Frontline doctor and former Warwick School head boy uses DJ and music skills to lift people's spirits

A frontline doctor and former Warwick School pupil is using his DJ and music skills to the lift people's spirits.

Kishan Bodalia is a doctor on a respiratory ward and in A&E at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

Kishan, who lives in Coventry, went to Warwick School and was Head Boy in 2012/13.

The 25-year-old, who started a path as a DJ during university, was inspired to do something when he saw how low morale was and created NHSessions.

He said: "Early on during the pandemic I began to realise how morale was incredibly low across the board, among my colleagues but also for those stuck at home during lockdown.

"Myself and my colleagues were facing both physical and emotional challenges and so I launched ’NHSessions’ to lift spirits and celebrate the hard work of our frontline workers.

"It all started with a DJ set in my scrubs in my kitchen after a night-shift that I posted on Instagram, followed by performances from talented upcoming and established artists.

"Overnight NHSessions received strong support from the likes of Wayne Lineker, BBC Radio 1 DJs, KISS FM DJs, Julius Cowdrey (singer and previously in Made in Chelsea), Ryan Prescott (Coronation Street), Martin2Smoove (Eve’s tour DJ), DJ Cuppy, Disciples and many others.

"It was having an amazing impact around the world, I was overwhelmed by the support and energy behind NHSessions so I kept going.

"Health and fitness are also very important to me. I have been doing livestream collaborations with top influencers - they do a live workout whilst I DJ for them. A highlight has been the Friday night livestreams with chef and doctor Rupy, who cooks whilst I DJ."

Kishan graduated from medical school less than a year ago and was faced with the pandemic.

He said: "As I began to feel more comfortable in my role as a doctor, the pandemic struck and the learning curve steepened at an almost unmanageable rate.

"Seeing patients deteriorate so quickly has been heart-breaking.

"The virus is relentless and often I have felt helpless.

"The physical and emotional demands combined with the unpredictability of the situation instilled anxiety, fear and sadness within me.

"I am grateful to my senior colleagues who have ensured we are well-supported and working in as safe an environment as possible."

Kishan has also had a number of milestones thanks to his music.

He said: "In my third year of medical school, I won a global DJ contest which a life-changing experience.

"I have played at some of the most prestigious clubs and festivals in the world (notably, Tomorrowland in Belgium) and signed remixes to major labels including Sony Music.

"Music is my passion and will always be a massive part of my life. I would love to continue performing, releasing music and using NHSessions as a platform for upcoming artists to get their music heard."

The doctor was also selected as BBC Radio 1's Hero of the Day and was featured on Sky News.

He said: "I was on Sky News in May. A Tik Tok video of me dancing in scrubs with my colleague was seen by Sport England and chosen for their national campaign, encouraging people to workout at home in line with government guidance.

"Sky News spoke to me about how I’m lifting spirits through NHSessions and staying fit and healthy.

"I did a DJ set on Sky News, playing one of my favourite new tracks, the Purple Disco Machine remix of ‘On My Mind’ by Diplo and Sidepiece.

"My dream is to continue inspiring people through great music and encouraging healthy lifestyles. I’m already looking forward to festivals in 2021."

To find out more about NHSessions go to: https://www.bodalia.co.uk/nhsessions or follow @bodaliadj on Instagram.