The passion for spinning music has made Akbar Sami one of the most desired DJs of not only India but around the globe. Many are unaware that this man has explored his potential as an actor and choreographer, before foraying full time as a disk jockey. On a Saturday afternoon prior to his US tour, DJ Akbar Sami exclusively interacted with TMM about his passion for music, acting with Aamir Khan and upcoming projects.
Akbar Sami, How did the transition happen from being a choreographer to a DJ?
It was an interesting shift, as that time; there were hardly any DJs in India. You could count them on the fingers. It was the mid 90s and I feel very lucky to choreograph Broadway and a few films at a very early age. Once at an event, the DJ didn’t show up and the manager of the venue came running to me and requested me to save his job, it was a five-star hotel, I obliged. I had no clue, he just pushed me to the console and I started playing music. I guess that is how music came in my life as a profession and became an inseparable thing.
Akbar Sami, You also acted with Aamir Khan in a film, how was that experience?
I have been a child actor and feel very fortunate; to act in a film called Naukri (1978) starring Raj Kapoor, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. I also played Shatrughan Sinha’s kid in Raampur ka Lakshman (1972), it was a Manmohan Desai directorial venture with Rekha and Randhir Kapoor. So, I have done many films as a child artist. There was a film called Love Love Love (1989) starring Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla, where I was offered to play a second lead. I agreed to do it. During those days I had no car, so Aamir used to pick and drop me every day. On the set, people used to have a sycophant attitude towards the director. I somehow didn’t like it. We did four songs; in this journey, Aamir noticed my uneasiness on the set, so once he asked me if all was good? I told him that I can’t do it anymore, I don’t enjoy acting. I still remember his words. He said, “Whatever doesn’t come from the heart, don’t do it”. I told him; in that case, don’t pick me up from tomorrow. And it was over. If you see that film, you will see me in one scene and 4 songs (laughs).
So, you turned to playback singing with Kabhi Kabhi cover song last year.
I think playback is also like DJ’ing. I wanted to record this song, make a video in The Maldives. A popular singer was not giving me the date for dubbing the song. My recordist for whom I was booking studio multiple times suggested me to sing the song so that after its shoot, we can dub it in the playback singer’s voice. I sang. It turned out well in my voice and everyone liked the final product and rest, as they say, is history.
What kind of content does your production house create?
We are coming up with a short film called Padharo Mhare Des, it’s a musical, it has got 11 songs. Along with a few other music directors, I am composing the music. It is a beautiful short film representing India and music of India.
Tell us about your passion for biking.
I used to be a 100% biker, my attire would consist of bike boots, leather pants and leather jackets, gloves and helmets. We were 15-18 friends, as bikers, we used to travel to any place without planning. During that time, unfortunately, two friends died in an accident. They were close friends who used to come home. When my mom got to know about the accident, she called one of my friends and handed over my bike keys to him and said take it with you (laughs).
How important is fitness for you?
Fitness is most important; it is a key for a good healthy life. In a metro city, we fail to follow it because of the kind of lives that we lead. We are breathing in polluted surroundings and we tend to ignore our health because of gadgets around. I think we all can be fit if we follow a good lifestyle which consists of workout or playing any sport and maintains a healthy diet. Wherever I travel for work I feel lucky as I get the opportunity to stay at a place which has spa, gym and health care amenities. I watch what I eat. If not gym, I find peace in swimming or I go for a 30 minutes run. I make sure health is on the menu every day.
What is your advice to people, who want to pursue a career in DJ?
If you don’t have a love for music from your heart and soul, don’t do it. Seek advice from elders, it is a risky business and happens at night time. It’s difficult to make people understand in our country about night working professionals. There are also health hazards involved, staying up late, food habits are upside down, loud music can also have its own side effects. So, consider all the pros and cons before taking a decision.
The post Concocting Music – Akbar Sami appeared first on TMM.