Manifest Spotlight: DJ Krish AKA The Book Of Music

One of India’s most versatile and dynamic DJs, DJ Krish or The Book of Music (TBOM), is known for his genre-fluid performances. From mixing tracks to performing in 60 cities across 40 countries, Krish’s music turns gigs into nights of unforgettable concert-like experiences.

Formerly a banker, Krish grew up under the influence of music, with music all around him. His debut as a musician was at nine years old when he started mixing on Virtual DJ and learning how to piece tracks together from YouTube tutorials. From performing his first gig for a friend at the age of 11 to burning 1.000 CDs for festive events at his boarding school at the age of 15, Krish made an identity for himself with the launch of The Book of Music in 2011.

By 2016, he bet fully on his music for his future as he made TBOM his stage identity. Since then, he has become one of the most sought-after names in the world of luxury weddings and the global club circuits. His ability to seamlessly blend music from different genres, including Bollywood, Afro House, and Punjabi, made him the go-to DJ for several high-profile events and weddings, from Jeet Adani’s wedding, Dia Mirza’s wedding, and Rohan Oha’s star-studded wedding to events for the Ambani family.

However, DJ Krish’s music was not just limited to weddings but far beyond. TBOM has taken Indian music to global platforms with his performances at Mykonos’ Taboo, Cannes’ Martinez, London’s Cirque, and New York’s Tao. In 2025, TBOM is set to play across seven countries in October before going headfirst into a packed wedding season from November to March. With his Bombay-based series, Studio 54, he is nurturing new talent and a slate of Afro house remixes ahead.

In Conversation with DJ Krish Mulchandani, The Book Of Music

Manifest: What first drew you to the world of music?

DJ Krish: My parents were social and frequently hosted gatherings, often accompanied by a DJ. I was that kid who’d stand right next to the DJ, watching everything he did. I found it fascinating how one track could blend into another, and how, in the middle of all that, the DJ could read the audience and keep the energy alive. That’s really where the spark came from, watching how music elevated a room.

My first real experiment was with a Virtual DJ. I’d download songs, make playlists, and try mixing them. That’s how I figured out the basics of beat-matching and tempo. At the same time, I’ve always had a natural ear for music. Even in boarding school, when we had compulsory music classes at 15, I was the one staying back extra hours to play the keyboard, learn notes, keys, anything I could absorb.

Of course, I don’t use Virtual DJ anymore, but it was a big part of my foundation. That’s where I learned how BPMs work, how to tell if two tracks match in tempo, bass, or vocals. I was self-taught. I’m 32 now and I started learning at 9, so it’s been a really long journey. For me, those early days were less about “influence” and more about building knowledge, curiosity, and confidence in sound.

M: You once balanced a career in banking with your passion for music. What inspired you to finally leap TBOM full-time, and how did that transition influence the way you see your craft?

DJ K: My first internship at 15 was at a stockbroking firm, driven by my interest in finance and business, which I later pursued at the University of Exeter. After graduating, I spent two years working at a bank. Yet throughout that period, music remained a constant presence in my life. While at university, I performed as a DJ at clubs and cultural events and began sharing my music online under the moniker “The Book of Music,” marking the inception of TBOM.

For two years, my life was split. Monday to Friday at the bank, and Friday to Sunday, DJ’ing. That’s what gave me the confidence to eventually leap. It wasn’t an easy decision; my parents needed time to accept it, and I truly enjoyed finance. I liked researching companies, investing, and understanding markets. But deep down, I knew my heart was waiting every week for Friday night to arrive so I could play music.

The transition was about discipline. DJing looks glamorous, but when you want to build it into a serious career, it’s about treating it like a business. I had to focus on branding, consistency, putting in time and effort, and staying resilient. I was inspired by other artists who had carved this unconventional path and balanced passion with professionalism. Looking back, it was the best decision I ever made. Today, I get to travel the world doing what I love, but with the same discipline that banking taught me.

M: TBOM is rooted in your Bombay beginnings but shaped by global sounds. How did you arrive at this unique blend of Indian energy with international beats?

DJ K: I was born and brought up in Bombay. I’ve lived in Bombay all my life, and the city has shaped me in so many ways. The hustle, the pace, the diversity,  it’s a place that thrives on energy, and that energy feeds directly into my sound. Bombay is chaotic, fast-moving, high-energy, but also deeply cultural. And that’s the mix I carry.

At the same time, I’ve studied and lived abroad, in Exeter, England, a boarding school before that, an international IB school earlier, so I’ve been exposed to global sounds as well. From artists like Lost Frequencies to Solomun, the international scene has been a huge influence.

