Harshit Shah is a celebrated DJ and Bollywood music producer famous for electronic dance music and Bollywood dance music. Although Shah started his musical career more than two decades ago, his Bollywood breakthrough came much later with the song ‘Radhe Radhe’ from the 2019 movie ‘Dream Girl’ and chart toppers like ‘Ek Hasina Thi-Remix’ and ‘Roop Tera Mastana-Remix.’ “You just have to believe in what you do and do it will all the passion,” he says about finding success much later in his career. “Don’t give up just because a section of people tell you that it isn’t going to get you anywhere.”

Shah’s journey into music began after his mother enrolled him in a harmonium class when he was just a boy. Prior to that, he wasn’t too keen about music. But since he was taking a music lesson, he thought he might as well try to enjoy it. And enjoy he did.

“There was no looking back after that.” From harmonium, Shah moved on to the keyboard and started competing in music competition at his school. Music became an integral part of his life and he wanted to get deeper into the subject. His DJing career came much later in his life, right around the turn of the 21st century. Shah had developed a wide range of musical influence by then, mostly western artists from the boy bands of the time such as Backstreet Boys and Boyzone to the past experimental psychedelic rock group like Pink Floyd. In 2003, Shah entered the Times Music War of DJs in Kolkata. The decision, he says, was more out of whim than out of premeditated intention. “I just thought I'll participate after reaching the venue.” Shah showcased his talent with the CDs borrowed from his friends. He got selected for the finals and went on to win the second runner-up prize. This unexpected success encouraged Shah to further hone his DJing skill and experiment with other musical genres. And in this process of music discovery and experimentation, the 90s Bollywood music struck a chord with him. “There was this special connection,” he says. “I found out that I could do justice to the 90s Bollywood songs.” Having dabbled around in many musical genres, Shah finally found his groove. And so he began remixing Bollywood classics that many younger listeners were unaware of. Success followed Shah as he began playing them in clubs and concerts. Currently, Shah is producing some mixes for the music labels SAREGAMA and White Hill. He is also working on an original tech house track. “We are looking to shoot the video for which we are looking for locations,” he says. Shah wants to shoot one of his music videos in Nepal. “I have a very deep attachment with Nepal, as I have played lots of gigs there in the last 15 years,” he says. “Not many people are aware, but I was the DJ who opened for Bryan Adams when he played in Kathmandu.” For young, aspiring musicians, Shah has this to say: “This industry is huge and it has a place for everyone. As long as you have the fire in you, you will definitely make name and recognition.”