Suresh Advani has over ten years of experience in the DJ business and has over 500 shows to his credit. He is currently in the process of setting up his own DJ school.

The DJ at this New Year's party that I attended really caught my fancy. He was making people sway to his music and was drawing a lot of admiration from the crowd. He was the centre of attraction - the heart of the party. I just couldn't help but ask myself, "Why can't I be like him and make people dance to my tune?" I guess that was the day I decided to become a DJ.

So how did you go about it?
I started visiting pubs, discotheques and any party I could get an invite too. There I would just sit next to the DJ and watch him perform. I used to run errands for them and gradually made friends with them. They acted like mentors to me and I picked the tricks of the trade from them.

Charged with my new-found knowledge, I approached a lot of clubs offering my Services. But to my dismay, I found out that they wanted professionals who had their own equipment. So I borrowed some money and bought the basic equipment - a mixer, a record player and an amplifier and started practicing at home. My family went ballistic! They had to put up with the loud noise and distortion when I practiced which was usually about four hours a day. But I went on as I knew that this is what I was meant to be.

Tell us about your first break?
It was a Valentine's Day bash at New Era School at Kemp's Corner, Mumbai. I reached the venue well in advance to set up the equipment. The crowd swelled to over 300 people! And this was my first gig! I broke into a cold sweat. My hands and feet started trembling.

The party started and I began playing my music. But I did not get a good response. People started complaining. Thankfully, a friend came to my rescue. He suggested that I play original compositions and alternate between English and Hindi numbers at random intervals. Suddenly the party brightened up. I too grew in confidence, began to find my feet and started enjoying the party. Since then I've done over 500 shows and not even once have I felt those shivers again!

Any memorable events?
I wouldn't call it memorable. Unforgettable would be more like it. It was the Christmas Eve party last year. I performed in front of an audience of around 200 in a yacht off the coast of Mumbai. People just loved the show. But to tell you the truth I had just performed the last rites of my father who had expired the day before. And here I was the same evening performing in front of an audience, who knew nothing of what I was going through. I guess I performed for my father that night. As they say ' The show must go on.'

What are your career aspirations?
I am planning to participate in the international DJ competition. Winning it is the dream of every DJ. I am also in the process of setting up a DJ training school where I could pass on my skills to the younger generation. I also want to branch into RJ (Radio Jockey).

What is the best part of being a DJ?
The music. When I start, I feel the beats pulsating through my body. Music for me is like a form of meditation. It soothes my nerves, calms me down and takes away all my worries.

Is there anything you don't like?
I don't like that fact that there is no sense of camaraderie amongst the DJs. Instead of promoting and helping youngsters, one often sees senior DJs putting them down. There is intense backbiting in this industry, something that really isn't required.

What is the biggest misconception about DJs?
Many people feel that a DJ is someone who just plays music. A DJ is more than that. He puts up the right music system, ensures everything is ship shape, feels the pulse of the audience and ensures that everyone has a good time. Crowd control is also part of a DJ's duties. So you see it's more than just changing CDs!

What advice would you give young aspirants in this field?
Don't jump into it head on. A lot of people just see the glitz and glamour associated with this line of work. But what they miss is the amount of hard work and late hours that a DJ puts in. Also remember that you will have good shows and flop shows. So you need to be prepared to face the brickbats with the bouquets. You must also learn to remain calm at all times. Remember a hot head may make a great bouncer but not a good DJ!

- Siddhartha Roy