Romancing the radio

A close observer may notice certain traits in a child right from the school days which if properly nurtured can lead to a successful career in future.

As a student at school I was always enamored with the mike to make announcements and to participate in school concerts was an opportunity I waited for. However at that time the careers contemplated were the traditional ones. It was only during a vacation whilst in my second last year of college that I joined a voice modulation course conducted by Sidharth Kannan when for the first time the seed of desire to become a radio jockey (RJ) was planted in my heart. At that time there was only one radio FM station, but I was told that in a couple of years a lot more stations were expected. The next year I joined a theater workshop (Theatrix), whilst seriously attending classes in preparation for the chartered accountants entrance examination. The dream of becoming an RJ made me take the transistor to bed and listen (to the jockeys) until I fell off to sleep. I would carry the radio with me even when I went for my bath!

Just a few days before appearing for the chartered accountants entrance exams I made up my mind. After a sleepless night I informed my parents Veera and Jimmy Parakh that I would not appear for the entrance exams as I wanted to pursue a different career. This must have been a shock, especially for my father who was a chartered accountant rankholder and was always ready to help me with my studies. After a couple of days they realized that I was serious, and it is to their credit that they encouraged and allowed me to take up a career of my choice.

I then joined Theatrix as an instructor. One of my colleagues recommended my name for a roadshow for the Esselgroup. Though it was hard work being on the road for the whole day in the hot sun, I was happy and people in the group were happy with my work and started recommending my name for other similar events and also for hosting birthday parties, etc. I then did a course in event management at the EMDI (Event Management Development Institute). When I was hosting an EMDI intercollegiate festival a colleague informed me that auditions were being conducted for RJ openings by the Red FM station. I immediately went along with my recorded demonstration CD to give the audition. I was told they would get in touch with me and when a few weeks later I was called and asked to join, I was in seventh heaven. My dream to have my voice heard on radio was coming true.

Arnaz compering an event and top, in the Red FM studio

Initially I was told that I should familiarize myself with the equipment in the studio. So I would go early morning and sit at the mixer which is like a big keyboard. If not careful, one can accidentally cause the station to go off air. At first I was told that I would go on air after a month of practice, but within a week, on February 4, 2003, the station head asked if I was ready. Unprepared, I requested for some more practice, but he said he had confidence in me and asked me to go on air that same afternoon! This did not leave me much time even to get nervous and I am thankful to him for placing so much trust in me.

My first show, named "Red Adda,” was on air from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The name was later changed to "Merawala Gana” and was aired as the prime time show on Saturday morning as well. A radio jockey too like other professionals has to do a lot of preparation. An RJ must be aware of the latest happenings in the city; must have a sound knowledge of music and Bollywood news. It is important that a jockey should keep the audience entertained. Many a time it is important to get the audience to participate through interesting games and these need to be changed regularly to hold the listeners’ interest. I personally feel that a jockey should find his/her own content even if there is a producer.

Some people believe that one needs accent or style to be on the radio, but all that you need is a clear voice and clarity of thought on what you want to convey. The more you remain your natural self the easier it is to convey what you wish to the listeners.

In order to deliver what the listeners want it is always necessary to put yourself in their shoes and this can happen only by talking to the audience on air through the phone. Most listeners want to participate and like to hear their voice on air, so it is important for a jockey to make the show as participative as possible and answer maximum calls. A jockey has to be very alert when a listener is being put on as the advantage of being on air live can be misused by some people. The pleasure of being able to literally converse simultaneously with so many people can make one very happy.

Becoming an RJ helped fulfill a lot of my dreams. When earlier I used to talk of my goal, my granny would ask, "Tu bi Amin Sayani ni kani bolsé? (Will you also talk like Amin Sayani?)” Thanks to Red FM I had an opportunity to be on the same frequency as this radio legend.

Clockwise, from top left, Arnaz Mirza with: Indian idols; Mahima Chaudhary; husband Rashid; at the mike

Being a radio jockey opens other opportunities such as hosting of corporate and other shows, giving voiceovers, etc. I have hosted a number of live shows for corporates (banks, IT companies, etc) as well as celebrity entertainment shows with Yana Gupta, Mahima Chaudhary, Neha Dhupia, Rimii Sen, Laughter Champions, etc. For anchoring live shows it’s a different ball game. Each show requires different types of preparation. Knowledge of the audience is essential. Depending on whether it’s a sober corporate event or a peppy entertainment show, the style of compering varies. Live shows are far more difficult as the audience is there right in front of you. Most corporate shows of course have scripts but entertainment shows are extempore. In live events the compere has to be prepared for last minute changes. The response in the form of applause still continues to give me a high.

I remember doing roadshows the entire day for a sum of Rs 700. But this experience and the networking with people helps. Now with the radio industry boom the salary levels are far higher. An experienced jockey can earn more than Rs 1,00,000 per month.

After my marriage I continued with my job as I had the full support of my husband Rashid Mirza who is with the merchant navy. However, when I opted to sail with him I had to leave the job. But I still host several shows when I am on shore.

I had the privilege of being permitted to choose a career other than that of a chartered accountant despite having secured excellent marks in my BCom exams including achiever’s 100 percent marks in accounts (for which my name was published in Parsiana and other periodicals). Parents should always guide their children’s careers but give them the liberty to choose their future. Many times good opportunities exist in numerous non-traditional careers where work is a pleasure. The radio industry continues to boom and I hope young people desiring to enter the industry will start working on it at an early age, while simultaneously pursuing a formal education.