Nagpur may not be a Mumbai or Bangalore if you compare the clubbing scene. But make no mistake - there are definitely places that rock in Nagpur. And these rocking places have Nagpur's own DJs who make you groove to their tune!
Today, we bring to you fun-loving & always smiling DJ DADA!
DADA has been around for many years now & currently plays at one the most happening place in Nagpur: On-d-Rocks Sun-n-Sand!
DJ DADA, tell us how did it all begin?
From my childhood, i was interested in music. After my X class board exams, i started taking Deejaying seriously. Initial few years, i observed what other people are doing & that helped me a lot in learning the skills.
What was the first event you ever played at?
It was Jan 2002 at Rhythm & Blues Tuli International Nagpur. A war of DJs event was going on. It was scary to play in front of so many people. I was pretty nervous. That night, i came fourth. From then on, its has been a wonderful ride in world of DJing!
How did you acquire the name DADA (pronounced DaaDaa) ?
The name DADA is taken from the Harry Potter movie series. Harry has a subject call Defense Against Dark Arts (DADA). When i started playing, i found out that there were lot of people who claimed themselves to be DJ just by playing some music. So i started playing music in proper way & defended the real DJing against the dark art of these guys!
What was the first record you bought?
(Laughs) It was a pirated Bombay DJ Mix record brought from Nagpur! That was many years back. Now i do have all the licenses required to play music.
Which are places where you have played ?
I started playing at Rhythm n Blues @ Tuli International. It was great experience and i learnt a lot there. I have done parties at different cities in India like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad. I have played with lot of big shots like Dj Nawed, Dj Notorious, Dj Akbar Sami and my good friend Dj Rink. I also do visit the Sunburm festival in Goa each year.
My genre is House music. Currently I’m a resident DJ at Sun n Sand’s On-D-Rocks. I play there in collaboration with DJ Chetan. We play together under our identity as ‘Mystic Loop’.
Other than being a DJ, what activities do you do?
I am sound engineer at 93.5 Red FM Nagpur. I am into making jingles, ads, promos for Red FM. I am a game & movie freak - i love Xbox & play station.
But DJing is my first love. I want to reach my goal of being a top player in India. And i am steadily working towards it!
You have got a very special tattoo. Is there any significance behind it?
There's story behind the tattoo which is very similar to my life. You can see there is slayer sitting tired after the war. He is tired of fighting - at the same time he is in a pose ready to get up & fight. That has been my story!
There is no one favourite tune of mine. It keeps changing. Currently i like "Hey Hey" by Dennis Ferrer.
So how is the scene in Nagpur at the moment?
The scene in Nagpur is good. Playing for Nagpurians can sometimes be a bit dicey. Its a more hip-hop crowd. They like commercial House music. And sometimes they dont appreciate your good music. I would be happy if people started listening more to dance music.
One interesting thing that i have noted in Nagpur is - Girls accept new music very fast. whereas boys may not accept it.
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?
I am a true Nagpuri! After the party, i generally go out & eat our Nagpur's special Poha @ Ramdaspeth! That is one cool place for poha, coffee & late night hangout!
Funniest thing that ever happened at an event?
There isnt any one incident that i can remember coz i am funny guy - You can expect funny things from me every time!
Which are the other DJs you like?
I am a huge admirer of Nikhil Chinappa, DJ Pearl & whole 'Submerge' crew. I am also a big fan of David Guetta & Deadmau5.
What advice would you give to up coming DJs?
Maintain your standard. Never lose your tempo. Respect the tag of DJ which adds value to your name. Dont be too commercial.
And concentrate on mixing rather than attitude!
Thanks DJ DADA for the wonderful chat - It was great talking to you. We wish you all the best & Keep rocking the wonderful Nagpurians & Nagpur with your music!
