With 23 years of experience, city lad DJ Kunal Bose has the prized assignment of playing at Eden Gardens for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Ahead of the semi-final clash between South Africa and Australia today at Eden Gardens, The Telegraph caught up with Kunal in an exclusive chat on his experience of being the official DJ, making Virat Kohli dance and more.

Congratulations on being the official DJ for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Eden Gardens, Calcutta...

I have been associated with sports entertainment from a very long time. My journey as a DJ specifically at Eden Gardens has been a culmination of passion, experience and strong professional relationships. Having been the official DJ for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL since 2009-10 and being a part of major tournaments like the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup has allowed me to build a solid foundation in sports entertainment.

My long standing collaboration with DNA Network has played a pivotal role in this journey. Overall, it’s a story of dedication, collaboration, and a shared love for sports and music that has paved the way for me to be the DJ for these iconic cricketing events.

How does it feel to play at Eden Gardens as a part of the World Cup?

Playing at Eden Gardens is more than just amazing; it’s a culmination of emotions, historical significance, the roaring crowd, and the electric vibe.... it just feels like a homecoming, and the energy from the crowd adds an extra layer of motivation.

Stepping into a 50-over match for the first time brings an extra excitement. Considering my history with KKR since 2009-10 and previous participation in the T20 World Cup in India, Eden feels like a familiar, cherished ground. It’s not just about the game; it’s about the journey and connection with the team and the city.

This World Cup will surely be an unforgettable experience as I could play a small role in contributing to the entertainment for the cricket fans at Eden Gardens.

Tell us about your playlist. What types of song are well-received by the crowd?

As for the crowd’s music preferences, the fans at Eden are exceptional. Their enthusiasm for patriotic songs like Hindustani, then India waale from Happy New Year, and the iconic Jai ho is unparalleled. It’s more than a music choice; it’s a collective expression of national pride, creating an electric atmosphere that resonates with everyone in the stadium.

India’s match with South Africa was electrifying! The crowd went crazy during the light show...

Yes, it was insane! Vibrant lasers cutting through the night sky, choreographed to the beats of energetic soundtracks and the patriotic anthem Vande Mataram! It was a visual extravaganza that elevated the overall ambiance, creating a mesmerising atmosphere for everyone in the stadium. The light show had incredible setup combined with tracks like Dil jashan jashan, Ping Pong, and Vande Mataram. The way the entire stadium reciprocated and sang along when Vande Mataram was played gave me goosebumps.

It was surreal and a moment of pride for me, to be in my own hometown representing as the Official DJ for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Eden Gardens, Calcutta, playing music for the Indian team especially with the sea of blue supporting and cheering at the stadium.

Not to forget, you played Ainvayi ainvayi and My name is Lakhan for Virat and his dancing videos went viral...

Yes! He was the birthday boy after all! All eyes were on him, I thought of these two tracks for him that day and since he is quite a sport, he jived to it! It was amazing to see him respond to the tracks I played.

What’s your message for Team India?The entire team is playing as a unit and that is the reason behind their success. The nation stands behind the team, cheering for every run, wicket, and victory. Best of luck, Team India! Pictures: DJ Kunal Bose