No Party Unturned
Dj Karan Makes Dubai Dance At His Fingertips
What made you decide to become a DJ and how
supportive were the people in your life?
Truth be told, I didn’t actually ‘decide’ for or against
it, it all just fell into place. I’ve come to love music in
the most magical way and my world revolves around
it. When I was younger, I had one prized possession
I wouldn’t let anybody touch, an almost vintage
cassette player. I think that little instrument set a
fire in me then that is still burning.
Growing up my family was my number one support.
My parents enrolled me in music classes where
I learnt the piano and the drums. The power to
create my own music was addictive. I think it’s what
ultimately let me down the path of DJ-ing.
Which DJ do you feel most inspired by?
Roger Sanchez, DJ Snake and DJ Obert have been
very inspiring. But most people are almost never
inspired by people in the same field, doing the same
thing in their own way unique way. I for example
draw inspiration from people old and new, that
annoying tapping of shoes or clicking of pens, the
places I’ve newly discovered and the sounds that
lurk in its shadows.
DJs are the thumping heart of the nightlife, and Dubai has some
especially gifted DJs in its many clubs. DJ Karan Bhatia, who is
consistently setting the tune for Bollywood club nights in the UAE
for over 5 years, is in a class of his own and has been ranked #1 DJ
in the Middle East. He gets that distinction through his versatility
and ability to transcend genre distinctions to make a unique
atmosphere for his crowd. Among the venues he’s played are People
by Crystal, Cavalli Club, Armani and the Cirque Le Soir in Dubai.
Gloss got a chance to talk to the renowned DJ about the never
ending party that is his career.
Text By Sadaf Hassan
You are a household name in the nightlife of the
UAE, but what are some cool gigs you have played
outside the Middle East?
From falling asleep in Dubai and waking up
in Lebanon, launching a brand new clubbing
experience in Buffalo, New York, headlining a
bachelor party in Spain and pulling off a week long
wedding with all-nighters in Bali, it’s safe to say that
being a household name in the UAE comes at a cost.
What are some venues and events that you would
love to play someday?
I would be humbled to play at Ushuaia Ibiza,
Printworks London and Omnia NY someday.
Dream big they say!