Singing, writing and acting are RJ Guru’s passions, but RJing seems to be his love and first serious profession. Bengaluru- based Guru, who has been in the radio industry for two years, strongly believes that he has long way to go. He talks to Radioandmusic.com’s Jescilia Karayamparambil about his journey with Radio Mirchi and his show ‘Chill Maadi’ which is aired Monday to Saturday from 5 to 9 pm.

Tell me about your journey being an RJ with Radio Mirchi

Being an RJ for two years with Radio Mirchi, it has been a wonderful experience. I love being here as I get to meet celebrities, play music and be creative on-air. As an RJ, my job is to bring smiles to the faces of my listeners and if you achieve that then your job is complete. I strive to do that every day with my work, and I believe I have achieved it most of the time based on the response I receive from my listeners. Every day is a new show and a new struggle for me, so every day is a new challenge.

Morning person doing an evening show

I am on-air in the evening when my friends are chilling outside and having fun. Sometimes, I wish I could do morning shows instead. I am a morning person as whatever time I sleep I get up at 6.30 in the morning. The morning show is actually my preferred time slot.

RJing- first full-time job

During my graduation days and Masters, I used to do shows and various other activities, to earn some extra cash. During that time people used to come up to me and say that I have a voice suitable for radio. I never thought about it seriously, but once I finished my Masters, I put in my resume at every media house and Radio Mirchi was one of the houses. They understood my vocal skills and called me over to audition. Radio Mirchi is my first full-time job.

Funny memory while RJing

Radio Mirchi launched me with the evening show but I was so excited the whole time that I messaged my friends saying that they should listen to me at five am. I did not realise that I gave them the wrong time slot and all my friends got up in the morning to hear me and they had to listen to devotional music in the morning. It was a very funny incident. In the evening, they called me to enquiry why I was not on-air so I informed them that I am doing an evening show. This is one strong memory I have and then there are some special memories with my listeners. My listeners complimenting me on-air and sending me gifts and chocolate are some wonderful gestures that are very close to my heart. Most of my days on-air are special because of the compliments I receive.   

Music

I enjoy listening to all kind of songs. I like listening to sad, romantic and trance music. I enjoy all kinds of music but it depends completely on my mood.  

When I feel like listening to one particular type of song, then I enter into the studio play the song I want to hear before the show starts. The show and the songs played during the show require a flow, so I have to stick to the format and not play music according to my mood.

Special memories with celebrities

Srinagar Kitty and Radhika Pandit are the two celebrities who really touched my heart. I have interviewed many big celebs and most of them do not remember you. When I met both of them after a while outside the studio they still remembered me and addressed me by my name. They are very down to earth. I love them and they talk about things that are very interesting. They never avoid answering controversial questions, if I ask any.  

If not a RJ, what would you be?

I never planned anything in my life. RJing happened. I never dreamt of becoming an RJ. I would dream any profession as my profession, if it influenced or motivated me. I have nothing planned; I take things as they come.

Educating college students about radio

The colleges from where I graduated and completed my masters call me to address the students and give them an idea about RJing and radio. I go to colleges and talk to the students, and inform them about the challenges involved in being a radio professional.

RJ Smitha and Sudesh

I like listening to RJ Smitha as she has been around for six - seven years. She knows the ins and outs of radio. I listen to her show and to RJ Sudesh’s show- ‘Dilkhush’ as well. He plays romantic music in his show which is very nice. I do not get to play romantic tracks, which is why I miss out on audiences who are in love. I would like to play romantic tracks on my show.

New elements on the show

I have new elements everyday on my show. I do not like people predicting me and my show which why I add elements that will engage my audience. I always want something new every day but we do not have a long-term plan in place. We believe in short-term elements that would interest the audiences. We go on-air with new segment and games almost every day.  There is a segment where I tell my listeners to do something or find something and whatsapp me the image. This segment has got lot of traction.  

Expectations with Listeners

I want my listeners to listen to me completely. I want my fans to come to see me more often and get me gifts that would surprise other RJs.