MUMBAI: The word nepotism isn’t restricted to Hindi film industry but has tormented the heirs in the music fraternity too. To be the son of Shailendra Singh, the driving force behind one of the biggest music properties Sunburn is certainly a privilege. However, if the music is your chosen profession, then you have to face a lot of criticism.

“I had to face a lot of it. But I feel people who think that I got a platform because of my father have limited vision. Of course, I got a chance to perform at Sunburn at a very young age, but I had to prove myself. When you are on stage performing, people don’t remember whose son/daughter you are. Even my father told me that if he doesn’t find me good enough, he will not support me. So, it’s not that easy as people think,” says DJ Shaan.

Drawing parallels to Hindi film stars, Shaan says, “If we look at Varun Dhawan or Alia Bhatt, who come from film families have proven their worth and phenomenal talent and that’s why they are where they are.”

Sharing about his journey, he states, “I had made up my mind at a young age to pursue this. I was aware of the criticism but was determined to transform my critics into fans. This is your motivation. I focused on the melody along with lyrics and brought Indian elements into the international music. Till now it has worked well.”

He recently collaborated with UK based singer HRVY and remixed the song Personal which was released on the Virgin EMI Records label internationally. Speaking about his collaboration with one of the sensations in UK Music HRVY, Shaan says, “HRVY was in India in Jan-Feb 2018, when I read an article about him being in the city. I connected with him and discussed music and couple of ideas. And somehow, we decided to work together. It was a blind shot to suggest collaboration with HRVY, but I am glad it worked out.”

Earlier, Shaan was quoted saying that he followed HRVY’s work and it was his dream to work with him and Universal Music made it happen.

HRVY too had shared his thoughts saying that he uses Shaan’s track to open his shows and gets a massive response.

The song was released in the last week of April and Shaan is happy with the response, “It is a great feeling that HRVY’s fans in the UK have also loved the song. He has a wide fan base and his fans are very protective of him. It’s received well here too.”

Shaan holds the distinction of being the youngest DJ and the only Indian at that time to have performed at Tomorrowland, world biggest EDM festival held in Belgium. Reminiscing those times, Shaan says, “I was just 15 and a half, and I remember my mother accompanied me there. I also remember having our tricolour with me and proudly saying that I am from India. It gave me great high to represent India on such a global platform”

He also remembers the curiosity musicians from other countries had about India, “They were very keen and curious about India.”

About his future projects, Shaan says, “Well, I am working one track which has a progressive sound and it should be out by early June. I am also working on my dream project, about which I shall talk when the time is right.”