For fans of Bollywood Music, DJ Aqeel Ali doesn’t need an introduction. This A-lister DJ has had several hit tracks that has made not just Bollywood, but even Hollywood celebrities dance to his tunes.
From private parties, to weddings, to corporate events, Aqeel has done it all! His good looks, witty personality and amazing charm is just a bonus to the package! (Sorry Ladies, but he's married!)
Vanilla Luxury caught in conversation with the talented DJ Aqeel just a few days before he takes over Magic Carpet Lounge for Diwali Mania 2.0, and here is what he has to say:
Vanilla Luxury: How did your journey to being a DJ start?
DJ Aqeel Ali: I started off burning cassettes for people who were looking for new music and I'd make playlists for them. I then realised that I was good at understanding what people like to listen to and thought I'd try it out with DJ-ing where I'd have to play music to make people dance. I gave it a shot, and luckily for me, it worked out!
Vanilla Luxury: From all the remixes you have created, which track means the most to you?
DJ Aqeel Ali: Every piece of content I create is obviously special to me. Currently, I am in love with my remix of Sau Asmaan.
Vanilla Luxury: You have played for many of India's A-lister events and private parties, which is the most memorable set of yours?
DJ Aqeel Ali: I have enjoyed each and every one of them right from Bollywood celebrities such as Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan down to the Kings of Bollywood, Sharukh Khan and Salman Khan down to business honchos like Mukesh Ambani and Cyrus Poonawalla. I have even played for corporate companies like Google, Facebook, ESPN and Star Network. The one's I've mentioned are definitely a few of the outstanding sets I have played.
Vanilla Luxury: If not a DJ, what do you think would you have done?
DJ Aqeel Ali: A Pilot definitely. I always wanted to be a pilot, but when I saw the number of books that came with it, I got scared and said I'm better off being a DJ!
Vanilla Luxury: How did you get the title 'Don of Bollywood'?
DJ Aqeel Ali: I had remixed Mr. Amitabh Bachchan's song 'Are Diwaano' and re relased as Don with Dada Jacky Shroff in the video. Since then, everyone has started calling me Don of the DJ's
Vanilla Luxury: What is a common misconception people have about DJ's?
DJ Aqeel Ali: When I initially started, I always got the 'What else do you do apart from DJ-ing?' question from everyone. Also a few side-comments like 'Do you play for an orchestra?'I think most people didn't consider the entire occupation to be a steady and lucrative business. But Thankfully, things have changed now. THANK GOD!
Vanilla Luxury: A majority of young epople in today's times claim music to be their passion, what would you advise to someone who is planning to start out as a DJ?
DJ Aqeel Ali: If you're doing it just for kicks then there's nothing much to say, however; if you pursue it seriously, formal training is mandatory and also give equal importance to production.
Vanilla Luxury: Which DJ's are you personally a fan of?
DJ Aqeel Ali: Currently, I am a fan of Chainsmokers, Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix and DVML.
Vanilla Luxury: This is not your first time in Singapore, what draws you back to this city over again?
DJ Aqeel Ali: I love the people and their energy, also I have many friends and fans in Singapore so that's always a plus. Whenever I'm in town, I love visiting tourist spots such as Universal Studio and the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
Vanilla Luxury: Why should people come to Magic Carpet on the 22nd of October?
DJ Aqeel Ali: BECAUSE THE DON IS IN THE HOUSE
Vanilla Luxury: Lastly, how can fans stay up-to-date with your playlists and new releases?
DJ Aqeel Ali: FACEBOOK! I am now very active on Facebook so make sure you follow me!
Make sure you don't miss on the Don of Bollywood himself as he hits the decks of Magic Carpet Lounge this Saturday (22 October) from 10:00 p.m. onwards. Limited tickets available at http://magic-mania.peatix.com/, so make sure you purchase them now!
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