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From Freezing on Stage at Two to Creating a FAB Experience: Fabian Rocha’s Journey

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From his first college stage to international shows, Fabian’s journey as an emcee has been one of passion, persistence and constantly evolving. Known as “Fab Experience,” he shares the story behind his journey, the people who shaped it and his vision for the future.

When did you realise your love for Emceeing?

My first show was at St. Andrew’s Auditorium during my college inter-collegiate festival, Olio, in 2017. It was my first time emceeing on a stage of that scale, and the response from the audience was amazing.

That experience made me realise how much I enjoyed being on stage and connecting with an audience. From there, I went on to emceeing various parish events. What started as a hobby and a love for being on stage gradually became something I genuinely wanted to pursue.

What was your job before your career as an Emcee?

I started my career in social media marketing with Ed-a-mama when I was 21, and it was my first job. I worked there until I was 23, which gave me valuable experience in the digital and marketing space.

Which was your first paid gig?

My first paid gig came through my parish in 2019, when a parishioner approached me to emcee a Communion celebration. Their faith in me gave me the confidence to take that first step, and one event soon led to another.

My first corporate event was for ACE in Lonavala, which was another important milestone.

Then, on 30 November 2023, I took a leap of faith and left my job to pursue emceeing full-time. It was also the day Emcee Fab was born, marking the beginning of my journey to build a career around what I genuinely love.

What name do you go by?

I go by “Fab Experience.” For me, it’s more than a name — it’s what I want every client and audience to take away from an event: “That was FAB!”

Especially at weddings, I always remember that the spotlight belongs to the couple. My role is to create the energy, keep everyone engaged and make their celebration memorable.

Which brands and international shows have you worked with so far?

Within the first six months of pursuing emceeing full-time, I had the opportunity to work with brands such as Jio, Adani, SBI and Rustomjee.

My first international gig was in Muscat, Oman, in January 2026, after a client discovered my work through social media and invited me to host their wedding. The experience went so well that they extended my stay for additional events. It was a special milestone, taking me from local stages to international opportunities.

How do you keep your hosting style fresh and engaging?

For me, it’s about constantly experimenting and trying new things. If an idea excites me, I test it with my family or friends, see how they respond and then find a way to bring it into my events.

Over time, this has helped me develop my own signature elements, including a fanfare song for my entry. I also enjoy creating concepts specifically for the audience. Recently, I created a “Kaun Banega Crorepati” inspired segment for a Parent’s Day event, which was a huge hit. I later adapted it for my corporate shows as well.

For me, staying fresh is about trying, listening to the audience and constantly evolving.

Who has influenced your style as an Emcee?

I wouldn’t say there’s just one person. I’ve taken different things from different people and made them my own.

SRK has inspired me with his wit, while Sunil Grover and Maniesh Paul have influenced me through their comic timing, energy and body language. I also admire Girish Sharma for the way he commands a room.

In the wedding space, Newman pushed me to realise that there’s always more to learn and improve. I also enjoy watching Valentine Fernandes, a fellow Bandra boy, and really like his style.

I think everyone I’ve watched has taught me something different, and I’ve brought those learnings together with my own personality to create a style that’s uniquely mine.

Zonals has been a significant part of your journey as a performer. How did it begin, and how has it shaped you over the years?

My Zonals journey began in 2016, and I’m now completing an incredible 10 years with the platform. Along the way, I received scholarships from Splitssole and Terence Lewis, which gave me valuable exposure and deeper insights into Hip-Hop and dance.

More than a competition, Zonals became a space where I learned, evolved and found greater confidence in myself as a performer. It has shaped my discipline, stage presence and approach to dance—and looking back, I’m grateful for how much this journey has contributed to who I am today.

How has your family’s support been through your journey?

My family, especially my father, has played a huge role in my journey on stage. My love for the stage began when I was just two. I performed at Pauline Kindergarten to Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, but the moment I stepped on stage, I froze!

When I came home, my dad asked, “You danced so much at home, now what happened?” That stayed with me. I remember deciding that the next time I got on stage, I wouldn’t freeze I’d own it.

From speeches and elocutions to dance and drama, I kept putting myself on stage and slowly built my confidence.

Years later, when I chose a different path and eventually left a stable job to pursue emceeing full-time, my parents stood by me. My dad always said, “Do what makes you happy. And if you fall, don’t be afraid to start all over again.”

That’s perhaps his biggest lesson to me: he didn’t just teach me to get on stage; he taught me to get back on it every time I fall.

Where do you see your journey going from here?

One of my biggest goals is to host the Filmfare Awards someday. Being compared to Maniesh Paul for my hosting style is a compliment I truly value. But beyond emceeing, I want to build something bigger in entertainment — an entertainment company creating memorable experiences across events, shows and celebrations. I also want to do more big, fat Indian weddings, take on larger productions and eventually expand internationally. For me, the goal is to build a lasting name and brand in the entertainment space.

What is your biggest strength as an Emcee?

“My biggest strength is that I understand what the audience wants. I consider that a blessing because it allows me to read the room, adapt to the energy and know when to take things up a notch or bring them back. Whether it’s a social event, a wedding or a corporate show, I make sure I never lose sight of the audience or the purpose of the event. At the end of the day, my job is to make sure everyone has a FAB experience.”

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