DJ Khushi says: “Chikni Chameli was a very difficult song… in fact, the most difficult I’ve ever dealt with technically. It was very difficult to crack it but I finally did.”
DJ Khushi is on a roll these days. He’s done three back-to-back hit remixes, Chammak Challo, Jhak Mar Ke, and now the recently popularized, Chikni Chameli. We hear a few DJs were given the task to remix Chikni Chameli, but DJ Khushi eventually created the one that became the official remix. We caught up with him, to know more about remixing this popular song, songs he wishes he remixed, and more!
Team MissMalini: First off, great stuff with the remixes! You seem to have had a lot on your plate these last few months. We even blogged about your Chammak Challo remix sometime ago; we really liked it 🙂
DJ Khushi: Yes I remember your blog and loved it indeed. In fact you were the first few people who appreciated my Chammak Challo remix before it turned out to be such a big hit. So thank you and I appreciate it 🙂
The last few months have been really good and busy. I’ve done all big banner movies – Ra One, Desi Boyz and now Agneepath – with great songs. I’m enjoying the journey and also the way it’s shaping up, but it’s just the beginning and I still have a very long way to go….
Team MissMalini: You say Chikni Chameli was a difficult song to crack. What about it, in particular, was difficult?
DJ Khushi: Chikni Chameli is an amazing song, the music director Ajay Atul has done a fantabulous job and on top of it Katrina‘s moves have taken the song to a different level all together. But technically it’s a very difficult song as it’s not a normal beat like any other song, the tempo is really fast too. The biggest challenge was to maintain the essence of the original song, even in the remix, and yet make it sound so different. I have to admit it was definitely one of the toughest songs I’ve done till date, but it’s challenges like these that bring out the best in you.
Team MissMalini: You mentioned on Twitter that Shahid Kapoor performed on your Chammak Challo remix and said he loves it. How does it feel to have your work recognized by those in the industry?
DJ Khushi: It was a surprise for me too! I was there at the rehearsals where Mr. Mohamed Morani introduced me to Shahid saying, “Shahid, meet DJ Khushi.” The next thing, Shahid said, “of course I’ve heard of him, in fact I’m dancing on his remix.” I had no idea this was happening and was pleasantly surprised. He also added, “great job buddy. I love your remix.” I really felt great; it has taken its own sweet time but the good part is that it’s finally happening and it just inspires you to do even better.
Team MissMalini: How was the experience, playing at the after party for the Zee Cine Awards?
DJ Khushi: It was my first international awards after party and was a great experience. The guestlist was very restricted, attended by everyone in the industry who were present in Macau for the awards. It was a great feeling to see the top people in Bollywood dancing to my tunes. Imtiaz Ali (who I worked with before during Love Aaj Kal) came up to me and said I’m playing like a ‘Rockstar’ and that I’m the new ‘Remix Rocker’. These words coming from the man who made a movie like Rockstar, took me to a different level and gave me an exceptional HIGH…
I played my Chikni Chameli remix and Katrina danced on it. Later, she told me she loves the remix and, with a smile like hers, I think I fell in love all over again HAHA. Filmfare is next!
Team MissMalini: What are the top 3 songs you wish you could have remixed officially and why?
DJ Khushi: I think Ooh La La was one of the songs I would have loved to remix. What a great song; it’s doing so well and it had so much potential for a remix. I was contacted to do the remix but I couldn’t due to time and traveling constraints.
Second would be Senorita, an amazing composition by Shankar Ehsaan Loy. Third has to be Saada Haq. It’s a dream to work with the king of music A.R. Rahman. His compositions are a learning lesson for anyone who loves music.
Team MissMalini: Finally, according to you, what’s the best thing about being a DJ?
DJ Khushi: Indians still don’t really recognize a DJ as a respectable profession; some people even call them an orchestra-wala. At the start I wanted to be a DJ in order to be cool. But now, it is my work and I take it seriously. As a DJ, one has to be technically and musically sound. You should have knowledge about the latest software and technologies. And above all, you should be a good observer. You need to understand the people you are playing for. I am lucky enough to have a strong fan-following, immensely increasing, with each passing day.
The best thing about being a DJ is that you make people dance to your own tunes and get paid for that. When you see so many people having a good time, and they give you the credit for it, I think it’s an amazing high. Nothing better than playing for the crowds who love and appreciate your work – it gives you a high that nothing else can. In my case, these days, some call me “the new remix rocker of India” and I feel really proud that I mean a lot to some people.