'Long Coastline, the Best Stretch For Crazy Things'

Though he’s a native of Vishakapatnam, DJ Rudy calls Chennai his second home due to its warm and friendly people. He loves filter coffee & sambar, but he says the city lacks a buzzing night-life
'Long Coastline, the Best Stretch For Crazy Things'

CHENNAI: Party enthusiasts wouldn’t need an introduction to DJ Rudy Gallyot from Gatsby, Crowne Plaza. He sets the floor on fire with his retro-music and is loved by all. Born in Vishakapatnam, this self-confessed Chennaiite, shares his thoughts on namma ooru.

How long have you been in Chennai and what do you admire most here?

I’ve been here for 20 years and I love how people are warm towards anyone from outside the city. They accept new people with open arms.

If someone asked you to prove that you are a true Chennaiite by heart, what would you do?

I would disown everything else and become a hardcore supporter of Chennai Super Kings and our football team. Also, I will drink only filter kapi day and night.

If there was one spot in the city where you wanted to do something crazy, where would it be? And what would it be?

I think the coastline in Chennai is the best stretch to do anything crazy! I’ve always wanted to throw a crazy personal party on the beach. But a party on the beach in Chennai is not really possible for now.

Is there a city that you consider your second home? If so, what similarities do you find with that place and Chennai?

Vizag is my second home and my home town. Chennai and Vizag are almost alike. The extreme weather, warm and friendly people and coastlines are something that make both the places similar. I used to spend my time there cycling and swimming. There is a beautiful hill top from where one can get a full view of Vizag.

If there are two things that you would like to take from Chennai and carry it to whichever city or country you go, what would it be?

One is the coffee and the other is sambar. I just love South Indian food!

If there is one place you want to explore in Chennai, what would it be?

It might be weird, but I have not explored Mahabalipuram. So, I would want to go deep into the place and explore the monuments.

If a person was from out of town, where would you take them to first?

The Tasmac shop!

That will really shock them, I think. But I would also take them to Mahabalipuram. For people from cities without a beach or a coastline, a drive down the coast would be a great experience.

One thing that you feel Chennai lacks?

I think Chennai lacks night life.  It is good, but we need more other than malls and beaches. We need a lot of pubs and clubs (like Bengaluru) in the city to unwind.

What is your take on our kuthu songs?

Personally as a DJ, I prefer retro and DJ house, but I love kuthu songs as well. If it’s a catchy song with a great tune, it can get anyone and everyone on the floor. Where ever I go, I play this one kuthu track Vada Maaplai…it’s a great song! 

Your top three favourite spots in the city?

I would want to visit the places we call ‘old Madras’.

A song that you feel resonates your thoughts about the city?

The song ‘We built this city’ from Starship reflects my thoughts. Thought we aren’t built on rock and roll! I think any good song would be a reflection of Chennai. 

(As told to Roshne B)

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