IKON
Nikhil Chinapa is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, excelling as a DJ, VJ, MC, music promoter, and festival director. With a background in architecture, having completed a thesis on hospital design, Chinapa carved his niche at MTV, where he hosted almost every show the channel aired.
Chinapa first gained fame by winning the prestigious MTV VJ Hunt in 1999. Since then, he has become a familiar face on Indian television, hosting and judging popular shows such as MTV Select, India’s Got Talent 2, and Roadies. His success has also brought substantial financial rewards, with an estimated net worth of $5 million and a per-episode fee of Rs. 9 lakh.
In 2003, Chinapa co-founded Submerge, which went on to become one of India’s largest EDM companies. He also co-founded Sunburn in 2007 but parted ways with the franchise in 2013. Later, he and his wife Pearl launched Vh1 Supersonic, which remains one of India’s premier dance music festivals.
What Does the Job Involve?
DJing and VJing require different skills and training levels, with specialized programs available for aspiring professionals. For instance, a Pro DJ program typically covers essential topics such as DJ equipment, music setup, music theory, beat science, technical know-how, and knowledge of various music genres, including EDM, trance, trap, dubstep, hip-hop, and Bollywood remixes.
A Video Jockey (VJ) entertains audiences on television, engaging viewers with various programs and genres. A Disc Jockey (DJ) selects and plays recorded music at events, parties, and nightclubs. Skilled DJs read the crowd’s mood, tailoring music selections to the group’s preferences—whether Bollywood, Western, or a mix of both. The ability to play both current hits and retro favorites is key to keeping the crowd engaged. DJs in clubs or discothèques select and mix music live, while hip-hop DJs often use multiple turntables to perform with MCs and incorporate turntable scratching to add unique percussive sounds.
Can I go for it?
A successful VJ should have a charismatic presence and the ability to handle diverse programming styles with ease. A DJ needs to intuitively sense the audience’s mood, selecting music that resonates with the group and energizes the event.
Is there a future in this Job?
While all these roles offer unique opportunities, VJs and RJs may find longer-term career stability. DJs often face a more demanding lifestyle with late nights and the need to keep up with music trends, making many consider career shifts after 5-10 years in the field.
Training:
For those interested in becoming a DJ or VJ, there is no strict educational path, but various training programs across the country offer essential skills in as little as three months. Some reputable options include:
• Electronyk Academy (New Delhi): www.electronykacademy.com
• ZipDJ (Online DJ courses): www.zipdj.com
Essential Equipment for DJs
Launching a DJ career independently requires investing in professional equipment, which can cost upwards of Rs. 3-4 lakhs. Key components include:
• Playback devices such as sound recordings, record players, CD players, or digital media players (MP3 players).
• Sequencer for mixing MIDI tracks with digital audio.
• Sound system for clear and robust output.
• DJ mixer with crossfaders (typically 2- or 4-channel) for seamless song transitions.
• Headphones for cueing tracks without disrupting the current playlist.
• Microphone (optional) for song introductions and audience interaction.
Higher-end setups can exceed double the basic equipment cost but enable a DJ to deliver a richer performance experience.
Employment Avenues:
To secure a job as a Radio or Video Jockey, creating a demo CD around 5 minutes long can be a great start, showcasing your voice, tone, and audience engagement skills. Selected candidates are often asked to perform a live demo, where abilities in language command, handling live calls, and adding humor are evaluated.
Earnings:
Starting salaries for RJs and VJs range from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 35,000 per month, potentially rising to Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 1,00,000 with experience. DJs, particularly in high-demand areas like Goa during the season, can earn Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 75,000 or more per event based on their performance and reputation.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: October 2024