Known for bringing Bollywood beats to the bars via his hit party brand Yuva, producer and DJ DynAmite serves it hot this summer. [Cover photo: Winston Williams]
Thotyssey: Hi DJ DynAmite, thanks for chatting today! We are already about a third of the way through Pride Month now… how is it treating you so far?
DynAmite: Pride Month is going great. It literally started at midnight on May 31 with a Bollywood cabaret called Badnaam at the iconic Laurie Beechman Theatre. On June 1st, I traveled down to Philadelphia to DJ an outdoor Pride party in the middle of the “gayborhood.” And I came back to NYC on June 2nd to DJ Pursuit of Portraits’ Pride photo meetup, where queer models came together to be photographed by some of the most talented photographers around!
That is a very diverse calendar! I bet having to DJ such very different events in different venues really keeps you on your toes.
Yes, I tend to prioritize events that serve a community that is creating or holding a unique space!
I have known queer Indian folks and Bollywood fans who have been obsessively following your events for a while now; but it seems like this past year your Yuva brand and all your other gigs have really exploded in popularity and prolificacy. Was this the result of working doubly hard, or word of mouth reputation building, or something else, or a whole bunch of stuff?
The Yuva journey has been one of talent, grit and luck. We started ten years ago in a sushi bar called Bamboo 52 in Hells Kitchen; our drag queen would literally dance around chefs slicing fish. What helped us grow was our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility (our tickets are still $10, even as nightlife has become expensive). We wanted to provide a space where new, queer brown folks could come together and make new friends, and regulars could come and catch up with the community–all while shaking their butts to Bollywood beats, which are so fun and decadent.
In the last year, the talent coming to Yuva has really accelerated. We’ve had the most inventive drag queens like Malai grace our stage, and guest DJs who’ve brought a unique perspective to the music. And I would be remiss not to mention the four owners of Red Eye–our current home–who have been true partners in our growth.
Quite a journey indeed! Let’s go back even further: where are you from originally, and while growing up was music always a part of your life?
I was born in India, but I grew up in Queens. I love throwing a good party! In college, I took every chance I got to take over common spaces and throw a dance party. I’m also a 90s Bollywood kid–that’s a very special decade, because Bollywood started venturing to faraway locations (think Switzerland) to make movies. These movies were the ultimate escape from everyday life. Putting two and two together, it was natural that I would start a Bollywood dance party in NYC. When I moved back to NYC after college, I self-taught myself how to DJ, and Yuva was born.
Were you surprised that Yuva was popular as it was, or did you always know that the fanbase was out there and craving this?
Yuva wasn’t the first queer Bollywood party and definitely won’t be the last, but I think what makes it unique is that it’s open to everyone. I sometimes stand at the door and greet first timers to make them feel welcome. At the end of the day, what we are all craving is acceptance and a sense of community. It sounds easy on paper to create a space like that, but it’s really hard to execute!
You described Yuva’s origins above, but are there any highlights or standout moments for you throughout the party’s history?
I will never forget our first post-Covid party after everyone got vaccinated. People hadn’t seen each other in a year, and some were unsure what an in-person event would feel like. We rented a space, I brought my deck and two speakers, and there were no stage lights for the drag queens. But the joy on people’s faces was indescribable. That’s when I really understood the importance of creating a physical space for the community.
A beautiful moment! Are there any specific songs, soundtracks or artists that bring the Yuva fans to total ecstasy every time?
Yes… three, to be specific. There’s a song called “Chikni Chameli” which has the most recognizable beats of any song, and is about about a girl who takes a shot of liquor and goes out to the market to flirt. Then there’s “Choli Ke Peeche,” which roughly translates as “what’s behind your blouse?” And then there’s the incomparable Bhangra rhythm “Ishq Tera Tadpave” that has the entire crowd with hands up jumping up and down every single time.
Folks can maybe hear these and many other tracks on June 15, as Yuva will then be back at Red Eye for a special “Night of a Thousand Rekhas!” Tell us more about this night, and it’s inspiration!
Rekha is a Bollywood actress who is a queer icon because of her movies, her fashion, and above all her “who needs a man?” attitude. This Pride, we wanted to pay homage to this amazing and strong woman. DJ Yushii will open the night with dance remixes to get the party started. Then we will have three amazing performers: our reigning queen Malai, Kulfi Jaan who is coming down from Boston to make their Yuva debut, and Tamasha Bhosle who is making their debut on any stage. Around 1am, I’ll take over the DJ decks with my mix of Bollywood item numbers and Bhangra beats, and keep the party going until the security guard forces us out at 4am.
Should be an incredible night! Then on June 22, you’ll be at The Dickens DJing the latest installment of a popular party you brought there, “Bollywood Latin!” What’s that night like, and how did it originate?
The Bollywood Latin party is near and dear to my heart. I speak Spanish, and love Reggaeton music. A few years ago, I thought “what if I started remixing Reggaeton with Bollywood?” At first I thought there would be no audience for an event like that, but turns out tons of people appreciate both genres and the party has really taken off. I start off spinning Reggaeton and Latin pop, and as the night goes on I transition to Bollywood and Bhangra remixed with Latin beats. It’s one of the most beautiful coming together of LatinX and South Asian LGBTQ folks I’ve ever seen. It helps that The Dickens has an outdoor rooftop where people can go mingle when they want to take a break from dancing downstairs.
And this just in: you’ll be DJing a fun event on June 29th, aka Pride Saturday, hosted by Malai and featuring Ani So Exotic, Ruafza, Mercy Masala, Chutney Chataranga!
To close out Pride month, I’ll be DJing an epic drag brunch at Sona where five (yes five) drag queens will perform for you while you taste delectable Indian food.
And on Sunday after the March, I’ll play a set at “Color Me Queer,” which is the largest party for people of color during Pride weekend!
Anything else?
Yes! We’re planning a South Asian takeover of Fire Island this year to mark Yuva’s 10th anniversary. Mark your calendar for August 3rd at the Ice Palace, as we bring the magic of Bollywood over to the Island.
What a summer! Okay, to close: what’s your best advice for a baby DJ who wants to make it big in NYC?
Take risks, only spin music that you are passionate about (if you aren’t jamming to your own beats, no one is), and never take gigs “for exposure” that don’t pay. Your time and taste is worth a lot, and anyone worth working for can afford to compensate you.
Well said! Thanks, DynAmite!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ DynAmite’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram (also Yuva’s page).
Thotyssey 