JOIN US'Music worked like a therapy'
Actor turned DJ, Shilpi Sharma rose to fame with her remix version of the song ‘Baby Doll’ from ‘Ragini MMS 2’. She soon started spinning hit remixes of tracks like ‘Chittiyaan Kalaiyan’, ‘Lovely’, ‘Gerua’ and ‘Tukur Tukur’ to name a few.
Shilpi, who was also seen in films like ‘Style’, ‘Jo Bole So Nihaal’ and ‘Heroine’, has not restricted herself to only music and acting. She is a scuba diver, a fitness
enthusiast and an animal lover. In a conversation with Surupasree Sarmmah, Shilpi talks about her musical journey, acting plans and more.
You are the first actor to turn into a DJ. How did the shift happen?
It was at the time when I had signed a Vikram Bhatt film and ‘Heroine’ had also released. My father was unwell then and he passed away. That was when I decided to take a break from movies. Since music has always been my passion, I decided to give it a try. I soon realised that music worked like a therapy for me and transformed me. The fact that my first gig was a big hit inspired me a lot.
One of your favourite remixes that you have worked on...
My career took off with ‘Baby Doll’ so it will always remain special to me. However, ‘Gerua’ is my favourite.
Are you planning to return to the silver screen?
Yes, I would love to, maybe once my single is released this year.
Any challenges that you faced as a DJ...
Oh yes! People thought coming from the film industry and being glamorous, it will be easy for me. My own friends and people I know didn’t show much faith in me. So time and again, I had to prove it to them that DJing has nothing to do with good looks and it’s the dedication that counts.
What’s the scene like for female DJs in India?
Considering that it is a male dominated industry, women are gradually exploring this field. We are getting there but there is still a long way to go.
Any particular DJ that you look up to...
Axwell and Hardwell. They play happy music and that’s what I believe in.
A DJ you’d like to collaborate with...
It has to be Axwell.
Describe your style in three words...
Energy, interaction and a good sense of music.
Music covers are a big thing today. What do you think of them?
I think recreating music is beautiful. These covers are soothing and great to listen to and relax. They also provide a platform to aspiring singers to explore their talent.
What’s next?
I am looking forward to the release of my single this year, for which I have collaborated with music composer Arko Pravo Mukherjee. I am also looking forward to working with Kanika Kapoor again.