RJ Pavitra anchors the popular show, 5PM to 9PM, on Bangalore Radio One 94.3 FM, where she also works as a senior producer.
How did RJ-ing come about? Was it something you had planned for long or was it something totally unexpected?
Well, this was totally unexpected, as I had plans to get into Broadcast journalism. But after an internship with a national news channel, I realized that I was just not made for it. Anyway, I finished my degree in Journalism, English Literature and Economics and went on to do my post-graduation in Electronic Media (Radio and TV Production specialization). My post-graduation involved a lot of internships, projects and this is when I got into All India Radio FM Radio Station – FM Rainbow 101.3 FM. It was during this time I realized that Radio was fun, I was good at it and since I was specializing in it, I thought why not just get into it full time. That was when Radio One happened; I got a call, cleared the audition levels and since then there has been no looking back! I am currently working as a Senior Producer and a Drive time (5 PM to 9PM) Jock with Radio One.
As an RJ, what is the most exciting aspect of your job? And, what’s the most challenging?
The fact that you speak to lakhs and lakhs of people and entertain them is definitely an exciting aspect and a challenging aspect as well. Challenging because you have different kinds of people with different mentalities and belonging to different age groups listening to you. So, to connect with each one of them and bring a smile on each of their faces is the toughest part! You crack this… that’s it, you know people love you!
What are some of the things you do to make your show innovative?
A lot of people think that an RJ’s job is a cake walk but a lot goes into it – both off air and on air. You need to keep yourself updated about every little thing happening around you. Be it the markets, entertainment, sports, inventions, you need to know it all. Jotting down things that I find amusing on a daily basis and using them innovatively on air is something I do. Of course I back it up with a good amount of browsing, brainstorming with my colleagues about a few ideas that I can experiment on air etc. For a regular four-hour show that I host on air, you conveniently need six hours of preparation every single day.
It’s very interesting – the way you effortlessly mix languages as you speak and the energetic pace at which you talk. How do you manage to do these?
Well, perhaps I am the only Jock in Bangalore city who can do a good mix of three languages – English, Kannada and Hindi. All thanks to my dad’s transferable job! I spent 20 years of my life in Agra, Delhi and Mumbai because of which I have a good command over Hindi. My mother tongue is Kannada and so a mix of three languages is what I have for my listeners.
What does the word ‘fun’ mean to you? What’s your way of having fun?
Fun for me is of course doing what I enjoy doing! I love my job and I have a lot of fun every single day when I walk in to work. Travelling is one of my biggest addictions, so going to new places, trying out new things, adventure sports is fun! And of course, apart from that, spending quality time with my folks and friends is also fun!
Do you think RJ-ing is all about fun? Or does it mean something more?
It’s much more than that; it definitely is some serious business! It’s a lot of responsibility since you are talking to lakhs and lakhs of people and there is no way you can act frivolous on air. And since you are in the entertainment business, the biggest challenge is to prove yourself every single day with creative things and bring that ‘Wow!’ and a smile on the listeners’ faces. You need to be an info-tainer and not just an entertainer.
What do you feel is the real strength of radio as a mass medium?
Radio is real time, localized, friendly and more personal.
Finally, any message for aspiring RJs?
Just a simple message! Just be yourself and people will love you for what you are.