THE WILD RHYTHM OF HER OWN DRUM
Sonia Birje, actress and DJ also known as Jungle Baby is shattering glass ceilings behind the console and on the silver screen — proving that inheriting a legendary legacy is only the prologue to writing your own rules.
Sonia Birje is redefining what it means to inherit a legacy. The daughter of Bollywood’s iconic Tarzan, Hemant Birje, she has deliberately stepped out of the cinematic shadows to carve an unapologetic, dual-identity path as a powerhouse actress and a chart-topping global DJ.
From Bollywood To The DJ Console: Her Journey Across Two Worlds
Fresh off groundbreaking international sets and high-octane film roles, the multi-hyphenate artist sits down with Downtown Mirror, India edition to talk about breaking industry stereotypes, commanding crowds of thousands, and ruling her own dance floor.
Excerpts…
Q1. How did growing up around your father Hemant Birje’s cinematic legacy shape your personal work ethic?
Sonia Birje. Growing up as Hemant Birje’s daughter was definitely special. My father was an iconic figure, and watching the love and admiration he received taught me something very early in life — fame can introduce you to the world, but it’s your individuality and hard work that make people remember you.
I have immense pride in my father’s legacy, but I’ve always believed that a legacy is something you honour, not something you hide behind. I inherited my love for entertainment, but my ambition has always been my own. Whether it’s acting or music, I’ve wanted to create an identity that reflects who I am as a woman and an artist. I was born into a legacy, but I was never born to live in its shadow.
Q2. What were the biggest hurdles you faced establishing an identity independent of your family name?
Sonia Birje. The biggest challenge was breaking people’s preconceived notions. When you come from a film family, people often assume your journey must have been easier. But having a recognised surname doesn’t automatically earn you respect, opportunities, or success.
I wanted people to see Sonia Birje, the individual, rather than just someone’s daughter. There have been rejections, struggles, moments of uncertainty, and times when I’ve had to prove myself repeatedly. But those experiences made me stronger and more determined. I’ve never been interested in taking shortcuts. I believe there is a different kind of satisfaction in building something that truly belongs to you. My father’s name is my pride, but my identity is my own achievement.
Glamour is wonderful, and I absolutely embrace it, but beauty may catch someone’s attention — performance is what stays with them.
Q3. What drew you to playing Selene in Deepak Tijori’s thriller Tipppsy?
Sonia Birje. I’ve always been attracted to characters that have layers, attitude, and an element of unpredictability. Selene offered me an opportunity to explore a different side of myself as a performer. What excited me about Tipppsy was its unconventional storytelling, the intensity, and the opportunity to be part of a thriller where the characters weren’t necessarily predictable.
I don’t want to be an actress who is limited to looking glamorous on screen. Glamour is wonderful, and I absolutely embrace it, but I also want to surprise audiences with my performances. For me, acting is about transformation, taking risks, and stepping outside your comfort zone. Beauty may catch someone’s attention, but performance is what stays with them.
Q4. How has adapting to South Indian cinema with Psyche challenged you as an actress?
Sonia Birje. Working across different film industries is an exciting experience because every industry has its own storytelling language and creative energy. What I particularly admire about South Indian cinema is the emotional depth and conviction with which stories are told. There is tremendous attention to character, emotions, and the connection with the audience.
Bollywood has its own magic, scale, glamour, and storytelling traditions, so I see both industries as offering different opportunities to grow. With Psyche, stepping into Kannada cinema has encouraged me to become more adaptable and explore another dimension of my craft. As an actress, I never want language or geography to define my limitations. For me, emotions have no language, and talent should have no boundaries.
Q5. Did you have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously as a female DJ, especially coming from acting?
Sonia Birje. Absolutely. The DJ industry has traditionally been male-dominated, and when you’re a woman who also comes from acting and glamour, people can sometimes underestimate your musical abilities before they’ve even heard you perform. But I’ve never believed in fighting stereotypes with arguments. I prefer breaking them through my work.
When I’m behind the console, my music speaks for me. My energy, my understanding of the crowd, my musical choices, and the atmosphere I create are what matter. Being glamorous doesn’t make me any less talented or serious about my craft. I love fashion, I love being feminine, and I love being powerful. I don’t see why a woman should have to sacrifice one part of herself to be respected for another. I don’t believe a woman needs to look less glamorous to be taken more seriously. Talent and femininity can be equally powerful.
Also Read : Adnan Khan – The Rise Of A Versatile Actor | EXCLUSIVE
Q6. What is the origin of your stage name Jungle Baby, and how does it represent your musical alter ego?
Sonia Birje. Jungle Baby is definitely a playful connection to my father’s iconic Tarzan legacy, but for me, it has evolved into something much more personal. It represents my wild, untamed, fearless side — the part of me that comes alive through music.
