Overview
In a revealing interview with India Currents, DJ Rekha, renowned as the “Ambassador of Bhangra,” emphasizes the complexity of assimilation in a new country, stating that identity is fluid and heavily influenced by context. This insight highlights the often challenging journey that many immigrants face as they navigate their cultural identities in a foreign land.
- Overview
- Bhangra’s Ambassador
- The Immigrant Experience and Identity
- Alka Raghuram: Immigrant identity often revolves around the pressure to conform. How has this shaping affected you as an artist?
- Alka Raghuram: In the film, you discuss creating a joyful space post-9/11. Can you elaborate on the connections between joy, community, and activism in your work?
- The Evolution of DJing as Vocation
- Influences and Inspirations
- Upcoming Event Details
Bhangra’s Ambassador
Directed by Eugene Yi, The A List, the opening film at CAAMFest 2026, is a compelling anthology comprised of 15 narratives that delve into identity within the Asian and Pacific diasporas. Featuring notable figures such as Sandra Oh, Kumail Nanjiani, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Amanda Nguyen, and DJ Rekha, the film offers a vibrant exploration of diverse experiences.
Rekha, born Rekha Malhotra in London and now a stalwart of New York’s music scene, has been instrumental in blending traditional Bhangra and Bollywood sounds with hip-hop, dub, and electronic dance music in North America. Her iconic monthly event, Basement Bhangra, launched in 1997, played a pivotal role in bringing the genre to mainstream clubs in NYC.
The film premiered on May 7 at 6:45 PM at AMC Kabuki in San Francisco, with its nationwide debut set for May 13 on HBO, also available for streaming on HBO Max. In her interview, Rekha articulates the nuanced reality of assimilation, stressing that the process is neither straightforward nor natural.
The Immigrant Experience and Identity
Alka Raghuram: Immigrant identity often revolves around the pressure to conform. How has this shaping affected you as an artist?
DJ Rekha: Every immigrant’s journey is unique, and the notion that assimilation is natural is misleading. Factors such as class position and community can dictate one’s comfort level in adapting to a new culture. Many immigrants find solace within their own communities, and adapting doesn’t equate to a lack of self-love. Our identities are ever-changing and context-dependent. As a queer South Asian non-binary person, there are instances where I feel safer in broader spaces than within my ethnic community, particularly when the political climate is tense.
Alka Raghuram: In the film, you discuss creating a joyful space post-9/11. Can you elaborate on the connections between joy, community, and activism in your work?
DJ Rekha: Dance embodies joy. My Basement Bhangra nights attracted a diverse crowd—Sikh, Muslim, and many others—who shared in that joy, particularly on the heels of 9/11. In the aftermath, the prevalent messaging pushed back against fear: “Don’t let the terrorists win.” During a time when Islamophobia spiked, my events became a sanctuary for many whose families faced scrutiny under new policies. Hosting a party in September 2001 aimed to offer a respite, a moment to reclaim joy amidst chaos. Though Basement Bhangra is no longer a monthly event, that mission of fostering joy remains central to my work.
The Evolution of DJing as Vocation
Alka Raghuram: How did DJing transform into your primary vocation?
DJ Rekha: My path to DJing wasn’t a conscious decision but rather an organic evolution of my passions. I dabbled in various jobs, including nonprofit work and community service. Collaborating with family, I formed a DJ crew, and through community engagement, I eventually partnered with Jay Bhattacharya, a college radio DJ. Our first gig at a family party paved the way for our debut at Central Park SummerStage, and soon after, Basement Bhangra was born. This creative venture garnered widespread community support, empowering me to embrace music as my main focus.
Influences and Inspirations
Alka Raghuram: Who have been your key influences?
DJ Rekha: The list is extensive! My parents significantly influenced my sense of community and resilience. Musically, I’ve drawn from an eclectic mix: Prince, hip-hop, early Hindi film music, and new wave. Writers and poets like Nikki Giovanni, James Baldwin, and Audre Lorde have also profoundly influenced me.
Upcoming Event Details
The exciting CAAMFest 2026 is set to run from May 7–10, 2026. Tickets are available ranging from $13 to $80, offering a gateway to a celebration of Asian American narratives and experiences. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit CAAMFest.com.
The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) is committed to showcasing the diversity within Asian American experiences, promoting engagement through film, television, and digital media. India Currents is proud to partner with CAAMFest to illuminate these crucial narratives.