What I’ve come to realise is that every country has its own cultural depth, its own richness in music and rhythm. India is so culturally diverse and musically rich that it naturally impacts my sound, but I’ve also been shaped by the richness I’ve experienced elsewhere, whether it’s Europe’s electronic scene, African beats, or global pop culture.

The idea for TBOM was always to bring these worlds together: Indian rhythms, nostalgia, and emotion, fused with international beats, textures, and structure. We don’t confine ourselves to one genre. Instead, we aim to be culturally diverse, no-barriers, yet rooted in who we are. To me, TBOM is about taking the essence of Music, high-energy, diverse, alive, and blending it with the global palette of sounds I’ve experienced. That cultural crossover is what makes our music unique.

M: Could you share a personal favourite set, a night or wedding that holds a special story or memory for you?

DJ K: Choosing a single favourite set is almost impossible for me. I play over 200 weddings a year, and each one brings something unique, whether it’s the grandeur of a large-scale celebration with stunning lights and powerful sound systems, or the intimacy of a smaller wedding where the energy of 100–150 guests literally surrounds the DJ booth and becomes infectious. Both extremes leave an impact.

That said, one wedding that really stands out for me recently was in Mexico City. The couple was Indian, but their families and friends had flown in from Barbados and Miami, making the crowd truly international. Playing there pushed me out of my comfort zone; I had to work harder, adapt my sound, and create moments that resonated not only with the Indian guests but also with people who had no reference to Indian music. That creative challenge was incredibly rewarding, and the balance of grand setups with intimate after-parties made it unforgettable.

But honestly, I feel every wedding and celebration has the potential to be “the best one.” If today’s wedding feels amazing, then tomorrow's should be even better; that’s the cycle that keeps me growing. Beyond weddings, one of my favourite spaces to perform is Slink & Bardot, Mumbai. It’s small, around 300 people, but it feels like home. It’s where I test new sounds, push boundaries, and perform for a crowd that knows me well. That combination of safety and experimentation makes it very special.

Of course, iconic weddings like those in Rajasthan with their blend of historic venues and modern after-parties, or even the Adani wedding and pre-wedding, where the sheer scale met with a crowd ready to celebrate, all carry their own magic. For me, the real joy lies in not picking favourites but in treating every stage, big or small, as a place to give my absolute best.

M: When designing your sets for milestone celebrations like weddings or global club nights, where does the process begin?

DJ K: For weddings, the process always begins with the couple. I want to know what they love, what they dislike, what their vision for the event is. Themes, décor, flow of events, even the personalities of their families and friends, all of these shape the music journey. Because weddings bring together everyone from five-year-olds to seventy-five-year-olds, it’s the one stage where I can experiment with every genre: Bollywood, Afro-house, hip-hop, rock, techno. I’ve even played ACDC at a London wedding because it mattered to the groom.

Planning is important, but spontaneity is equally crucial. You might plan to play techno all night, but if the room is demanding Bollywood, you need to pivot instantly. For me, it’s about building a universe of music that reflects the couple and then reading the room in real time to make it come alive.

With global club nights, the approach shifts. Here, the inspiration comes from the city and its culture. In Dubai, I’ll weave in Arabic influences; in Chicago, I’ll drop Kanye West because that’s his city; in New York, it’s Jay-Z or Beyoncé. The set should feel like it belongs to the place while still carrying my sound. Each city has its energy, and I draw from that to shape the night.

M: What kind of cues or insights do you gather from couples, families, or planners before curating the music for a wedding?

DJ K: For me, the first step is always a long conversation with the couple. I like and prefer to understand in detail what kind of music they love, and even more importantly, what they don’t want to hear. In today’s world of infinite music, avoiding something that doesn’t fit their taste can be just as crucial as playing what they like. These conversations often go deep, from their favourite artists, concerts, or festivals, to songs that carry a personal meaning for them.

Beyond that, I look closely at the theme, décor, and the overall mood they want for each function. A circus-themed sangeet, a bohemian sundowner, or a dark, underground-style afterparty all demand completely different sounds. Demographics also matter; 200 guests at a destination wedding in Europe will vibe very differently compared to 800 guests across three generations at a palace wedding in Rajasthan.

Finally, coordination with planners is key. We align on timelines, when performances start or end, when the afterparty kicks in, and how long they want the night to stretch. For me, a set isn’t just about what music I play, but when I play it. That balance comes from detailed inputs from the couple and seamless collaboration with the planning team.

M: Could you walk us through the journey of creating the soundtrack for a high-profile wedding, from planning to the final dancefloor moment?

DJ K: Every wedding has its own musical story, rooted in the couple’s journey. The process begins with a deep conversation. I spend time understanding their personal soundtrack, songs and artists that mark milestones, tracks tied to memories, and the emotions they want to feel at different moments. These conversations give us the cues that shape the entire experience. 

