The Soundtrack of Life
Growing up, music was the heartbeat of my home. My mother had a beautiful voice, my aunt and sister sang effortlessly, and melodies flowed through our house like a gentle breeze—echoing in the hallways, filling the living room, and becoming an inseparable part of daily life. It was only natural that I, too, would find solace and inspiration in music. But my true journey into the world of sound began when my parents gifted me a Windows XP PC in 2001. They hoped it would be a tool for learning, but it became my gateway to an entirely new universe.
That machine became my personal sanctuary. After school and before bed, I would immerse myself in my father’s collection of songs and music videos—80s and 90s classics blending seamlessly with the newer, evolving sounds of the era. This daily ritual quickly turned into an obsession, and soon, I was curating my own library, constantly searching for new beats, fresh rhythms, and the perfect mix of melodies.
As my collection grew, so did my curiosity. The internet had begun opening doors to uncharted musical landscapes, and I found myself exploring genres I had never encountered before—breakbeat, house, techno. Around the same time, India was experiencing a remix revolution, with artists like Bally Sagoo, Punjabi MC, DJ Suketu, and DJ Aqeel transforming old hits into pulsating club anthems. Watching these DJs spin records in their music videos, headphones on, seamlessly blending tracks, mesmerized me. I knew then that I wanted to do the same.
With no formal DJ schools easily accessible in Bangalore and the few that existed being prohibitively expensive, my dream felt distant. I would spend hours mimicking DJs in my bedroom, pretending my PC was my console. It wasn’t until after my 12th grade that I discovered Scratchz DJ Academy—a school offering an affordable DJ course. Without hesitation, I enrolled, marking the first real step in my professional journey.
The early years were tough. The DJing circuit was dominated by veterans, and breaking into the scene as an outsider was an uphill battle. Clubs had their preferred in-house artists, and securing a gig where I could showcase my talent seemed nearly impossible. I faced resistance from tight-knit industry circles, struggled to get my foot in the door, and often felt like an outsider trying to navigate a world that wasn’t ready to welcome me.
Beyond the struggle for opportunities, logistical challenges made life even tougher. Carrying my CD case everywhere was a hassle, keeping my collection safe from heat and wear required meticulous care, and adapting to new tech as DJing evolved was an ongoing learning curve. But each challenge only fueled my passion further. I sought mentorship, built relationships, and spent endless hours honing my craft, determined to carve out my own space in the industry.
Success brought its own set of challenges. As my career gained momentum, my lifestyle changed dramatically. Nights became my days, and I found myself immersed in an endless cycle of gigs, after-parties, and club scenes. The constant exposure to nightlife led me to pick up unhealthy habits. Frequent intoxication, lack of sleep, and a deteriorating work-life balance began affecting my health, creativity, and ability to manage my responsibilities.
It took a toll on me, and I realized I needed to step back and reassess. Taking a break from the chaos was one of the hardest yet most necessary decisions I ever made. That period of self-reflection helped me understand the importance of mental and physical well-being in a field that often blurs personal boundaries. I learned that surrounding myself with the right people and setting clear limits was crucial for longevity in this career.
Now, my focus has shifted to not just consuming inspiration but creating it. While my immediate projects remain personal, I am actively exploring new musical dimensions—delving into Indian classical music, mastering new instruments, and embracing emerging technologies. The goal is to evolve, to push artistic boundaries, and to bring something fresh to the world of music.
Beyond my own growth, I am passionate about giving back to the community that shaped me. Through my DJ school, I mentor aspiring artists, offering them the guidance I once longed for. I also dedicate time to charitable initiatives, using my platform to support causes close to my heart. Whether it’s playing at charity gigs or organizing fundraising events, I want my music to have a deeper impact beyond the club scene.
Looking back, my journey has been a rollercoaster—filled with highs, lows, setbacks, and triumphs. From having no connections in the industry to sharing the stage with the very artists I once idolized, the road has been nothing short of incredible. Founding my own DJ school and event company has been both a challenge and a reward, allowing me to create, collaborate, and contribute to the industry in ways I never imagined.
One of my most defining moments came after a devastating breakup that left me financially and emotionally shattered. The experience plunged me into anxiety and depression, but it also forced me to rebuild myself from the ground up. Emerging from that darkness with newfound strength and resilience was a deeply personal victory—one that taught me the value of perseverance, self-care, and the power of reinvention.
The road ahead is filled with endless possibilities. As I continue to evolve as an artist, I remain committed to my mission of pushing boundaries, uplifting emerging talent, and using my platform for a greater purpose. Music is not just my profession; it is my essence, my escape, and my gift to the world.