Party Rocker

A couple of months ago, DJ Sa reinforced his reputation of being India’s ‘Best Hip-Hop DJ’ at the VH1 Sound Nation Awards in Mumbai, after previously being honoured with the same title years ago at the inaugural MyFavDJ Awards. This comes as no surprise, given the fact that the 27-year-old maverick frequently draws enormous crowds at gigs all over the country. Starting out at the age of 17, he became – and still is – a pillar of the Indian hip-hop scene, educating diverse audiences about international urban music and converting many Bollywood fanatics to hip-hop enthusiasts.

His success did not come easily – which is probably why this deejay is extremely grounded and unpretentious. “I’ve gone from playing for just the staff of clubs, without pay, to travelling from Malad to Nariman Point, to working 12-hour shifts at a theatre for people who didn’t even care about the music,” says the young trend-setter. He has been associated with hip-hop artists like Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Akon, Chamillionaire and Green Lantern – and he credits it all to one person. “The only reason I’m here is because my mother pushed me to do what I loved. Not once did she frown at my career choice or doubt my future…moms just know,” he states.

DJ Sa never prepares a set before his shows, preferring to feed off the audience’s energies. And, as much as he loves club performances, he looks forward to the wedding season for the appeal of playing at unconventional celebrations. He smiles as he admits that he’s a complete romantic, describing his ultimate wedding as an extravaganza with the most lip-smacking food he can find. He elaborates, “I want a beach wedding but, then again, it would depend on my other half. I know that women are pretty particular about their special day, so I’m willing to compromise!”