Tue Mar 17, 2026 | Updated 05:37 PM IST
What does it take to carve a space in an industry that has long been dominated by men? For DJ Kiara, also known as Khushboo Wadhwani, the answer lies in hardwork, passion, and a strong belief in her craft. In an exclusive conversation with HerZindagi, DJ Kiara aka Khushboo Wadhwani shared about her journey in the DJ industry, the challenges she faced early in her career, how she ensures safety while performing in nightlife environments, and what it means to perform at the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 and also being the only Indian female DJ performing at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
From discovering the joy of energy of a crowd to becoming a recognised name at large-scale events, read about her journey which reflects determination and a deep love for music.
The DJ and entertainment space has historically been male-dominated, and entering this field came with its own share of challenges for DJ Kiara aka Khushboo Wadhwani. Coming from Gujarat, where club culture is still evolving, she had to overcome several preconceived notions about what a DJ does and who can be one. She said, “The journey of operating in this traditionally male-dominated entertainment industry, specifically as a disc jockey, has been defined by two things: persistent challenge and a profound sense of empowerment.”
She recalls how the initial years were filled with doubts from people around her. She revealed, “Coming from a place like Gujarat, which has no club culture, people still weren’t aware of what a DJ does. The initial years were extremely challenging. People often struggled to value me as a serious artist and sometimes assumed I was booked for ‘glam games’ rather than my genuine talent.”
Even backstage interactions were not always encouraging. Over time, her consistent performances and dedication changed perceptions. “I showed up prepared, performed with conviction and slowly earned my space. The very same people who once doubted me are now some of my loudest supporters. Breaking stereotypes every time I perform is truly a kick in my life”, says DJ Kiara.
Interestingly, DJing was not always part of Kiara’s plan. Her childhood revolved around various forms of art, which eventually shaped her musical identity. She shared, “My childhood was deeply rooted in the arts—Indian classical music, Kathak, painting and music production. DJing started as a playful creative outlet, almost like a break from my regular routine. The defining moment was my very first DJ set. It was a short, thirty-minute slot at a small party. Walking away from the console, I felt a high I had never known before.” That moment helped her understand the power of music and live performance.
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She felt like she had the power to move a room, shift its energy and control the emotions of the crowd. That feeling was like possessing a superpower. DJing quickly evolved from a hobby into her language and her platform for storytelling through music.
Performing at nightclubs and large gatherings comes with its own set of challenges, especially for women. Kiara believes in setting clear boundaries and maintaining strict personal rules to ensure her safety. Khushboo Wadhwani said, “I have several non-negotiable rules and personal boundaries to ensure my safety while working in night settings. The question of safety starts the moment I step out, not just when I reach the performance area.”
One of her most important rules is travelling with a dedicated tour manager. The tour manager handles everything from logistics to interactions with event personnel. “They manage travel, payments and technical requirements, but most importantly they act as a buffer so that I can remain focused and safe throughout the event”, says Khushboo Wadhwani.
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Another rule she strictly follows is staying sober while performing. She never intoxicates herself with alcohol or drugs while performing. She considers her workplace a temple and it’s crucial for her not to lose consciousness even for a second.
She also stresses the importance of saying no when needed. She explained, “Setting strong personal boundaries is key. You have to be good at saying ‘no’, whether it’s to high-profile people asking for favours or anyone attempting unwanted contact. Nobody else is responsible for my safety—I must be in control of my actions.”
Being part of an international sporting event like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is a major milestone in DJ Kiara’s career. However, performing at such events requires a completely different approach compared to club gigs. She explained, “Preparing for a world-level tournament like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is very different from performing at clubs or private events. It requires discipline and a completely different mindset. At a sporting event, the game is the main celebration. My role is to keep the energy alive while remaining completely unbiased and supporting both teams equally.”
Her preparation for such events is extremely detailed. She woke up early, meditated and made sure she is mentally calm. She also over-prepare by keeping organised audio folders for every possible situation the management might need. Even a 0.1-second delay in audio could create issues, so preparation is everything.
Working within strict rules and licensing guidelines also requires creativity. “Unlike a club where I have full freedom, here I must follow regulations and submit a list of tracks in advance. It takes courage and preparation to remain creative within those limitations”, says DJ Kiara.
For her, performing at such events represents something larger than just music. She says, “I often find myself as the only female DJ at major tournaments like the ICC events or IPL. Standing on that stage is a powerful statement about placing Indian women artists on an international platform.”
Over the years, DJ Kiara has experienced several unforgettable moments that validated her journey. She admits her memory is quite short, but a few moments truly stand out. One such experience was performing at a large college festival, where she played for around 5,000 to 6,000 people at an IIT campus. She likes to share stories before certain tracks, and during that show, she noticed a few people in the audience tearing up. The emotional connection with the crowd stayed with her, as seeing people cheering, shouting her name, and calling it the best night of the festival was a feeling she says cannot be described in words.
Another memorable moment came at a corporate event where the client initially seemed unsure about having a female DJ. By the end of the night, everyone was dancing on tables, showing her why representation truly matters.
However, a major turning point in her career was entering the sports entertainment space. She said, “Getting the chance to be part of Gujarat Titans in 2024 was truly career-defining. It was my first large-scale entertainment event in the sports industry and it helped me find my space in this field.”
For young women aspiring to become DJs or music producers, DJ Kiara believes authenticity and passion are the most important qualities. She says, “My message is simple: be unapologetically yourself and enjoy every moment of the journey. I wish someone had told me when I was starting out: ‘You are the best.’ That reassurance makes a big difference, and I want young women entering this space to believe in themselves from the very beginning.”
DJ Kiara’s journey shows that talent, persistence, and authenticity can break barriers in any industry. Her story inspires young women to follow their passion and create their own space in music.
For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.
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