He's 23 and considers 'Baba Bangali' from the film 'No Smoking' as his mentor – this is RJ Varun – one of the most popular RJs in Delhi, who loves hanging out at Cafe Morrison, can't resist Dilli da chicken and his favourite songs are the ones which he can sing.

This peppy youth has taken over almost all the Dilli hearts. Aaishwari Chouhan in an unplugged conversation with RJ Varun of Radio City.

Excerpts:

You have a great fan-following in Delhi which doesn't really happen with every RJ this early.

I'm not too sure about the fan following, but I certainly know that some people like the way I speak and how I present the show on air. That's a big thing for me and I'm thankful to my listeners for their love and support. However, I believe that there is so much more to learn. Each day brings in new learnings. I think I've a long way to go and it's a wonderful 'Whatte Fun' process!

Why did you venture into RJing after completing a degree in computer engineering?

Even while I was in engineering, I knew that I wanted to be a media professional. Radio in particular is far more 'instant and dynamic' compared other options in media. This makes it a very exciting place to be in!

How was your Radio City Jaipur experience?

I started my career as a radio jockey from Radio City Jaipur. I have very vivid memories of my very first show on-air, my first ever link on live radio and my first caller ever! Now that I'm in the capital city hosting the Radio City Breakfast Show, I can proudly say that I'm in love for the second time again!

Your first experience with radio in Delhi, and you are already hosting the morning drive-time show on Radio City. How does this feel?

It certainly feels good!

Delhi is a reasonably evolved market when it comes to FM radio. After Mumbai, it comes in second with the maximum number of listeners. Also compared to Jaipur, there's a lot more happening in Delhi. The audience is comparatively more evolved, demanding and clued on to developments, makes it a totally a different ball game to host the fast paced Breakfast Show.
But it's a learning process for me and I'm enjoying every minute of it! And what's even incredible is that I have a remarkable co-host RJ Simran; a veteran on radio and one of Delhi's best known voices, she is very quick on the take and an absolute joy to be around!

Do you think a two-RJ show works out better than a single RJ show?

It all depends on the profile and premise of the show. Mornings are generally quite busy for most people with everyone getting ready for the day ahead. It's important for a morning show to provide fun and meaningful infotainment to listeners without being too demanding on their time. Having two RJs hosting the Breakfast Show makes it very interesting for the listener since he can connect in to the discussion at any point in time while Simran and I engage each other in conversation about informative snippets on the show.

Does a time slot have anything to do with the number of RJs hosting a show?

Not really! It all depends on the profile and premise of the show. Any number of RJs can host a show as long as there is a rationale behind it. And of course it's important that they have conversation that's meaningful for the listener and that they sound good on air!

Given an open opportunity to select your time slot, which slot would you opt for and why?

I love hosting the Radio City Breakfast Show and that's the way to go for me!

Do celebrity RJs work better than a lay man who takes the seat of the jock?

Any RJ who meets 'the concept of the show' would be the best bet to host the show. Celebrity RJs are best used to host shows when the program concept requires celebrity expertise which helps add a unique dimension to the show.

What genre of music do you personally enjoy listening to?

I enjoy listening to Haryanvi hip-hop these days. Other than I also appreciate A.R. Rehman and Sonu Niigaam.

What's your day-job scene like?

I come into the studio by 6 am every day, ready to serve the choicest infotainment for a really sharp, demanding set of fast paced people! And trust me, it is as exciting as it sounds!

If there is one thing you can change about the Indian radio industry, what would that be?

On a lighter note, can we get it to play it on television?

What is the next big thing you are looking forward to?

Another day brand new day on The Radio City Breakfast Show!