From there, we craft a soundtrack that’s both personal and immersive. It could be a mashup blending nostalgia and high energy, a tender moment that underscores family dances, or a peak-time track that ignites the dancefloor. Each note, each beat is carefully placed to reflect the couple’s identity while guiding the energy of the celebration.

What makes it unforgettable is the integration of music with lighting, visuals, SFX, and timing. That one perfectly timed track, the one that resonates emotionally and sonically, becomes a memory that guests will talk about long after the day ends. For the couple, it’s a story told through music; for the audience, it’s a moment that defines the celebration.

M: Many of your performances bring together Bollywood, Punjabi, Afro house, and progressive sounds. How do you balance nostalgia with freshness to make each night unforgettable?

DJ K: Balancing multiple genres starts with understanding the couple’s personal journey. I dive into their stories, their favourite artists, and the tracks that have been part of their milestones, whether it’s a college anthem, a love song, or a track that makes them feel alive. These become the DNA of the wedding’s soundtrack.

Each function has its own identity: the haldi thrives on vibrant, playful energy; the sangeet leans into emotional peaks; sundowners often call for globally inspired fresh sounds; and after-parties demand high-energy drops. Nostalgic tracks work best later in the night when the crowd is fully immersed, think classics that give goosebumps. Fresh, trending tracks hit earlier, shaping the evening’s vibe and keeping the experience current and exciting.

Execution is everything. Music is woven with visuals, lighting, SFX, and precise timing so that every moment peaks perfectly. When the right track drops at the right moment and the dancefloor moves as one, it’s more than music, it’s an emotional, communal experience. For the couple, it tells their story; for the guests, it becomes the heartbeat of the night.

M: TBOM has been part of some iconic celebrations, from Hardik Pandya’s wedding to Alia Bhatt’s baby shower. What are some of the unique challenges and thrills of performing at weddings on that scale?

DJ K: The thrill of playing high-profile weddings is undeniable. Imagine playing a Shah Rukh Khan track with Shah Rukh himself on the dancefloor; that’s a surreal moment. Or playing a Salim-Sulaiman track while the artists are right there enjoying it with everyone else.

The challenge is in balance; you want to treat them like regular guests while also acknowledging the excitement of the moment. Privacy and professionalism are key. I’d say I get nervous before every wedding, no matter who the clients are, because that nervousness keeps me sharp.

But high-profile or not, the principle remains the same: be on your toes, respect the room, and give your best. The scale might be bigger, but the essence, creating experiences and connection through music, is the same, and I’m beyond grateful to be able to do that for them.

M: Music is central to Indian weddings. How do you see TBOM reimagining that experience for today’s generation of couples?

DJ K: TBOM, The Book of Music, was built on the idea that every wedding and celebration deserves a unique soundscape. We don’t play generic playlists. Instead, we merge house, hip-hop, Bollywood, Punjabi, Afro beats, techno, and even classic lyrics reimagined into new productions to create something fresh for every couple.

Indian weddings themselves have evolved. Where once they were strictly about Indian music, today’s couples want a mix: the comfort of Bollywood, the energy of house, the groove of Afro, the global flavour of hip-hop. We take pride in having brought house music culture into Indian weddings, opening up that palette.

What makes TBOM special is our ability to align sound with theme, décor, and vibe. A sundowner might lean towards house music, while a sangeet explodes with Bollywood and Punjabi. No two functions ever sound the same, and no two weddings ever feel alike.

India is musically and culturally rich, and we draw from that, but we also learn from global cultures. Just as Indian weddings are embracing international sounds, our music also carries influences from places I’ve played around the world. That fusion allows us to reimagine weddings not only as celebrations, but as experiences.

For me, two things define a wedding: the food and the music. Music, played at the right time, in the right way, can transform the atmosphere. And that’s the space TBOM is constantly reinventing for today’s generation.

M: How do you approach wedding collaborations differently from your international gigs, whether it’s curating a destination setlist or tailoring music for multiple cultures in one night?

DJ K: Weddings and international shows are two completely different worlds for us. At weddings, sets can run four to five hours, sometimes even longer, and it’s not just about the music; it’s about the full production. From intricate set design and lighting rigs to synchronised visuals, special effects, and stage layout, every detail is tailored to the couple and their guests. 

In one night alone, I might move from hip-hop to house, Bollywood, Punjabi, and then close with nostalgic tracks that bring everyone together, constantly reading the room across generations and moods. The logistics are massive: coordinating timing with multiple events, integrating live performances, and ensuring the entire experience, from décor to sound, flows seamlessly.

