj transitioned to Bollywood playback singing in 2006, contributing his voice to numerous Bollywood films.