The Reality of Being a DJ in India: Pay, Pressure and PR Raves

Behind the glamour of India’s booming DJ scene lies a quieter truth — shrinking paycheques, rising competition and commercialised rave culture.

Electronic Music Goes Mainstream

Since the 2010s, festivals like Sunburn and Magnetic Fields brought global DJs to India, making electronic music part of the mainstream.

From Weddings to Coffee Raves

DJs in India are now more likely to play weddings, corporate shows or ramen-fuelled pop-ups than underground sets.

Low Pay and High Competition

Many DJs start under ₹5,000 per gig. Pay is inconsistent, competition is rising, and side hustles are often necessary.

Budgets Go to International Artists

“The pay is also low because so much of the organiser’s budget goes in getting international artists to India. DJing is a space occupied by highly privileged people.” — DJ Zequenx a.k.a Zainab Wani

Raves or PR Spectacle?

Coffee and ramen raves attract Gen Z, but critics argue they dilute underground culture and turn rebellion into social media spectacle.

Gender and Safety Challenges

Female DJs face unsafe venues, aesthetic bias and fewer opportunities despite a growing number of women in the scene.

The Future of DJing in India

The real question isn’t just what DJs play but whether they can survive while shaping India’s music culture.