With over 20 years in the music industry, more than 2,400 performances and shows across 20-plus countries, DJ Rink has carved a niche in a traditionally male-dominated profession. However, establishing herself has not been easy, with female DJs often having to work harder to earn recognition and performance opportunities. Recalling the stereotypes she faced, Rink says, “People assumed I was there for the look, or that someone else was behind my music. I never argued. I let the music do the talking, and once the dance floor fills up, the doubts disappear.”Interestingly, her journey into music began after an MBA and a career in marketing. However, her passion for music eventually led her to take up DJing professionally. “I haven’t looked back in over twenty years,” she says.For Rink, understanding the audience is central to a successful performance. Every crowd has a different energy, and a DJ must know when to build excitement, slow things down or take an unexpected musical turn.Reflecting on the evolution of India’s DJ scene, she says the industry has grown considerably, with music festivals, DJ schools and Indian artists performing internationally. Audiences, too, have become more aware of the craft.Having performed across continents, Rink describes her sets as a blend of global sounds and Indian sensibilities, driven by emotion and storytelling rather than just beats. Her advice to aspiring female DJs is to master the craft before chasing fame. She encourages them to understand music, practise relentlessly, create opportunities and not wait for permission to follow their dreams. For Rink, success is about creating a connection with audiences that lasts long after the music stops.