Susmit has virtually invented a new style of playing the guitar – an uncannily Indian sound where purity of scale reigns, strong melodic lines woven around the drone of open strings. This guitar sound forms the basis of Indian Ocean’s unique sound. Not very fond of verse-chorus formats, Susmit’s personal vision is towards finding a new vocabulary for his music. His virtuoso talent never overshadows the big picture, but serves the song immaculately, strengthening it, embellishing it, giving it a distinct character. His demeanour on stage – lips pursed in fierce concentration, enigmatic smile half-forming, a look of utter contentment flashing in and out – gives him a stage presence focused entirely on the music coming from his direction.

Pretty much a militant atheist, Susmit is convinced that destiny is created on earth, not written in heaven or hell. Self-motivation and direction make lives, according to him, and he has certainly lived as per this dictum so far. Entirely a self-taught musician, he believes music springs directly from experience, so all experiences are pretty much grist for the mill as far as he’s concerned. So he’s a foodie, chef, wilderness junkie, ornithology and dog breeds enthusiast, football fan…and lots else. He is an accomplished athlete and was into swimming, football and cricket. Classical music interests him more than jazz or rock.