For this week’s Hot Seat, Out N About sat down with Danny Daswani, founder of D Entertainment, who is in his 14th year of hosting this Bollywood Night in St. Maarten. Though he was born in India, he actually grew up in St. Maarten. He enjoys hosting Bollywood events as a way of bringing both of his “homes” together through music and dance. He has been residing on our beautiful, friendly island for more the three decades. He loves to see the diverse crowd that attends this annual cultural event. He has pulled in DJ Arjun in combination with drummer Ravi Bindra to create a dynamic experience for his guests this year. Danny invites you to come to this epic night out.
Danny wants you to get ready for a night of celebration, music, and connection with world-class performances by both DJ Arjun and Ravi Bindra – an event you won’t want to miss!
Tell Us ... How did D Entertainment start?
My friends always tell me, till today, that I organise amazing parties and I should do it professionally. And one day, 14 years ago, I decided to merge my passions of bringing people together and organising parties and founded an entertainment company. “D” is the first initial from my first name and last name, that’s how “D Entertainment” was born.
What inspired you host Bollywood Nights?
Music! The beauty of music is such that it needs no language. Bollywood music to me is very much like some of the Caribbean music – all about beats and makes you want to move. It’s about dancing from your heart and soul and seeing people let loose, let go of stress for some time and live in the moment is very satisfying. And also bringing a little Indian Culture to the island.
What makes St. Maarten Magical to you?
St. Maarten is all magic to me. I’ve lived here for over three decades and I am in awe of its beauty and simplicity. I have seen the island grow with me. I love the acceptance on the Island we have so many different cultures, languages and cuisines co-existing peacefully just like our borderless governments. The Unity in diversity is what makes us so magical and special.
How do you overcome challenges or keep a positive mindset?
My life has definitely been a journey of twists and turns and I am the kind of person who doesn’t take things too personally or seriously. I believe in taking it one day at a time especially when I feel overwhelmed. Life teaches you to have faith in yourself. I choose to keep an attitude of gratitude on a daily basis. And above all, family is strength especially my little 18 month old boy. He is my driving force.
Describe your dream Bollywood event?
A big big dream would be to invite DJ Chetas India’s no.1 Bollywood DJ to St. Maarten. He is just outstanding. His mixes, his tunes are to be heard live to be believed. I hope to be able to host him soon. Another dream event would be hosting Live Singers Arijit Singh, Diljit Dosanjh and Atif Aslam, they are true legends in their own rights and hearing them live is sure to give you goosebumps. D Entertainment strives to realise these dreams of course with the unwavering support and unconditional co-operation of the Island residents.
What inspirational quote or song lyric would you like to leave us with?
It’s from an old Indian movie called Anari which means Simpleton but it’s a very popular and apt song even today, and it was one of my mom’s favourite too, it goes –
Kisi ki muskurahaton pe ho nisar
Kisi ka dard mil sake to le udhaar
Kisi ke waaste ho tere dil mein pyaar
Jeena isi ka naam hai
It loosely translates to –
To fall in love with someone’s smile,
To make someone’s pain less
To have love for someone in your heart,
This is what is called life/living
Tell us about about the up coming Bollywood Dhamaka Vol 2
This is the second of its kind where alongside the DJ we have a live Dholi (who is the Indian drummer) matching the beats of the music. The Dholi, very popular in North India and gaining a lot of popularity in weddings, is a magnificent instrument. It not only adds beats but elevates the whole mood of the party.
DJ Arjun and Ravi Bindra are such great talented individuals and we are so excited to bring them on the D Entertainment team. It’s going to be an epic night and you would miss out if you didn’t come! Pressales have sold out but there will be tickets sold at the door! Hope to see you there dancing with the beats!
