From a flight attendant to becoming India’s no 1 DJ – DJ Paroma’s story on making it happen

Growing up I always felt looked down upon and was often demotivated for doing what I wished to do. After finishing school, I took a diploma course in hospitality and aviation management. The next few months drifted past in a frenzy with long hours of training and 7 months later I managed to bag a job with Jet Airways. I gradually began to realize while working with the airline that my job didn’t ignite any excitement in me. Merely putting to use the theoretical knowledge I gained from my education was turning out to be unimaginative and mundane.

So I quit my job after 5 long years to start over. I later joined a company where I worked with the client servicing department. It felt like the spark was still missing and so I quit just after 3 months. I decided to take a break for sometime. With time and a little introspection I realized that to feel motivated and attain personal satisfaction, I needed to do something for myself and not just to make money. Music was something I truly cherished, so I enrolled myself to train to become a disc jockey. My decision was met with a lot of criticism along the way but nothing could slow me down. I knew I needed to give myself a shot to try and to do something I have always wanted to do. Soon, I got the job of an assistant DJ at a not so well-known club. Simultaneously, I started recording and uploading my songs on various audio platforms.

With some experience in the field now I began contacting event organizers and managers. I was given the opportunity to play in Chennai for a Christmas event. With this one gig in Chennai, I started getting more work as a freelance DJ. One opportunity led to another; and as I started releasing mashups online I got the recognition I needed. Later that year @sony asked me to play for the extra innings at IPL. This was a turning point in my life and career. I tied up with Sony music for an Arijit Singh mashup and also became one of the jury members for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa on ZeeTV. Since receiving the title of no.1 female DJ in India in 2018, traveling around the world has become a regular part of my life. I am immensely grateful for trusting the fire in my gut that lead me to where I am today.