After a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Rifco Theatre's DJ-duo, Pali & Jay, are touring the UK with their show, ‘Pali & Jay’s Ultimate Asian Wedding DJ Roadshow’. This comedy takes you behind the scenes of a desi-disco party, featuring an uncle-nephew DJ duo navigating family expectations and dancefloor antics. The show promises an entertaining night out while reflecting on real-life experiences of British South Asians.
In an interview with Asian Voice, the show director Ameet Chana spoke about the inspiration behind the show, challenges they faced and much more.
What inspired you to direct ‘Pali & Jay’s Ultimate Asian Wedding DJ Roadshow’? How did the idea for the show come about?
Viraj Janeja, the writer and performer, initially approached us with the concept for an online digital show. At Rifco, where we also produce online content, we saw great potential in his idea. Pravesh Kumar MBE, our artistic director, was equally enthusiastic. We decided to transform the concept into a stage show, focusing on a two-hand comedy featuring a dynamic uncle-nephew duo as DJs.
With over 16 years as a roadshow DJ, I deeply connected with Viraj’s idea, which echoes my own experiences in the wedding scene. The show offers a unique perspective by focusing on the DJ’s role, an angle rarely explored. This fresh viewpoint provides an authentic look at the DJ’s experience, making the show stand out.
As the show director, what were some of the challenges you faced in portraying the cultural nuances of South Asian weddings?
What we've achieved brilliantly is creating a vibrant wedding experience with just two actors on stage. Despite the minimal cast, we’ve managed to bring a full wedding atmosphere to life through effective lighting, content, and scripting. As an audience member, you become part of the wedding, with moments that make you feel like the guests. We’ve designed interactions where you take on roles as if you’re part of the event—experiencing the delays with the caterers and the bride and groom taking photos somewhere. This immersive approach ensures that, despite the limited cast, you never feel the absence of a larger ensemble, as the audience seamlessly fills the role of the wedding guests.
What was your vision for how the show should represent the evolving nature of British South Asian weddings, from the traditional elements to the modern-day influences?
Pali and Jay’s show offers a unique perspective by highlighting the often-overlooked viewpoint of the Asian wedding DJ. It delves into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the job: where DJs park their vans, how they load equipment, and the pressures they face from guests requesting songs. This fresh take provides a rare look at the DJ’s role in an Asian wedding, a perspective rarely seen before.
Pali, the senior DJ, represents a more traditional approach. His setup, rooted in the early 2000s, focuses on the artistry of DJing rather than flashy equipment or modern trappings like big TV screens and elaborate lighting rigs. He prioritises delivering exceptional music and memorable experiences for the bride and groom over showy displays. This contrast highlights how the DJ's role has evolved—or in Pali's case, remained steadfastly true to its roots—focusing on the craft rather than modern gimmicks. This approach offers a nostalgic nod to the early days of DJing, emphasising the enduring importance of entertainment quality over technological advancements.
What message or takeaway do you hope viewers, both South Asian and non-South Asian, get from watching this show?
This show offers a unique perspective by presenting two South Asian men on stage addressing mental health, relationships, and male issues—topics rarely explored in such a setting. It might be the first time you see a comedy that not only entertains but also provides a platform for discussing South Asian male experiences. Viraj has brilliantly crafted a moment of genuine male bonding, highlighting issues that are often overlooked both within South Asian communities and beyond. Men are frequently taught to suppress their struggles and emotions, but this show breaks that mould. Through humour, Viraj brings to light profound emotional content within the uncle-nephew dynamic, offering a rare and valuable exploration of male vulnerability and connection.
