TOI speaks to Kathir of the Singapore-based Vedic metal band Rudra, who will perform at the Times of India Strawberry Fields 2011 on SundayThey are regarded as the pioneers of Vedic metal. And their fans across south east Asia and the Indian subcontinent are of the opinion that there is no better way to learn about the Mahabharata than by listening to this trio’s death metal-influenced renditions of shlokas. Singapore-based band Rudra is now all set to round off the year by playing on the final day of the Times of India Strawberry Fields 2011 on November 27 at the National Law School of India University.It’s been five years since Rudra last played in Bangalore. And Kathir, the vocalist and bassist for the band, says they have fond memories of playing in the city. “We consider Bangalore India’s rock/metal capital. We have always enjoyed the city for its hospitality and great music scene. Our fan base has grown since the last time we were there, so I hope to see newer faces when we play this time,” he says.Rudra has performed all across the world in the two decades since the band’s inception; this year alone, they played several venues in Canada. And Kathir says that the responses to their music, especially the Sanskrit lyrics, have always “been positive”. “In fact, we found that people love the exotic sounds of Vedic metal and the vibes of Sanskrit chants. It is, of course, a weird combination, given the fact that Sanskrit is a liturgical language. However, such a fusion can create an aesthetic experience if one were to suspend judgment and listen without prejudice. And that is exactly what has happened in all our shows,” he says. But how relevant is Vedic literature today? “Very relevant to me, especially the philosophical aspects of it. I’ve been a student of Vedic literature for about 18 years. And over the years, I’ve discovered so much that has helped me deal with life’s challenges. Of all the Vedic texts, I love the non-sectarian perennial teachings of the Upanishads,” he reveals. It’s been 10 years since the band released their landmark album, The Aryan Crusade. Since then, there have been several lineup changes — Rudra started out as a quartet, but is now a three-member outfit — but that doesn’t seem to have affected the band’s evolution. “We have released albums since then. More importantly, we have pushed the boundaries of being a metal band by fusing Indian dance with our performances,” says Kathir.Next year is also important for Rudra as it will be their 20th anniversary. And they have some big plans to mark the occasion. “We plan to release another concept album based on a popular Vedic text and will tour the world again. There are also plans to stage a full-fledged dance-cum-metal performance based on a Vedic epic,” says Kathir.Strawberry Fields is looked at as a mecca of sorts for rock music in India, especially among upcoming bands. And Kathir says that Indian bands who are trying to break into the big league should just soldier on despite the hurdles they may encounter along the way. “Keep doing what you are doing with passion, and do it long enough so that people can’t ignore you. Apart from this, there are also many other ways to get to the top, so talk to as many successful musicians and industry gurus as you can and consider their suggestions too,” he signs off.