My stint there was short-lived as I was always lured by journalism and decided to pursue that with the Times of India.
But radio is addictive and how! I soon found myself retracing my steps back to the zone of music and connecting with people. After working as the morning jock in Radio One for a couple of years, I spent a long and eventful period of 8 years in Radio City in Vadodara and am presently working as the Programming Head and RJ in India’s biggest Radio Network, Red FM 93.5.
Tell us about your background and journey.
My journey has been an eventful one. I spent my childhood in Delhi, teens and college life in Surat and soon went to Ahmedabad to be an RJ with Radio City 91.1.
My stint there was short-lived as I was always lured by journalism and decided to pursue that with the Times of India.
Why did you choose RJing as a career and what were the first steps you took?
Radio is magical! It celebrates me being myself. It lets me opine, campaign, connect with people, bring a smile on their faces and then, of course, there is my forever pick-me-up, the music!
My first steps were by auditioning for different radio stations pushed by my professors at college. I had always been an orator and my first steps date as back as my childhood days when I’d pretend to be an RJ and record myself on cassettes! From there to the stage and finally on air!
Radio is magical! It celebrates me being myself. It lets me opine, campaign, connect with people, bring a smile on their faces and then, of course, there is my forever pick-me-up, the music!
My first steps were by auditioning for different radio stations pushed by my professors at college. I had always been an orator and my first steps date as back as my childhood days when I’d pretend to be an RJ and record myself on cassettes! From there to the stage and finally on air!
What challenges can one face during live calls?
Live calls can be summed up as Expect the unexpected! Human beings are unpredictable and so every live call is an experience in itself! Many feel nervous, some are agitated over civic issues that often lead to a foot in the mouth situation for them, some are filled with love.
Live calls can be summed up as Expect the unexpected! Human beings are unpredictable and so every live call is an experience in itself! Many feel nervous, some are agitated over civic issues that often lead to a foot in the mouth situation for them, some are filled with love.
Human emotion in its raw form is what we experience during live calls.
What are the skills required to be a radio jockey?
The ability to think on one’s feet! Very important! It’s spontaneity that is very important for me. Apart from them, a knack for holding conversations, people and sliding into people’s hearts in a way that they feel comfortable sharing with you.
What are the skills required to be a radio jockey?
The ability to think on one’s feet! Very important! It’s spontaneity that is very important for me. Apart from them, a knack for holding conversations, people and sliding into people’s hearts in a way that they feel comfortable sharing with you.
Does one also need to be technologically savvy in your favourite?
I strongly believe that any skill that one acquires, adds to what they do. This is no different. While it's not a compulsion to be tech-savvy, it always helps. Today the lines between Radio and the digital world are blurring.
I strongly believe that any skill that one acquires, adds to what they do. This is no different. While it's not a compulsion to be tech-savvy, it always helps. Today the lines between Radio and the digital world are blurring.
My listener wants to consume my content everywhere. So it definitely helps to be on top of your tech game. As far as handling the console etc is concerned, it becomes a habit. You learn along the way.
What makes a person connect with their audience as an RJ?
I am naturally a people’s person! I love interacting and have often been told that I am easy to confide in. So that works for me.
At the end of the day, audiences can tell who is showing their true self and who isn’t. Owing up who you are, unapologetically, that works always!
What are your other interests?
From music to reading, taking walks in nature to colouring, I have varied interests. I have learnt Carnatic as well as Hindustani music and I love to learn new words. I am often caught humming dreamily to myself and journaling is something I cherish!
What makes a person connect with their audience as an RJ?
I am naturally a people’s person! I love interacting and have often been told that I am easy to confide in. So that works for me.
At the end of the day, audiences can tell who is showing their true self and who isn’t. Owing up who you are, unapologetically, that works always!
What are your other interests?
From music to reading, taking walks in nature to colouring, I have varied interests. I have learnt Carnatic as well as Hindustani music and I love to learn new words. I am often caught humming dreamily to myself and journaling is something I cherish!
Find her on Instagram
Interviewed by - Ritika Malhotra
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