DJ Rahill Mehta talks about carving a niche in the wedding industry and his love for Bollywood music

It was the Kuch Kuch Hota Hain tunes and Ek Pal Ka Jeena steps that first got a young Rahill Mehta inclined towards the wide-world of dance, music and Bollywood. His love for it has only increased since. To Mehta, spinning at weddings is above all, a duty to create a joyous and magical occasion for the bride, groom and their family. We caught up with DJ Rahill Mehta who let us in on what it takes to be a DJ and perform at weddings. What started as a hobby as a 16-year-old has now become his full-time career, travelling across countries as the world's first dancing DJ and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Read on as the DJ who also doubles up as a dancer, tells us his story and what lies ahead.

How has your journey as a DJ been? What got you started?

I started off initially by mixing songs on an iPad as a stress buster during my ICSE Board exams and one thing led to another. It all started in school when the whole wave of EDM music came along and it led me to create these ‘10-minute nonstop music mixes’ on GarageBand. I then went and put these out on Facebook. It gained a lot of traction pretty fast because I assume no one had actually heard ‘non-stop’ music back in 2012-2013.

I then went to summer school in Germany where they came across these mixes and offered me to DJ at one of their school events. I had absolutely no idea how to DJ but I was too bold to refuse, so I just played my mixes one after the other. The reaction I received is what went on to inspire me to actually come back to India and hone my skills further. There’s been no looking back since. 

When did your love affair with Bollywood begin?

 I’ve always been a Bollywood fan. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been doing the Ek Pal Ka Jeena step and dancing around every corner of my house. Even though I started off as an EDM DJ, it didn’t take me long to transition to doing Bollywood songs.

Why only Bollywood music?

I believe Bollywood is in our blood. It’s deeply engraved in our culture and influences us on an almost daily level. So, no matter how far you try to run from it, you will always find your way back to a Bollywood song. Also, when I decided to perform to these songs, I thought that I might be limiting my audience to the Indian market. But it was the opposite. That’s been an eye-opener because I’ve actually performed around the globe with the same set. Indians are now spread out all over the world and our culture is appreciated so much, not to mention that Bollywood music is such a crowd-pleaser. 

Your Instagram bio says world’s first dancing DJ. Can you explain that to us?

I’ve been a dancer since I was 4-years-old and I began DJing professionally in 2014.  During the lockdown I wanted to create something different for myself and do some sort of live experience for people. My parents always told me that they like me DJing, but when I dance, they love it. So, I thought of combining my two favourite passions into one live experience that no one had done before—a dancing DJ. It’s a Bollywood music experience where my team of dancers, dholwalas and I, put up a 2-hour show with dance performances, DJing, live percussionists and A LOT of energy.

Weddings seem to have a special space for you—you recently composed a song ‘Tenu Main Leke Javanga,’ how did that come to be and why such a focus on weddings?

I’ve dreamt of it all my life too. Tenu Main Leke Javanga is a dream of my own. I always felt that no one really talks about the emotion a boy goes through before his wedding and that’s what i wanted to capture through my first song. I also deeply believe in “Love, happiness, magic” and these three things are always felt in weddings. Hence I chose this theme for my first song and portrayed my dream of getting married through the music video. 

What goes into curating a wedding set or playlist?

A wedding playlist sets the tone for the emotions and vibe of the two families. Playing the correct songs, at the right time, for the right amount of time - is very important. Understanding the guests’ emotions and enhancing that with the right choice of song is what my job is about. 

For example, if the entire crowd is dancing and the parents of the bride come and dance with her for about two minutes, it’s important for me to understand that moment and capture it by playing a song for them that would make it more meaningful.   

Does the music typically reflect the personality of the bride and groom?

Of course. I always make sure to speak to the bride and groom, understand their vibe and what kind of music they like. At the end of the day, it’s the biggest night of their life and I’d want them to have it as perfect as they always dreamed it to be. 

What are some current trends when it comes to sangeets and wedding playlists?

I’m a very old-school person and believe that sangeet performances should really reflect the relationship between the bride and groom. All the songs chosen by the family should reflect their relationship and it should make it easy for the audience to understand the couple through the choice of performances. So, playing the songs you relate to is cooler than trending songs, at least for me. 

What advice would you give to aspiring DJs wanting to play at weddings?

Don’t do it half-heartedly. It’s a huge occasion for both families and music plays a very important role in setting the tone for the wedding. So, it’s not something you should do unless you are confident of taking on and fulfilling the responsibility. And if you are, then always make sure to consider the needs of the family over yours. 

What are some of the challenges that come with being a DJ at weddings?

I think having various kinds of age groups under one roof can be challenging at times. Everyone wants their own kind of music selection. It’s not that easy for a DJ to listen to everyone. We have a vibe, we have a zone and the more freedom you give us, the better results we can show you. So, while I feel it’s important to listen to the family, there are certain filters you have to apply to be able to enjoy yourself. 

Any memorable experiences/anecdotes you’d like to share?

I think every time a couple feels good through our performance and tells us how they feel, it’s very fulfilling as there’s so much we go through as well to put up that kind of a show for them. But recently, I’ve been attending weddings and seeing people perform to Tenu Main Leke Javanga, and that has to top it all. 

Would you say that the couple puts in as much thought into booking a DJ as other vendors like décor, photography, etc?

Yes, in fact a lot of times, they also book their DJ at the same time as their decor and venue vendors. It’s a very crucial part of the event. You can set up the best décor at the fanciest hotel with the best food but if you don’t have good music to set the vibe, what’s the point? I’m actually really glad that families think about the music and not just put anyone on a console one day prior to the event.