For Ashmit Patel, the transition from Bollywood actor to celebrated DJ finds its deepest resonance not in Mumbai's studios, but on the sun-kissed shores of Goa. This isn't merely a popular gig location for him; it's a constant companion that has woven itself through the very fabric of his life, evolving from a family holiday spot to the stage where he now commands the decks.
A Lifelong Bond with Goa's Shores
Ashmit Patel's connection with Goa spans over three decades, beginning when he was just a toddler on family vacations. "I've been going to Goa since I was a toddler with my family," he shares. This was followed by the quintessential first boys' trip as a teenager. He has witnessed the state's dramatic transformation across the years, yet asserts that its inherent magic has never faded. "Over three decades, I've watched it change completely, yet the magic remains. There's just something about this place," Patel reflects with a smile, adding that returning as a performing artist to realize a childhood dream has been an unparalleled high.
The Unique Challenge of Goa's Dance Floors
Today, his visits are predominantly work-centric, but they present a unique professional challenge shaped by Goa's eclectic audience. The state's mixed crowds offer both opportunity and a test of skill. "Goa is unique because of its audience," Patel explains. He notes a clear divide: when he plays techno, the crowd is largely international, but switching to Bollywood tunes brings in audiences from across India with vastly different expectations. "Bollywood is actually harder because I'm not just a DJ—I'm an actor-DJ, so people expect a show," says the star of films like Murder, Inteha, and Nazar, and brother of actor Ameesha Patel.
Finding the Goa of the '90s: Work-Life Balance by the Sea
Despite a busy schedule that has seen him DJ for over a decade, Ashmit prioritizes balancing work with leisure in Goa. On a recent trip, he extended his stay to explore the quieter, sparsely populated beaches in the south. "There were barely two shacks and very basic accommodation. It reminded me of the Goa of the '90s. I fell in love with it all over again," he recounts. His personal Goa ritual is non-negotiable: a daily swim in the ocean, watching the sunset, and at least one surfing session per visit. "I love surfing, swimming... I'm a complete beach bum," he admits.
His passion extends to the local cuisine as well, as he declares Goa the gastronomic capital of India. "I am a big foodie too... There's always something new here that blows my mind." This deep, multifaceted bond—forged in childhood, tested on the dance floor, and renewed on secluded beaches—continues to define Ashmit Patel's artistic journey and personal escape, making every return to Goa feel like a homecoming.
