On the evening of Saturday, September 13, 2025, the air in North Brunswick, New Jersey, was thick with anticipation and nostalgia. Decades melted away as alumni spanning over 30 graduating classes—from seasoned veterans to recent graduates—gathered under one roof. They shared stories, reconnected with old friends, and waited for a sound that defined their university days. This was the night the legendary Aztechs (Batch of ’96) reunited for a monumental tribute to the classic rock legacy of IT-BHU. From the first powerful chord, the stage exploded with an energy that felt both timeless and immediate. It was a heartfelt homage to the iconic bands of yesteryear—Hurricane, Oasis, Avalanche, Phalanx, Scratch, Magma, Eclipse, Arsenal and Hollow Cast—brought to life by a full Aztechs reunion. Seeing members from so many revered groups sharing a single stage was a powerful testament to a shared passion for rock that has clearly never faded.
But this extraordinary night was not a spontaneous event; it was the culmination of a dream that began to take shape four years prior. The journey started when Pankaj Kanth (96 CSE) witnessed a performance by the band Deja Vu. He was left utterly spellbound by the flawless and rousing renditions of “Numb” and “Hotel Cal,” driven by the masterful guitar work of Sanjay Tiwary (88 ECE, Hurricane) and the heartbeat drumming of Asim Tiwary (91 CSE). For Pankaj, this was more than just a great performance; it was a bridge to the past. It instantly transported him back to his days at ITBHU, a time when the musical landscape was raw and electrifying, and bands like Hurricane and Oasis were the stuff of legend. In that moment, watching these icons perform, an irresistible pull to create something monumental took root.
That initial spark was fanned into a flame through a series of serendipitous connections. Two years ago, Sanjay invited Pankaj’s own NJ-based Bollywood Rock band, Raagatonic, to perform at a summer party. In a pivotal moment, Sagar Bhimavarapu (88, IITBHU Foundation CEO) was in the audience and saw the potential for a larger celebration of their alma mater’s musical heritage. This encounter acted as the first major catalyst. The momentum grew, leading to an initial reunion of five Aztechs members in 2023—a successful “proof of concept” that proved the magic was still there and fueled the ambition for something bigger. The puzzle gained another crucial piece when Pankaj met Brian Menezes (88 ECE, Oasis) at an IITBHU Foundation event on the West Coast. Brian’s mind-blowing rendition of Santana’s “Stand Up” was the final push needed to envision a grand coalition of these musical powerhouses.
With a core group of passionate musicians—Sanjay, Asim, and Brian—fully on board, the vision needed a framework to become reality. Pankaj reached out to Rahul Sharma, whose inspiring work with the DejaBHU and Rewind events provided the blueprint for success. When Rahul updated the group’s icon to “DejaBHU!”, the New Jersey chapter was officially born, bringing logistical expertise to an ambitious dream. What followed was a collaborative effort that embodied the spirit of the institute. This was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of a shared legacy, of lifelong friendships forged in the creative crucible of IT-BHU, and a powerful message to current students about the enduring bonds and passions that extend far beyond graduation.
For those who missed this incredible night or simply wish to relive the magic, the full performance was captured for all to see.
Watch the full concert recording here: Live Stream Link
It was truly a night that proved, without a doubt, that true rock and roll will never die!Â
