The Evolution of a Banker into a DJ
For years, I lived by numbers—calculating risks, closing deals, and navigating the high-pressure world of finance. As a senior banker at a prestigious firm, I had everything on paper: success, stability, and status. But deep down, there was always a voice calling me towards something else—music.
From childhood, I was hooked on beats. Music was my escape, my passion, and my constant companion. My college days were filled with spinning tracks as a DJ, using nothing more than a pair of cassette players at college fests. But as life took over, I found myself immersed in the corporate world, organizing high-profile events at my company. Yet, every late-night shift ended with me seeking solace in music. Mixing beats in my dimly lit apartment, I felt something that the corporate world could never offer me—pure, unfiltered joy.
Passion soon turned into obsession. When my colleagues discovered my double life, whispers spread. “A banker turned DJ?” they laughed. But I had already made my choice. I traded stock charts for sound waves, boardrooms for dance floors, and never looked back.
Breaking into the mainstream DJ industry wasn’t easy, especially at a time when newcomers weren’t welcomed. Social media had yet to take over, making it difficult to showcase my work. Moreover, being a full-time banker from 9 to 6 meant I had little time to network or market myself.
I took matters into my own hands, walking into clubs during early evenings and weekends, pitching myself directly to club owners. My background in sales and marketing helped me connect with potential clients, but it was an introduction from a close client—who owned a major chain of hotels and clubs in India—that finally opened doors. That first club gig set the ball rolling.
Balancing both professions was the next challenge. I often stretched my corporate work hours beyond 7-8 PM, then headed straight to the club to play sets, only to return to the office by 9:30 AM the next morning. Sleep became a luxury, with just 3-4 hours a night at times. But my love for music kept me going.
The industry was fiercely competitive, filled with seasoned DJs who had already made their mark. I knew I had to stand out. Analyzing the market, I curated a niche segment, ensuring my sets catered to all demographics. Bangalore, with its cosmopolitan crowd, was the perfect testing ground. I incorporated a complete audio-visual experience, moved to VDJ, and started producing exclusive edits for my sets. This innovation helped me carve a unique space in the industry.
Switching from finance to music was a bold move, but my strategic mindset helped me build a sustainable and impactful career in the DJ industry. One of my proudest moments was managing two distinct careers simultaneously and transforming my passion into reality. Playing in Las Vegas for my company’s annual gathering in front of the global CEO and being honored as ‘Employee of the Globe’ was a surreal experience.
I have also shared the stage with some of Bollywood’s biggest names, including DJ Shadow, DJ NYK, DJ Chetas, and Sunny Leone. Being the go-to DJ for exclusive, high-profile social and corporate events has been an incredible journey.
The journey has just begun. My next steps include refining my sound, using my analytical skills to experiment with different styles, and establishing a unique sonic identity. I aim to build a strong brand, leveraging my corporate background to position myself as the ‘Banker-Turned-DJ,’ a story that stands out in the music industry.
I also plan to release original music and create a long-term impact in the industry. Music has given me a second life—one that I intend to embrace fully, with the same dedication and passion that brought me here.