International shows, by contrast, are usually two to three hours, so the approach shifts. Here, it’s about where we’re playing, the size of the venue, the sound system, the city, and the vibe. Whether it’s a club in Ibiza, a festival stage in St. Tropez, or even a gala at the Cannes Film Festival, I usually focus on one or two genres and create a tight, high-energy journey that flows from start to finish. Unlike weddings, international sets rarely involve coordinating multiple stages or themes or age gaps; it’s a performance designed for the crowd in front of you. Weddings are about people, their stories, and moments; clubs are about crafting a curated musical journey.

M: What has been the most unusual or memorable wedding brief you’ve received so far?

DJ K: Over the years, we’ve had some very unique briefs. Couples have asked for entire sets based on 70s and 80s rock, or very niche Punjabi tracks from the 60s and 70s that I had to go and study. Sometimes the couple has very specific preferences, but the audience doesn’t necessarily connect with that, so the challenge is balancing both worlds, honouring the couple’s vision while still keeping the dance floor alive.

We’ve even had requests tied to unusual functions or ceremonies I’d never heard of before, where families wanted curated soundtracks to match their traditions. But I never see these as unusual or strange. For me, it’s their most important day, so it’s about respecting those wishes, educating myself when needed, and weaving in that personalisation in a way that works for everyone.

M: Today’s couples look for personalisation in every aspect of their celebration. How does TBOM cater to that desire through music?

DJ K: Today’s couples look for personalisation in every aspect of their celebration, and music is no exception. Every wedding has its own story, and we focus on creating soundtracks that are uniquely theirs. This could mean songs that hold a special emotional connection, artists that represent a chapter of their journey, or simply tracks they love, and just as importantly, tracks they don’t. Understanding these preferences is crucial, as it allows us to craft moments that feel truly personal and memorable.

We welcome all input from couples and use it to shape our music, sound, and overall experience. This could range from aligning the soundtrack with a theme, such as a whimsical circus-inspired party, a dark, immersive “boiler room” setup, or a festival vibe reminiscent of Tomorrowland with artists like Avicii and David Guetta to curating music that resonates with the mood and energy of each event.

For us, the more insight we receive, the more we can create a soundtrack that leaves a lasting impression. Every choice, every beat, and every musical transition is designed to make the wedding unforgettable, not just for the couple, but for all their guests. Personalisation is at the heart of what we do, and it ensures that each celebration feels distinct, meaningful, and entirely theirs.

M: Design plays a key role in your work, from reading the room to layering beats and visuals. Where do you draw your inspiration from?

DJ K: Inspiration for me comes from everywhere. Travel is a huge part of it; spending time in places like Mykonos, Ibiza, St. Tropez, Italy, Mallorca, Rajasthan, Goa, or even Santa Fe has completely shaped the way I look at sound and performance. Each place has its own culture, its own energy, its own relationship with music and seeing how DJs and venues use layout, light, and sound inspires me to rethink how I connect with my own audiences. Every summer, I take time off just to immerse myself in different music scenes around the world, and those experiences always filter back into my sets.

But it’s not just travel. My mentors, competitors, and peers constantly push me to evolve. Watching how other DJs integrate technology, like Anyma’s use of holographic and interactive visuals, motivates me to think beyond just music and create holistic experiences. That’s what inspired our audio-visual show “X,” where we sync music, lights, and cutting-edge visuals into one journey.

Culture also plays a huge role in my inspiration. India itself is incredibly rich and diverse, every state, every region brings its own rhythm, instruments, and traditions. At the same time, when I travel internationally, I see other cultures equally rooted in their own identities, yet open to global influences. It’s fascinating to see how music becomes a bridge across these worlds. That cultural richness, both Indian and global, constantly pushes me to expand my boundaries and keep reinventing.

At the end of the day, inspiration is everywhere, in the music I discover daily, in the places I visit, and in the people I meet. It’s about staying open, curious, and willing to absorb it all into my craft.

M: Finally, what advice would you give to couples who want their wedding music to feel truly unforgettable?

DJ K: If I were to offer one key piece of advice to couples, it would be this: invest time in understanding what you love, share your ideas, preferences, and inspirations, and then trust the DJ to translate that vision into a seamless musical journey. Weddings are long, immersive experiences, filled with evolving moods, energy shifts, and unforgettable moments. 

Micromanaging every detail only distracts from the magic. Instead, allow yourself to be present, to soak in the moments we’re crafting for you.

Every input you give, the songs that resonate with you, the artists that define your journey, or even the sounds you’d rather avoid, becomes the foundation for a soundtrack that is uniquely yours. The key to making it truly unforgettable lies in giving the DJ the creative freedom to bring that vision to life. Trust the process, release the urge to control every beat, and immerse yourself in the joy of the day with your friends and family. That’s when the music, the energy, and the memories coalesce into an experience you will carry with you forever.