There are many VDJ’s who chase fame, flawless mixes, and technical perfection. But Shaan Mann belongs to a rare group, those who chase moments, connection, and trust.
Born in 1998, Shaan Mann’s entry into the world of music was unplanned and humble. At just 14 years old, he was handed the VDJ headphones unexpectedly during a party. He had no idea what he was doing, no sync, no plan, just two tracks loaded. When he started playing, something surprising happened: the crowd suddenly filled the dance floor. That moment changed everything.
Shaan Mann says that he realized being a VDJ was not about showing off taste or techniques. It was about listening and reading the room. He was not controlling the night; he was having a conversation with it.
From that night onward, Shaan Mann stopped trying to just play songs and started playing people.
From School Parties to Empty Rooms: A Journey of Patience and Humility
After that first breakthrough, Shaan Mann said yes to everything: school parties, birthday celebrations, house parties, opening sets, private events, and even gigs where no one showed up. Every opportunity was a chance to learn.
He recalls chasing each and every moment of his life. Those early days were not glamorous. Shaan Mann had to learn timing, patience, and humility. He figured out what songs work with which crowd and how energy shifts throughout the night.
As an open-format VDJ, Shaan Mann focused on understanding what moves people, not just the music itself.
When Music Became More Than Just Sound
For Shaan Mann, music was a gateway to something bigger.
He admits that his parents were not supportive at first. He took a 9 to 5 recruitment job because he thought he had to, but he always knew he wanted instant truth, the kind that only music and a live crowd can give.
Unlike office jobs where feedback arrives weeks later, a VDJ gets instant reactions. That immediate connection was something Shaan Mann craved.
Eventually, he quit his job to pursue music full time.
Shaan Mann explains that VDJing sits perfectly between art and service. He loves translating emotion into sound, turning chaos into flow, and strangers into a community.
Struggles Behind the Spotlight
The road was not easy for Shaan Mann.
Sometimes, he says, you are good, but no one seems to notice. Promoters do not reply, gigs do not come, and it is easy to feel invisible.
Even today, Shaan Mann faces dry spells and the constant need to promote himself on social media.
Money was a major challenge as well. VDJ equipment is expensive, and gigs can be unpredictable.
He says that you have to love it enough to keep going because you chose to.
His passion and perseverance kept him moving forward.
Redefining Success
Early in his career, Shaan Mann believed success meant flawless sets and proving he belonged on stage. But the nights people remember are rarely perfect.
Presence matters more than perfection, Shaan Mann explains. He respects the room, values collaboration over competition, and understands that trends, gear, and styles will always change.
This mindset helped him build something more valuable than trophies, trust.
More Than 50 Titles, But One Real Gold Medal
Shaan Mann has won over 50 VDJ titles across India, including multiple War of VDJs championships. But he says his greatest achievement is the trust he has earned from his crowd, friends, and fellow VDJs.
He says the biggest honor is being the VDJ people trust to play the last track of the night.
That final song decides how the night is remembered.
What’s Next for Shaan Mann?
Right now, Shaan Mann is focused on creating new music projects that he believes will offer a fresh experience globally.
He shares that he is waiting for the right moment for his projects to blast.
Rather than rushing, Shaan Mann prefers letting his work speak when the time is right.
How Shaan Mann Wants to Be Remembered
Shaan Mann does not want to be the loudest or flashiest VDJ. He wants to be remembered as someone who played with intention, someone who respected the crowd, the room, and fellow artists.
He hopes people say he was solid, easy to work with, and someone who helped others grow. He wants to be known as someone who did not pull the ladder up behind him.
Advice to Aspiring VDJs
Shaan Mann’s advice is simple and honest.
He warns not to get into VDJing for the wrong reasons, not for girls, drinks, or fame. He urges aspiring VDJs to get into it only if they truly love music and respect the culture.
He stresses the importance of hard work, sleepless nights, and constant self-promotion on social media. He also warns about naysayers and negativity.
Shaan Mann says not to listen to the haters, be yourself, and surround yourself with good people.
The Real Drop
At the end of the day, Shaan Mann is not chasing perfection or fame. He is chasing that split second when the right track hits and a hundred people lose themselves in the music at once. That is when he knows he is exactly where he is meant to be.
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