IN PHOTOS: Why this Mumbai-based doctor hosted a disco bash for neuro-rehab patients

After battling a traumatic brain injury for two years, eye surgeon Ankuj Tinna has decided to break free from his locomotor constraints. In an uplifting move, the DJ doctor spun groovy beats for fellow patients at Mumbai's neurological rehabilitation centre, Atharv Ability, BKC. Here is how it transpired 

Updated On: 2024-07-10 10:58 AM IST

Compiled by : Ainie Rizvi

Dr. Ankuj Tinna takes control of the music console at Atharv Ability Out Patient Department (OPD)

Late on the evening of October 5, Dr Ankuj was crossing the Bandra-Worli Sea Link on his way back home. At the bridge, he spotted an ambulance nearby and felt compelled to stop in a bid to help the patient. However, fate took an unexpected turn. In the blink of an eye, another car approached from behind, resulting in a collision that left him with a traumatic brain injury. The impact was severe, rendering him unconscious for one long month

Two years after his accident, the OPD at Atharv Ability is abuzz with infectious energy. Ankuj makes an incredible comeback by turning back to his beloved hobby of DJing. As Nucleya's beats blended with AP Dhillon's lyrics, patients and their families couldn't help but shake a leg and dance. "He has taken our music preferences too," shared an excited attendee at the event

Dr. Gaurish Kenkre, Clinical Director at Atharv Ability has been overlooking Ankuj's recovery. He has devised specialised treatments that involve repetitive use of muscle to develop strength. He tells Midday: “The idea is to make them independent in their function. More than getting the whole strength, he should be independent enough to function. The recovery from such neurological conditions is a gradual journey, that encompasses various aspects of his well-being"

On Right: Ms. Sumita Mohapatro Pani, Head - Atharv Ability and Vice President – In-licensing & Business Development, India Region Formulations, Lupin Limited

Following the recovery, Ankuj began playing music at home. When we asked him about his goals, he expressed a desire to resume medical practice and pursue DJing with full fervour. To this, Kenkre suggested  that his first DJ session should take place at the rehabilitation center

Since his right hand is weak and still under recovery, heavier lifting was done by his left hand. Skilled in scratching and mixing, Ankuj shares his trick: "The art of DJing is mixing two songs in such a way that people don't come to know when the song changed." Specialising in a range of music genres such as house, hip-hop, commercial, deep house and Bollywood, he has dedicated the past four years to refining his DJing skills, gaining expertise in Andheri

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