DJ RAVIDRUMS ON AN AMAZING JOURNEY THAT INCLUDES OSCARS AND A-LIST STARS
by ASJAD NAZIR
DJ RAVIDRUMS has left a permanent mark on the North American musical landscape with a stellar career filled with scintillating moments.
The DJ, drummer and radio host has performed with Mariah Carey and at events, including the Oscars, and delivered music releases, such as his latest single Freak Like An Indian, featuring hip hop legend Fatman Scoop. Recently, he performed to a packed auditorium for the Howdy Modi event in Houston, Texas, in honour of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
These like many other memorable moments are a part of a journey that stretches back to his childhood when as a four-year-old he got connected to the magic of music.
Eastern Eye caught up with DJ Ravidrums to find out more about his amazing journey and talk about all things music.
How do you look back on your amazing journey?
Being a musician is an amazing experience and an epic tragedy at the same time. The highs are so high, it fills your soul and spirit with everything it needs, and the lows make you question humanity. My journey has been a long and winding road from a high school marching band and jazz band to symphonic wind ensembles in college, metal bands, Cuban bands, hip-hop acts and pop acts – now I DJ and drum, creating live remixes.
What have been your most memorable moments?
It was breath-taking to be on stage, performing Jai Ho and Learning To Fall by Peter Gabriel with AR Rahman and John Legend at the Oscars. Super Bowl was high voltage, Oprah was beautiful and being personally hired by Hugh Hefner for the Playboy Mansion was pretty incredible.
You have had big encounters with amazing artists, but what has been the most memorable?
I’ve had the great privilege of performing with many of my heroes, including George Clinton. I recorded a song with the Red Hot Chili Peppers & Fishbone (I played some percussion). I just jammed with the Zac Brown Band a few weeks ago and that was just incredible. Headlining Coachella with Perry Farrell from Jane’s Addiction, and so many amazing jam nights in LA, it’s hard to keep track.
How did you feel performing at the Oscars?
That was the ultimate proud Indian moment. I’m on the side stage looking at Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and Slumdog Millionaire won nine Oscars. Then I was performing right next to John Legend. Meryl Streep was directly in front of me and then I walked out to right where Steven Spielberg was and played. All those moments were spectacular on so many levels. It was a moment of redemption.
What do you mean?
As an Indian you’re supposed to be a doctor or engineer, and I was a musician. All the people in my life who told me it was a poor choice could say nothing – it was full redemption. I was on my own path regardless and never cared what others thought. I was and am still on a mission.
You are multi-talented by DJing and also being a great percussionist, but what takes priority today?
They’re both same these days for me. I combined them both into my performances, so it’s a hybrid blend. It’s demanding and difficult, but I love it.
What gives you the greatest high out of the two?
They’re both so intertwined it’s kind of like saying what do you like better, the chicken or the curry – they just go together. But I believe drumming still gets me the highest. I reach my higher self when I land in that magical space.
What is the secret of a great DJ set?
The secret is taking the crowd on a journey and to a higher emotional place. There are just some nights where you are an indestructible force and everything works. You and the crowd are married for the set, and you go on an emotional journey that raises your spirit and takes you to a magical place.
Tell us about your current projects?
The Freak It Like An Indian dance challenge. I also have a documentary travelogue TV show we’re working on right now called Soul In The Machines. We’ve gone to India and Cuba so far. I experience the culture, sounds and technology, then we make records and perform on location. It’s such a total blast. I really love the experience of it on every level.
What music dominates your playlist?
In the morning, it’s meditative and inspirational. If I’m going to the gym then it’s Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers and aggressive music. For my shows, it depends. If I’m in Las Vegas, then it’s all the bangers. I was in Jodhpur earlier this year and mixed a lot of the bangers I’d play in Vegas with some Bollywood remixes, hip hop and rock mash-ups.
You have achieved a lot, but what is your greatest unfulfilled ambition?
Freak It Like An Indian to become number one and the dance challenge to go viral.
What inspires you?
The magic you find when you’re creating. Sometimes nothing happens, then other times you’ll find a sound that just stirs your soul and you’ll create around that. Could be a kick drum sound, a loop or vocal sample. Or I may wake up with a lyrical idea. Usually at the end of yoga, I get some lyrical ideas or an energy in my head for some music. The tricky part of that is trying to remember it and record it into your phone before it’s lost in the ethers forever.
Why do you love music?
I believe it’s magic. Music has the power to make us better people – to inspire and motivate us. It’s created revolutions or it’s been the psychological push and pull in your favourite movies. Sometimes you’ll hear a song and it’ll take you back to a special moment with your friends or someone you love – or a great moment with your family. It’s strange you can’t touch the song, but a song can touch you and when it does, it lasts a lifetime. Isn’t that magic?
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.