At 16, he was simply having fun mixing music for friends at private parties. However, he had no idea that one day he would turn into a phenomenon in remixes and a craze among young the masses.
Bollywood’s numero one DJ NYK aka Nikhil Sahni, the man who introduced podocasts to India, was in Bhubaneswar for a DJ night when City Express caught up with him for a tete-a-tete. The young boy, who has also made his mark as a music producer and runs his own studio and academy in Delhi, talks about his love for music and future ambitions.
The Beginning
When I began, my ambitions kept changing. In 1991, I wanted to get into the Army. The next year, it was cricket. But in 1993, when my dad gifted me a synthesizer, I knew I had to become a musician. DJing, in fact, happened by chance when I started performing at a few close parties. But, my aim has always been to be a musician.
DJing Or Music Production
Well, I would say they all are inter-connected. When I make music in my studio, I perform it in a club later. And, I also use it in my academy to teach my students. So, it’s difficult to choose one. Making own music has its charm but DJing or mixing music is no cake walk.
Official Remixes
I have quite a few of them to my credit ever since I made a debut with Billu Barber. I have done official remixes for songs in many films like Jai Veeru, Ra.One and Golmaal-3 but honestly speaking I don’t enjoy it much as I am given very less time to get the track ready, at times, just about eight hours. In such a scenario, the creativity gets compromised. People generally have a misconception that remixes are all about adding some beats. But in reality, it is very challenging as you have to retain the original flavour of the song while making it sound better. We just get to use the vocals from the old song. The rest of it is all new. So, you have to be a musician, an engineer, an arranger and a programmer to be able to mix songs or create remixes.
Electronyk Academy
It is an electronic music production and DJ school for aspiring artistes in Delhi and I am very happy that so many youngsters today are ready to learn music production and DJing and my academy is there to guide them.
Message to Aspiring DJs
Be in this profession for the right reason. Don’t get carried away by the glamour associated with it. Round-the-clock dedication is needed. And, yes, being a DJ alone won’t fetch you success. You need to produce music as well.
Future Plans
I am definitely making more original music and working on my way to become a successful music director in Bollywood, not just the remix king.
Crowd in Odisha
Oh, I think it’s awesome. I love the energy that the youngsters have here. This is my second event in the city and I have enjoyed it thoroughly.