India, June 20 -- Long before streaming platforms, social media feeds and algorithms shaped the way we discovered music, songs found their audience through more personal connections. They travelled through word-of-mouth and a shared love for melodies and the stories behind them. It was in this era that Delhi-based band Parikrama took shape and went on to become one of India's most popular rock acts, delivering songs such as But It Rained, Open Skies and Tears of the Wizard.

Ahead of World Music Day (June 21), and just days after the band completed 35 years on June 17, we speak to one of its founding members Subir Malik about a journey that began as a four-month passion project at Delhi University's Kirori Mal College.

Having witnessed I...