OUR 2019 LIFE OF A DHOL PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
- Dec 30, 2019
- 3 min read
As 2019 draws to an end, we’re using this opportunity to look back at some of our highlights from the year just gone. This year we’ve done it all. From mingling with A-list Hollywood actors to performing in a place where magical dreams really do come true.
Here are some of our top 5 highlights from 2019 – in no particular order:
The first ever Indian wedding at Disneyland Paris
Picture from @Anisha_SethBhanot, Photography by @Rashpalphoto
We’ve performed at some pretty magical venues but Disneyland Paris raises the bar. For the first time ever, Disneyland, Paris hosted their first ever Indian wedding for Varun & Anisha Bhanot. No stone was left unturned when it came to finer details, everything had been thought of:
• Traveling to Paris: The Eurostar turned into a rave with 300 wedding travellers, dhol players and bolyian (Jameson too).
• The Pre Wedding Party: Hosted in Aladdin’s cave.
• The Bharat Entrance: A parade through Disneyland’s park, with the Imperial Drummers, a 1970’s pink convertible Cadillac and a surprise performance by the Punjabi Rockstar, Juggy D.
• The Indian Weddings Ceremony: Hosted outside Disney’s Newport Bay Club.
• The Wedding Ceremony: Fit for a Prince & Princess the wedding ceremony was hosted in front of the Cinderella Castle followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
• The Wedding Reception: Hosted within Walt Disney studios with a final performance by the Imperial Drummers.
Check out @sunny_sb’s highlight story on Instagram from the wedding here.
Drummers on Tour
Aaron and Paramvir performing in Amsterdam.
Our friends at Technology giant, Freshworks, hosted a roadshow of events across Europe for their prospects, customers and partners. To showcase their Indian heritage, the Imperial Drummers toured alongside Freshworks to all 8 locations in just four weeks. Who better to open an IT Conference at 9am other than two Dhol players. A better wake up call than any cup of coffee.
The tour took us to:
Manchester, UK
Madrid, Spain
Paris, France
Berlin, Germany
Bornem, Belgium
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Stockholm, Sweden
Helsinki, Finland
Genie, I want to make a wish
Being a dhol player isn’t always about playing dhol at weddings and parties. We find ourselves stumbling across some pretty exciting opportunities. Fortunately for us, we had the opportunity to perform alongside the living legend himself – Will Smith ,in his new Disney movie, Aladdin. Read our blog from the Aladdin film shoot.
On set of Aladdin at Disney’s film studios in London, England.
Hiking up Mount Everest’s for the Children’s Society
Our very own Arjun Minocha from Imperial Drummers hiked through the Himalayas for 11 days to Everest Base Camp, peaking at 5364m above sea level. Not only did he make it, he raised over £3,500 for The Children’s Society, more than anyone else on the climb by going a step further and doing the hike in his shorts. With temperatures reaching 4-8°C during the day and -10°C at night, this was no mean feat. Cracking work Arj, we’re all proud of you.
Cancun: Sun, Sea & Suspicious Aunties
Destination weddings in Cancun, Mexico: Suns out, guns out, Shades out, Drums out
2019 for us was about expanding our reach beyond the realms of the UK or Europe. This year we ventured out to a place best known for its powdery exports, breathtaking beaches and Spring Break. But for one lucky couple, it was also their wedding destination.
Mendhi on the beach = Yes please.
Jago on the beach = Yes please.
Viya on the beach = Yes please.
Party on the beach = Yes please.
Sex on the Beach = Yes, yes, yes, yes, yesss!!
…. Get your mind out of the gutter, I’m talking about the cocktail.
Well that sums it up, there have been plenty more but these really stand out. As we hit the next decade we’re looking forward to raising the bar and giving you more insights into the life of a Dhol player.
Happy New Year you filthy animals. See you 2020.
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