An NHS doctor has revealed how he lives a double life performing at top events all over the globe – but still makes it home in time for his A&E shift.
Twenty-nine-year-old, Kishan Bodalia, has been a physician for five years, but has been DJing since his teens.
He even entered and won a DJ competition while at university, completing his medical degree, which resulted in him signing record deals with the likes of Sony Music.
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Despite his success, Dr Bodalia has remained true to his medical dreams.
He splits his time spinning the decks to entertain guests and helping patients, working in an A&E department.
“Ever since I was a child, it was my dream to become a doctor and have a successful music career but I didn’t know if it was actually possible,” Bodalia told What’s The Jam.
“I bought my first set of decks during my teenage years and at university, I decided to take it a little more seriously.
“During my third year of medical school, I entered a DJ competition run by Tomorrowland.
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“And I won… this changed my life overnight.
“From that point on, I signed record deals with labels like Sony Music, performed at clubs and festivals around the world and toured with icons.
“I was Fatboy Slim’s special guest during his UK tour!”
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“I am proud to have made both my dreams a reality.
“But it’s non-stop.
“I recently finished an A&E shift at 1pm, caught a flight at 3pm and I was on stage in Ibiza at 6pm.
“Then I was back home in time for my shift the next day at 8am.
“And I managed to get a solid seven hours of sleep.
“My secret: very careful planning and no alcohol.”
He is currently on ‘rotation’, working as an obstetrics and gynaecology doctor as part of his training to become a GP.
Dr Bodalia’s highlights include performing on a bus with his face on it for 500,000 spectators during London’s New Year’s Day Parade and making it to Ocean Beach in Ibiza.
He said: “I’ve performed at Tomorrowland and Camp Bestival on the main stage to 15,000 people immediately before Becky Hill, who was the headliner.
“I’ve also headlined ValeFest in Birmingham, performed at Pangaea Festival in Manchester, Godiva Festival Starfields and many others.”
Other highlights include an event at Sushi Samba, on the 39th floor of Heron Tower in London.
He said: “Four hundred people came on my guest list and it was the most intense, perfect rave on a Friday night .”
But finding a balance can be difficult for the doctor.
He said” “Finding the perfect balance has been a real challenge but I’ve had to find a way because this is a life I always dreamt of.
“Irregular shift patterns, long days and night-shifts in hospital can really take it out of you and it doesn’t leave much in the tank for DJ life, which itself is busy with travelling, networking and late nights.
“My greatest struggle is finding the time or space to unwind.
“I do my best to practice mindfulness, meditate and do things that help me recover, like seeing family.
“I am also very disciplined with my workout routines, sleep and nutrition because these are the foundations to optimum health, allowing me to perform at my best in everything I do.
“There was a time when a hospital put me down to work an ‘on-call’ shift even when I’d already given three months’ notice to have the day off for a major festival show.
“But after a lot of negotiation, I managed to get this sorted.
“I’m highly selective about where I perform because this is my passion outside of work and so the events should always needs to feel special to me.
“It’s also been a challenge getting the music industry to take me seriously… as they know I’m a doctor, it’s like they think my music is just a small hobby or something.”
“I’ve gotten good at switching from DJ to doctor mode.
“When I’m in hospital, I’m fully there for my patients.
“When I leave work… the party starts!”
But it wasn’t all plain sailing for this Jack of all trades.
He said: “ In the early days, I found the constant switching of mindsets from DJ to doctor (or vice versa) very mentally taxing but with practice, setting clear boundaries for work and relaxation and having supportive people around me has made this way easier.
“Colleagues are always excited to chat to me about my shows and lifestyle.
“Staff often recognise me from social media or TV and often tell me they follow me, which is cool.
“My family are incredibly supportive – in fact, my parents have travelled abroad to watch me perform.
“I have had patients say things along the lines of ‘I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before…’ to which I swiftly tell them that’s unlikely and continue with the important conversation at hand!”
Dr Bodalia has an exciting few months ahead but is staying tight-lipped about the details.
He added: “I’ve had to put shows on hold for a couple of months because I’m going on a reality TV show.
“I can’t say more than that yet but it’s coming soon!”
“Being a doctor is a passion of mine and I will definitely continue this whilst on the show, and going into the future. “
Fans can stay up to date with the doctor’s DJ events on his Instagram.