There’s something incredibly liberating about being behind the console. I can be bold, unpredictable, playful, sensual, and completely myself. Jungle Baby isn’t just a name. It’s an attitude. It’s about embracing your instincts, owning your individuality, and never being afraid to stand out. I like to think I’ve inherited a little of that wild spirit, but I’ve given it my own rhythm. Tarzan ruled the jungle. Jungle Baby rules her own dance floor!
Q7. What was it like becoming the first female DJ to perform at the Taj Mahal, particularly with restrictions on sound levels?
Sonia Birje. Performing at the Taj Mahal was an extraordinary experience. There are certain moments in your career when you realise you’re creating a memory that will stay with you forever, and this was definitely one of them. The Taj Mahal is such an iconic symbol of beauty, love, and timelessness. Being able to bring my music into that atmosphere was surreal.
The interesting challenge was maintaining the energy while respecting the restrictions on sound levels. Normally, DJs have the freedom to build an atmosphere with powerful sound, but this experience required a more thoughtful approach. I focused on the rhythm, musicality, and emotional journey of Afro-house and melodic techno. It reminded me that creating magic isn’t always about volume. Sometimes it’s about how deeply the music connects with people. You don’t always need the loudest sound to create the most powerful experience.
As an actress, you learn how to hold someone’s attention. As a DJ, you learn how to hold the energy of an entire room.
Q8. With over 500 global live shows, how do you read a crowd, and how does acting help you command the stage?
Sonia Birje. For me, reading a crowd is almost instinctive. The moment I step behind the console, I’m observing people’s expressions, their body language, their energy, and how they respond to different rhythms. Every audience has its own personality. What works in Mumbai might be completely different from what excites a crowd in Dubai, Singapore, or Australia. I love that challenge because I don’t believe in simply playing music. I believe in creating an experience.
My acting background definitely helps because performing teaches you presence, confidence, expression, and emotional connection. As an actress, you learn how to hold someone’s attention. As a DJ, you learn how to hold the energy of an entire room. And when thousands of people are dancing together to your music, there’s no feeling quite like it. I don’t just read the crowd. I feel its pulse, and then I become part of its heartbeat.
Q9. How do your cinematic DNA and electronic music sensibilities influence each other when producing tracks?
Sonia Birje. Cinema and music have one beautiful thing in common — both have the power to make people feel something. My cinematic background naturally influences how I approach music. I love drama, emotion, anticipation, powerful buildups, and moments that create an impact.
When I’m working on music, I don’t just think about beats. I imagine the atmosphere, the emotion, the movement, and the visual world around it. I love bringing Indian musical influences together with international dance sounds because that’s a reflection of who I am desi at heart, but global in my musical expression. I want my music to have character, sensuality, attitude, and energy. Cinema taught me how to tell a story. Music gave me the freedom to make the world dance to it.
Q10. Can you give Downtown Mirror an exclusive sneak peek into your upcoming music collaborations?
Sonia Birje. I’m at a very exciting stage creatively, and there’s some incredible music taking shape. I’m working on collaborations that bring together the magic of Bollywood with contemporary international dance sounds. Think infectious rhythms, powerful hooks, playful attitude, and the kind of energy that makes it impossible to sit still.
I love music that feels glamorous, bold, and celebratory. I want people to hear a track and instantly feel confident, sexy, and ready to dance. There are some exciting collaborations with established names in the music industry, which I’m really looking forward to sharing. I don’t want to reveal everything just yet because I love the element of surprise! But I can promise one thing, the music is going to be unapologetically bold, full of attitude, and made to take over dance floors.
Q11. How do you preserve your mental peace and stay grounded amidst your fast-paced lifestyle?
Sonia Birje. I think the secret is knowing who you are when the lights go off. My professional life can be incredibly fast-paced, with travel, performances, shoots, meetings, and constant creative demands. I genuinely enjoy that excitement, but I also value my personal space and peace of mind.
I’ve learned that you don’t have to participate in every conversation, react to every opinion, or constantly prove yourself to everyone. I try to surround myself with genuine people, stay connected to my family, and make time for the simple things that bring me happiness. I’m someone who feels deeply, loves wholeheartedly, and lives passionately, but I’ve also learned the importance of protecting my energy. Glamour is a part of my life, but peace is my real luxury.
Q12 What is your ultimate mantra for young women who want to break barriers and rewrite the rules?
Sonia Birje. My message to every young woman is simple: never allow society to decide how powerful, ambitious, glamorous, or fearless you’re allowed to be. You can be beautiful and intelligent. You can be feminine and fierce. You can be emotional and incredibly strong. You don’t have to fit into someone else’s definition of what a successful woman should look like.
Dream outrageously. Work relentlessly. Own your individuality. And never apologise for wanting more out of life. There will always be people who question your choices, underestimate your abilities, or try to put you into a box. Let your work, your courage, and your authenticity speak louder than their opinions. Most importantly, don’t lose your heart while chasing your dreams. Strength and kindness can coexist beautifully. I wasn’t born to follow the rules. I was born to create my own rhythm and I want every woman to know that she can too.
