About
Naalayak is an independent Hindi-Urdu pop-rock band based between Chandigarh and Delhi, formed in 2015 by frontman, songwriter and founder Sahil Samuel. Known for a raw, soulful sound and a distinctive blend of Hindi and Urdu lyrics, the band has built a devoted following, particularly among young audiences, through its energetic live performances.
Sahil Samuel, whose nickname naalayak (good-for-nothing) gave the band its name, formed Naalayak in 2015 after early experience with the band Swastik. With a large body of self-written songs, the band released a debut EP in 2018 (Bawra, Haan Pyaar Hai), the album Hindi Gaane (2021), the EP Round About (featuring Swarathma's Varun Murali) and the album Sexy Bhaiji, touring extensively despite line-up changes. They have played major festivals including NH7 Weekender, SulaFest, the Ziro Festival of Music and Hornbill, building a strong reputation on the indie circuit.
The artistry
Naalayak's music pairs Sahil Samuel's expressive vocals and prolific songwriting with a straightforward, emotionally direct pop-rock sound, sung in a raw mix of Hindi and Urdu. Their songs of love, longing and gentle defiance, and their high-energy, connective live shows, have made them one of the more resonant voices of the Hindi-language indie scene.
[Atlas Perspective] Naalayak is a well-followed, hard-working indie act with genuine connection to young audiences. For festivals, campuses and youth-facing events wanting Hindi-Urdu indie energy, they are a solid choice. (Musically pop-rock/indie rather than folk.)
Naalayak is part of the wave of Hindi-Urdu language indie bands that have carved out mainstream space for vernacular independent pop-rock in India, connecting poetic, emotionally direct songwriting with a young live audience.