It was at an event for the Tata Memorial Hospital close to five years ago that Marzy Parakh first saw Udaan perform. This was no usual band —Udaan comprised musicians who were visually and physically challenged.

Parakh, who runs a trust that helps the disabled, immediately took up the cause of the band. Now, after supporting and promoting them at various events for over four years, Parakh is elated about Udaan’s first independent concert at St Andrew’s auditorium, Bandra, that is to take place on March 28. “The band has performed at various private events, charitable concerts and as part of larger programming, but this is Udaan’s first independent concert where the proceeds will go to the welfare of their own team,” explains Parakh.

The band was started in 2005 by Keval L Haria and Deepak G Soni. Not ones to let lack of eyesight come in their way, the two completed their graduation, in philosophy and Hindi respectively. Since both had been training in music since childhood, their creative leanings got the better of them. “They roped in friends who were also trained in music to form the band,” says Parakh, also their spokesperson. Udaan now comprises 30 members.

It is naturally a moment of achievement for the duo. What they further seek is support from the mainstream musicians. Adds Parakh, “They have performed with Sukhwinder Singh, Shaan, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan in the past, but if Bollywood actors and musicians lend support to this event, it will help take the cause forward.”