CHENNAI:In the late 90s and early 2000s, when deejaying wasn’t a common profession, Aqeel Ali, took it up as a challenge to explore uncharted territories. What began as a hobby turned into a full-time career for Aqeel in less than two years.
“My social calendar was full of invites to private parties, night clubs, and large-scale events. That’s when I decided to make it a full-time career,” says the pioneering DJ of Bollywood remixes. “Until then no one was exploring Bollywood music and remixing. In fact when I discussed the idea, many laughed at me. But, I didn’t pay heed to any of it and kept working on my idea. I am glad that I did!”
Popularly known as the ‘Daddy’ of remixes and dance music in India, DJ Aqeel is heading to namma ooru on March 2. “Though I haven’t performed often in Chennai, I know the kind of music they like. There’s a certain flavour and a local mix that they like to hear and that’s what I will be performing. A perfect combination of my style mixed with local music,” says Aqeel who has given hit remixes for popular songs like Kajra re (Bunty Aur Babli, 2005), Dard-e-Disco (Om Shanti Om, 2007) and Lazy lamhe (Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, 2008).
His journey into Bollywood remixes took shape with Ayesha Shroff’s production, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai (2000). “I remixed the songs in the film and it was distributed by Universal Music, which asked me to pick a few old Kishore Kumar songs and remix them. That became a phenomenal hit!” he recalls.
He set his first milestone in music production through his album Shake it Daddy Mix, which also comprised of several remixes of Kishore Kumar songs including Nahin Nahin (Jawani Diwani, 1972) and Chalte Chalte (Jaise Ko Taisa, 1973). “His songs are complicated and it was indeed a challenge to remix them into fast beats,” he adds.
The rest, as they say, is history! He also became the only DJ to play twice at the World Economic Forum in Davos (Switzerland) representing India and entertaining Bill Clinton and Kofi Annan. “It has been a learning process. There are no regrets and I’m enjoying every bit of what I do. I am lucky that even after 20 years, I still love the process and that’s why every performance is special to me,” he smiles.
Aqeel’s advice to aspiring DJs is to bring your unique style, music and rhythm to the floor. “For instance, DJ Nucleya shot to fame because he brought in a specific flavour and style to the songs. So, the younger generation needs to focus on developing new things,” he points out.
Aqeel is working on an English music album and is all set to make his debut as a music composer for the film, Desi Magic. “There are times when I have thought of hanging up my boots. But, even today my concerts run full house. That keeps me going. The day the crowd doesn’t turn up, I will understand that this is it,” he says.
Recent Remixes
Jag Ghoomeya: Sultan
Ude Dil Befikre: Befikre
Nashe Si Chadh Gayi: Befikre
Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si: Party Mix
Aqeel Ali and Meiyang Chang Sau Aasmaan Remix: Baar Baar Dekho
The Humma Song:Ok Jaanu
DJ Aqeel will perform at Holi Madras at Island Ground on March 2 from 8 am onwards. For tickets, call: 9941622066