Questions
Q1. Can you share with us a bit about your journey into becoming a DJ? What inspired you to pursue this path? Also, share some information about you, your city, and your family background.
It all started in 2022. I had been going to all the major festivals in the country and listening to really good techno music. I am a model and a lawyer by profession, which is why I have been working in Mumbai for the past 6 years. I was always a music lover and always had the curiosity to learn DJing. To be honest, I had never thought of it as a career or that I could be a DJ one day. I just wanted to learn this skill out of curiosity. I luckily had a lot of ‘DJ friends’ who helped me get it started. I used to go practice alone on the Pioneer X console for 6–9 hours every day, watching YouTube tutorials to learn the software, and by the end of it, I was completely into it. Opportunity came in, and I took it all. Gradually, in no time, people started praising my performance. Also, my friends have been a huge support in this journey! I was born and brought up in Bilaspur, Chattisgarh. I graduated from Symbiosis Law School, Pune, and as I started modeling, I shifted to Mumbai. Thankfully, I have always had immense support from my family to pursue anything that my heart wants.
Q2. As a female DJ, what challenges have you encountered in the industry? How have you overcome them?
People usually have this notion that it is quite easy for a female DJ to get booked for shows. The irony is that it is not. Even after getting so many shows and getting praised by the audience, a lot of people still comment, saying, ‘She’s getting all these shows because she’s a pretty girl. Who would listen to her? People just go to watch her’. Honestly, that used to bother me before, but now I just don’t react as people will always have something to say. I just let the work talk. People think its an advantage to be a good-looking woman in this industry. But the truth is, sometimes we are not even counted as ‘serious artists’. Though there are some really amazing female artists who are changing this mentality and breaking all the norms, there is also a misconception that women are
technologically challenged and are never taken seriously at first. I have been asked random questions about very basic things by fellow artiss, to test my knowledge, whether I even know that much or not. But above all of this, when you know your work is honest and you have worked hard and devoted so much time and energy to your music, nothing beats that. When people praise you, shout your name, and recognise your work, all these other noises start to fade away.
Q3. In a traditionally male-dominated field, how do you feel your presence as a female DJ has impacted the industry, and what changes have you observed over time?
I am quite happy to see the industry changing and becoming more accepting of good talent, irrespective of their gender. It’s true that there are only a handful of female DJs in this country, and I am proud to be one of them. I see curators and organisers now doing events like all-female lineup shows, etc. all the festivals now always have female djs on each day. It is nice to see everyone encouraging women to grow in the nightlife industry. This is also inspiring the new ones to learn and become DJs. The safety and hospitality of the female artists are also taken care of now at all the events.
Q4. What are some of the techniques or technologies you use to make your set more lively and amazing?
As we say, there are no rules when it comes to music. Creativity has no boundaries. As soon as I get on the console, I observe the vibe and energy of the crowd. Even the atmosphere of the club, whether it is open air or indoors, morning or night,. A good DJ is not someone who plays good tracks but who is able to understand the crowd’s energy and create a vibe there. Whatever you play, play it with confidence and style. I dance while playing to vibe with the crowd and to connect with them through music. They always remember that.
Q5. Who are your biggest influences or inspirations in the music industry? How have they shaped your sound or style?
I have been following legendary artists such as Nina Kraviz, Lilly Palmer, Sara Landry, Amelie Lens, and Charlotte de Witte. They all have their own unique
style, and you can feel their energy when they are up on the console. They know how to create the vibe of the party! Their music speaks for itself. They have strongly inspired me to do what I am doing today.
Q6. How do you approach selecting and curating music for your DJ sets? Do you have any favourite genres or artists that you find yourself gravitating towards?
I usually play melodic house and techno in my shows. Honestly, I don’t believe in making sets before the show, but get me wrong. I do a lot of homework; I literally spend 6–10 hours a day on track selection and exploring new music. But I always like to choose the tracks live while I am on the console; I gauge the mood and energy of the audience first. I love to move through a series of emotions in my sets. You will find a lot of female vocals and melodies in my sets. Its all about love and happiness for me! I make sure all that dopamine and seratonin kick in!
Q7. Have you faced any specific gender-related issues or biases during live performances or in the studio? How do you navigate or address them?
Honestly, I wouldn’t say I have experienced any such gender-related issues at any of my events. But what used to bother me a lot when I was new was the misconception other artists had about me: “She’s getting good shows because she’s a model, and girls have it easier when it comes to bookings and payments.”. Later, I just stopped caring about what people said and let the work speak for itself. Because these are the same people who congratulate you when you do good.
Q8. Is there a particular message or emotion you strive to convey through your music? How do you connect with your audience on a deeper level through your sets?
As I mentioned earlier, my music is all about love and happiness. I want people to feel joy and love when they listen to me. It should be all about the energy and adrenaline rush. I speak to my crowd through music, I sing along, I dance, and I
love to make eye contact with everyone. This connection has a higher power than anything in the universe.
Q9. Apart from your DJ career, do you engage in any other musical activities or endeavours? How do these different outlets complement each other and contribute to your overall artistic expression?
I have always taken music theory classes to understand the core of music. It really helps me to understand every song on a deeper level. I am also taking workshops to learn music production since my future plan is to release my own track one day. I am actually trying to go deeper and deeper into the roots of music so it can help me in the future. Piano is my favourite musical instrument, so I would love to restart my classes to get the skills right.
Q10. What advice would you give to aspiring female DJs and music producers who are trying to make their mark in the industry?
Go for it only if you really love music! And if you do, devote yourself completely to it. It will never disappoint you. And this game is all about patience and hard work. Nobody can stop a good talent from growing. If you are good at it, you will succeed. You have to feel the music; your soul will respond to it, and it will all come from within. Lastly, its very important to find your own unique style and vibe. Stick to it. It really does wonders!