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Exclusive Interview with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy on Their Bay Area Connection, Global Fans, and the Power of Live Shows
As excitement builds for their April 19 performance at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Sanskar Savvy brings you an exclusive conversation with legendary composer trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
With a career that has shaped the sound of Indian cinema for decades, the trio has built a lasting connection with audiences worldwide. That connection feels especially strong in the Bay Area, a region that has consistently welcomed them at the start of their U.S. tours.
In this exclusive Q&A, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy reflect on their history in Northern California, what they have learned from global audiences, and what fans can expect from their upcoming live show.
Sanskar Savvy: Have you performed in the Bay Area or Northern California before? Any favorite memories from those visits or shows?
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy: “We’ve performed in the Bay Area, Northern California, a few times. In fact, almost every tour started there. Great fun and a lovely audience as always.”
Sanskar Savvy: What goes on behind the scenes that makes a show in California so special?
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy: “…the sunny weather there makes people happy, and they really come and have a good time at our shows, and all our shows have been very successful there.”
Sanskar Savvy: Looking back at your career, what has performing in the United States taught you about your music and your global audience?
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy: “…the thing is, it’s good to see that you know, the diaspora loves our music and that our music is popular all over. We’ve had people who’ve attended our concerts who are not necessarily of Indian origin, so that is also a nice thing. And of course, the entire, I guess, the Asian subcontinent and all the surrounding countries, you know, all the audiences are a mixed lot, and so it’s a lot of fun performing for them.”
Sanskar Savvy: Which song tends to get the biggest reaction from U.S. audiences? Are there any songs you especially love performing live?
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy: “A lot of our songs have a big reaction from the audiences, but particularly, I think things like ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ and ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ are very popular.”
Sanskar Savvy: How would you like fans to remember their Thunder Valley concert experience years from now? What do you hope they take away from the show?
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy: “Thunder Valley’s going to be fun, you know, it’s going to rock, and they’ll take away a really good time, and you know, a really good performance.”
Sanskar Savvy: If you could dedicate a song to the Bay Area audience, which one would it be and why?
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy: “Which song would I dedicate to the Bay Area audience? ‘Pretty Woman’, because I love all the California women!” (laughs)
Sanskar Savvy: Do you have any personal rituals or routines you follow before stepping on stage?
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy: “Do you have any personal routines? Well, actually, we always do a little prayer before the show, where we all stand together, and you know, kind of like a little meditation together.”
Sanskar Savvy: Are there any surprises planned for the upcoming U.S. performances that you can share with fans?
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy: “Are there surprises planned? Well… we keep changing arrangements of songs and do some crazy things in between the songs, which is really the surprise.”
Sanskar Savvy: If you had to describe the entire live show experience in three words, what would they be?
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy: “The entire show experience will be rocking, memorable, and fun!”
Bringing It All Together
This exclusive conversation with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy offers a closer look at the consistency behind their global success and the connection they continue to build with audiences across regions.
As they return to Northern California, fans heading to Thunder Valley Casino Resort can expect a show grounded in familiarity, energy, and a catalog that audiences across generations love.
At Sanskar Savvy, we Celebrate, Explore, Connect! through the artists and live moments that bring global audiences together.
Show Details and How to Attend
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will take the stage at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California, on April 19 as part of their North American tour, promoted by Kash Patel Productions. Centered on their Kal Ho Na Ho legacy, the show brings together a setlist spanning decades, featuring high-energy favorites and songs that multiple generations grew up with.
This Thunder Valley stop will be one of the biggest West Coast moments on the tour, with fans expected to travel in from across the Bay Area and Northern California. With anticipation rapidly building, this is a chance to experience the trio live in a setting where the crowd’s energy is an irreplaceable part of the experience.
Tickets are expected to move quickly, so securing them early is strongly recommended. Fans should also make sure to purchase only through official ticketing platforms to avoid third-party scams.
For those planning to attend, April 19 is more than a concert date. It is an opportunity to be part of a live experience shaped by music that continues to connect generations around the world.
Follow the Tour With Sanskar Savvy
Sanskar Savvy will be covering Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy’s 2026 tour with verified ticket info, exclusive updates, interviews, and fan opportunities. To learn more about the tour, see our latest news article covering all the details of the “Kal Ho Na Ho” Tour. Also, be sure to check out our story on SANAM’s latest tour announcement!
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