The Indian house at the Paris Olympics - a cultural hub that was established as a ‘home away from home’ for Indian athletes, their families, and fans is set to host Delhi-based dance/electronic DJ duo MadStarBase on August 9. The artists known for their bass-heavy electronic renditions of classic Bollywood hits will perform a one-hour set at the Indian house followed by a watch party and athletics/wrestling screening for the fans.
MadStarBase, comprised of Anant Ahuja and Neal Sekhri, has redefined the landscape of Indian electronic music. Their ability to craft Bollywood ‘flips’ with different subgenres of electronic music has shifted dancefloor dynamics and captivated audiences worldwide. With tracks like Choli Ke Peeche and Mehbooba Mehbooba given a fresh, electrifying twist, they’ve breathed new life into iconic Bollywood classics. From original tracks to mind-blowing remixes, MadStarBase have cemented their status as pioneers of a new era of Indian music.
The duo performing at the Olympics also marks an important cultural shift. For years Bollywood and techno/house/DnB/bass enthusiasts locked horns; both on the opposite ends of the spectrum of dance culture. The former claimed to not understand the robotic sounds of techno that had no soul and the latter were just elitists who felt that Bollywood belonged in a wedding not in the rave culture. I witnessed this rivalry myself for years before niche underground electronic artists started playing with samples from iconic Indian hits. Today, we have a whole movement of artists embracing our sonic heritage in their practice and a fusion of culturally rooted sounds in global rave culture. MadStarBase at the Olympics is the epitome of that.
In a way, Bollywood at the Olympics is emblematic of South Asia’s growing influence on the global stage. It’s a celebration of culture; something that lies at the very heart of the Olympic spirit. Just as athletes from around the world come together to showcase their athleticism, MadStarBase is presenting the vibrant character of Indian music and culture to a worldwide audience and highlighting the enduring impact of Bollywood across the world.
Follow MadStarBase here.
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