DJ Rekha, known as “Bhangra’s Ambassador,” discusses her journey and the impact of her work in the Asian and Pacific diasporas in the opening film of CAAMFest 2026, *The A List*.
DJ Rekha, often referred to as “Bhangra’s Ambassador,” is a prominent figure in the fusion of traditional Bhangra and Bollywood sounds with hip-hop, dub, and electronic dance music in North America. Directed by Eugene Yi, *The A List* serves as the opening film at CAAMFest 2026, showcasing a compilation of 15 stories that delve into identity within the Asian and Pacific diasporas. The film features notable personalities, including actor Sandra Oh, comedian Kumail Nanjiani, Senator Tammy Duckworth, entrepreneur and social activist Amanda Nguyen, and DJ Rekha herself.
Born Rekha Malhotra in London, DJ Rekha has made a significant impact on the music scene in New York City. Her iconic Basement Bhangra club night, which launched in 1997, became a global phenomenon, popularizing the genre in clubs across the city. The film premiered on May 7 at the AMC Kabuki in San Francisco and is set to debut on May 13 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, with streaming available on HBO Max.
In a conversation with *India Currents* ahead of the screening, DJ Rekha reflected on the complexities of identity and the immigrant experience. She emphasized that assimilation is not always a natural process and that identity can shift depending on context.
“I think every immigrant’s path is unique, and the idea that assimilation is natural is not always true,” DJ Rekha stated. “In many ways, it depends on class position. There are many immigrants who feel safe in their own communities, and I don’t think that needing to adapt to a new environment means you don’t have self-love.”
DJ Rekha, who identifies as a queer South Asian non-binary person, shared her perspective on safety and identity. “For me, safety cannot be easily described, and it’s dependent on many things, including the current political climate. Sometimes, I can feel more unsafe with people from my same ethnic background than I can in other spaces.”
In the film, DJ Rekha discusses the importance of creating spaces for joy, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11. “A place where you can dance is a place of joy,” she explained. “After 9/11, the public messaging was, ‘Don’t let the terrorists win’—whatever that means. Islamophobia was on the rise, and folks in New York City whose families were being targeted didn’t feel safe going out.”
DJ Rekha noted that many attendees of her Basement Bhangra parties were involved in activism against these oppressive policies. “Activism and revolution are hard work—you need a place to blow off steam. My intention to hold our September 2001 party was to give people that kind of space. Although Basement Bhangra is no longer a monthly party, my goal remains the same in every space I play.”
Reflecting on her journey into DJing, DJ Rekha shared that she did not consciously choose to make it her primary vocation. “I was always drawn to creative pursuits but was not sure how to make that into a career,” she said. “I worked in nonprofits, community organizations, and even a financial company while struggling to finish my undergraduate degree.”
Her journey took a pivotal turn when she formed a DJ crew with her cousins, Deepak and Nitin Kapoor. “After they moved back to India, I wasn’t sure I could do it alone, but then I met Jay Bhattacharya, a college radio DJ. We bonded over Queens and NY hip-hop, and a year after our first gig, we were playing at Central Park SummerStage. The year after that, we started Basement Bhangra, which ran for 20 years.”
DJ Rekha credited the success of Basement Bhangra and the community it fostered for empowering her to embrace music as her main career. “One of the people who was a huge support during these early days was Sarita Khurana, who has two films in the festival—*A Seat at the Table* and *The Last Resort*.”
When asked about her influences, DJ Rekha expressed her admiration for her parents and their ability to build community. “Musically, I was very into Prince, hip-hop, Hindi film music, and new wave. I also drew inspiration from poets and writers like Nikki Giovanni, James Baldwin, and Audre Lorde.”
The 2026 CAAMFest runs from May 7 to May 10, with ticket prices ranging from $13 to $80. For more information about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit CAAMFest.com.
The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting the diversity of Asian American experiences through film, television, and digital media. *India Currents* is a media partner of CAAMFest.
According to *India Currents*, DJ Rekha’s contributions to the music scene continue to resonate, bridging cultural gaps and fostering community through the power of dance and music.