Name: DJ Aqeel
Profession: Disc Jockey, Singer, Music Composer
Born: May 21, 1979 in Mumbai, India
Nationality: Indian
Known for: Remixing Bollywood music with electronic dance music, popular music videos and singles, nightclub ventures
Biography
DJ Aqeel, born Aqeel Abdulkhalil Bachooali on May 21, 1979, in Mumbai, India, is a renowned disc jockey, singer, and music composer. Despite initially aspiring to become a pilot, Aqeel’s passion for music led him to pursue a career as a DJ. He began his musical journey at the age of 16 when he was introduced to mixing music.
Aqeel’s career took off in the mid-1990s when he started playing music at private parties in Mumbai. His first major accomplishment was performing at the JW Marriott’s club Enigma Pub in Mumbai. In 1999, he moved to London to further his career, quickly gaining popularity and embarking on worldwide tours.
Throughout his career, Aqeel has released several popular remix music videos, including “Nahin Nahin” (2001), “Tu Tu Hai Wahi” (2002), “Ek Aankh Maroon” (2002), “Disco Station” (2003), and “Disco 82” (2004). He has also contributed to Bollywood films, composing music for “Fanaa” (2006) and remixing “Ek Do Teen” for “Desi Magic.”
Aqeel’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-own several nightclubs, such as Poison (2005), Bling (2008), Hype (in Mumbai, Delhi, and Ludhiana), and RSVP (opened in 2013 with his then-wife Farah Khan Ali). In 2009, he founded the Future DJ Academy in Mumbai to nurture aspiring DJs. Recently, in 2021, he released a cinematic EDM set featuring theme songs from Marvel, Game of Thrones, and Rocky, shot at the Taj Mahal during the COVID lockdown.
Awards and Accolades
- Style Icon of the Year Award at the Delhiites Lifestyle Awards (2024)
- Iconic Popular DJ Award at the Times Hospitality Icons (2022)
- Best DJ for corporate and lifestyle events – Male Award at the WOW Awards Asia (2020)
- DJ of the Year Award at the Delhiites Lifestyle Awards (2018 & 2017)
Interesting Facts
- Known for his energetic sets and ability to mix Bollywood music with electronic dance music
- Dog lover, often posting pictures of his pets Elvis, Presley, and Magic on social media
- Has a tattoo of a Chinese letter on his right lower arm
Social Media
Instagram: @djaqeel
YouTube: DJ Aqeel’s YouTube
