From Boardroom to beats, steel to sound: The corporate mom redefining the DJ booth

⁠DJ Nehal is the sound of every woman, refusing to choose just one version of herself and a living proof that passion doesn’t have to wait for retirement. For a long time, Nehal Shah was known for roles people easily understood – a professional in the steel industry, a mother, and a working woman managing everyday responsibilities. Today, that identity has expanded.Alongside her structured corporate life, she has stepped into the world of music as a DJ, not as a break from one life, but as an extension of it.By day, her routine revolves around meetings, numbers, and professional commitments, along with managing family responsibilities. But somewhere between that routine and the rhythm of family life, music stopped being background noise. It became a calling, she could no longer ignore. Her journey into DJing was not instant. It required learning, consistency, and discipline. The craft demands technical skill, timing, and the ability to understand an audience in real time. Nehal approached it with the same focus she applied in her professional life.With guidance from industry mentors, she worked on developing her skills and building her own style. Over time, she started gaining attention for her ability to mix different sounds and create engaging sets.Despite this progress, what stands out more than the performances is what her journey represents. “The boardroom taught me discipline, but the DJ booth taught me freedom, and I chose to live both,” she says.Her story reflects a shift that many working professionals, especially women, are quietly exploring: the idea that one identity does not have to replace another. Instead of choosing between career, family, and passion, there is space to balance all three, even if it takes time.She has performed at some of the most sought-after venues across the globe, including Paris, Dubai, Hong Kong, Amsterdam , Mumbai & brands. As a mother, stepping into a space often associated with a younger crowd and nightlife culture brings its own challenges. But it also offers a different perspective. Nehal’s approach is shaped by patience, life experience, and emotional awareness.“Being a mom has taught me patience, creativity, and resilience. Those same qualities help me connect with people when I’m performing. It’s not just music; it reflects my life,” she says.Her journey continues to evolve as she builds her presence in the music space while continuing her professional role. Through her work, she reflects a broader idea that personal growth does not have a fixed timeline.For many, her story serves as a reminder that passion does not need to be postponed. It can grow alongside responsibilities, shaped by them rather than limited by them.Nehal Shah’s path highlights a simple idea: it is possible to carry multiple identities at once without giving up one to make space for another.