DJ Aarish: The Name Behind Electrifying Celebrations

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | March 18, 2025 | Interview

DJ Aarish Mumbai Marathon

From setting the dance floors on fire at luxury weddings to energising thousands at the Mumbai Marathon, DJ Aarish has built a reputation for seamlessly blending music genres and curating unforgettable experiences. A trailblazer since the age of 17, Aarish has transformed the wedding and entertainment industry with his electrifying performances. With over 2000 power-packed events, including celebrity soirées, high-profile corporate gigs, and destination weddings, he has become one of the most sought-after DJs in the circuit.

In an exclusive conversation, DJ Aarish shares insights into his journey, how he reads a crowd, the art of blending music genres, and his experience performing at some of the most prestigious events and venues.

Aarish, you’ve been in the music industry since you were 17 and have performed at some iconic venues and events. How do you adapt your music to ensure the energy of a wedding or club event matches the vibe of the crowd?

Over the years, I’ve developed a strong sense of reading the crowd—observing their energy levels, body language, and how they respond to different tracks. Every event has its own unique vibe, whether it’s a wedding filled with love and celebration or a club night buzzing with energy. My approach begins with understanding the crowd, observing their energy and preferences.

At weddings, I curate a blend of tracks that resonate with the couple’s vision and the occasion we are celebrating, while keeping the guests engaged across generations. It’s always exciting and challenging as we have a mixed-age group. The focus shifts to maintaining a high-energy flow and keeping people moving. I keep my playlist dynamic, blending classic hits with trending music, and always stay ready to switch things up based on the crowd’s reaction.

For club events, I focus on building momentum, seamlessly transitioning between genres to keep the energy alive. It's all about staying flexible, feeling the pulse of the room, and being intuitive enough to switch gears when needed. My goal is to create unforgettable moments that resonate with every person in the room.

You’ve performed at the Mumbai Marathon for nine consecutive years, which is quite a unique and large-scale event. What’s your approach to keeping such a big audience engaged?

Performing at the Mumbai Marathon for nine consecutive years has been an incredible experience. The energy at such a large-scale event is unparalleled, and my approach is all about complementing that vibe. This is the only event in the city where the entire place is buzzing right from 5 AM, and the atmosphere is electric.

It starts with understanding the audience—runners, spectators, and supporters—each has their own energy level and rhythm throughout the event. I usually set my playlist to include upbeat, high-energy tracks that keep the runners motivated and the crowd excited. Timing is everything—whether it’s building up energy at the starting line, keeping spirits high during the race, or celebrating at the finish line. I also interact with the crowd to cheer them on and create a connection. The key is to stay attuned to the flow of the event and deliver music that uplifts everyone there.

You work across a wide range of music genres like Bollywood, EDM, hip-hop, and house. How do you manage to seamlessly blend these styles to appeal to such diverse crowds, particularly in events with mixed-age groups?

Blending diverse music genres for mixed-age groups is one of the most exciting challenges for me as a DJ. It all starts with understanding the audience—every group has its preferences, but music has a universal ability to connect people. I carefully curate my sets on the go to include a mix of nostalgic classics, contemporary hits, and high-energy tracks across genres like Bollywood, EDM, hip-hop, and house. I also have my exclusive mashups, which add a special touch to my set during my performance where we have the crowd singing at the top of their lungs.

For example, I might transition from a timeless Bollywood track to a chart-topping EDM track, using clever transitions that maintain a smooth flow. As I keep saying, it’s about reading the room—if the older generation is enjoying the dance floor, I’ll slip in a classic; if the younger crowd takes over, I’ll amp it up with something modern. The key is maintaining balance and making sure everyone feels included in the celebration. When done right, it creates a vibe where people of all ages can share the energy of the music together.

From intimate private parties to grand weddings, you’ve played at numerous prestigious venues like the Taj Mahal Palace and JW Marriott. What are the key elements you consider when tailoring your set for these different types of events?

Playing at prestigious venues like the Taj Mahal Palace and JW Marriott is always an honour, but for me, it’s never just about the location—it’s about the trust and faith clients place in us. When they book us, they have the confidence that we’ll deliver an unforgettable experience for their guests.

There are a few key elements I always prioritise. First, the sound quality has to be impeccable, and the production must be flawless. Since I also run a sound and lights rental company, it allows us to become a one-stop solution for clients or planners, handling both the technical and performance aspects seamlessly. This makes the entire process smoother and ensures we deliver the best possible outcome.

Ultimately, when the DJ has a strong pulse on the crowd and the production is top-notch, the event becomes more than just a gathering—it turns into a rager that people talk about for years to come.