In the 1960s, under the enchantment of the Beatles’ mop-top hairstyles and revolutionary sound, Madras (now Chennai) found itself enthralled not just by international icons but also by an emerging local sensation. This sensation was none other than The Mustangs, a band birthed from the verdant woods of Madras Christian College (MCC). At a time when global music stages were crowded with distinct voices and sounds, from the Beatlemania to the Rolling Stones, The Mustangs carved out a unique niche within the bustling cultural landscape of Madras.
Capt. A. Ranganathan, a student at MCC between 1965 and 1968, had a pivotal role in the rich musical tapestry of the college. Ranganathan pursued chemistry on the campus and developed a penchant for flying in his spare time. Yet, his unwavering devotion was evident every week when he brought his guitar to campus, a symbol of his deep-seated passion for music. Despite his eventual career as a pilot and later becoming a respected commentator on aviation matters, Ranganathan has retained his love for music, ensuring his guitars remain well-strummed.
In the vibrant environment of MCC in the 1960s, Ranganathan strummed his guitar for the Selaiyur Swingsters—a band associated with the Selaiyur Hall and a contemporary of The Mustangs. Founded in 1965, The Mustangs emerged during an era dominated by iconic music figures. Though Elvis Presley’s influence had waned compared to the previous decade, his legacy continued to inspire cover concerts globally. As these international heavyweights defined the musical zeitgeist, The Mustangs emerged as a potent “amplifier” of these voices in Madras. With a striking balance of talent, stage presence, and humility, they dominated campus music events and concert halls across the city and beyond.
Capt. Ranganathan harbored a dream of performing shoulder to shoulder with The Mustangs, a fantasy that wasn’t far-fetched. He often found himself jamming with the band during their practice sessions, sometimes without even leaving his house. This unique arrangement was possible thanks to Ranganathan’s father, Dr.
. Anathakrishnan, a professor of Chemistry at MCC who reluctantly agreed to let The Mustangs use their house for practice due to the prohibitive rules at the college halls.
“In 1967, there was a Beat show in Madras which The Mustangs won,” Ranganathan recalls fondly. “The victory was preceded by intense practice sessions. During the day, The Mustangs would not be allowed to practice in any of the college halls. My father, being a professor at MCC, allowed them to practice in our house, much to my delight.”
Years later, while sifting through old memorabilia that had long been hidden away, Capt. Ranganathan stumbled upon a photograph of The Mustangs from their 1967 practice session in his very own room. This discovery spurred a nostalgic celebration. Ranganathan proposed a grand reunion in 2017 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their initial practice sessions.
“I shared the photograph with them and said, ‘Listen, 2017 marks 50 years, and we should celebrate this milestone with a show,'” Ranganathan explained. The plan was to invite around 50 friends from their college days to mark the occasion. However, the reunion exceeded all expectations, attracting 150 attendees from around the globe who gathered for a memorable luncheon and a spectacular musical performance at Ranganathan’s house in Injambakkam.
The subsequent performance proved that time had not dimmed The Mustangs’ vibrant energy and musical prowess. Capt. Ranganathan shared a video clip of the performance with The Hindu Downtown, affirming The Mustangs’ enduring appeal and talent.
The celebration of Madras Week serves as a reminder of the city’s rich cultural and musical heritage. The resonance of The Mustangs, a band that once captured the hearts of college students and music aficionados in the 1960s, continues to echo through the corridors of time, reminding us of the timeless influence of local talent standing resilient amidst international giants. Through commemorations like these, the legacy of bands like The Mustangs is not just remembered but celebrated, ensuring that the spirit of that bygone era remains alive and vibrant in the collective memory of Madras.
