Every year on February 13, World Radio Day is celebrated to recognize the power of radio as a medium that has informed, entertained, and connected people across the globe over a century.
We are living in an era when television, digital media, and podcasts are growing tremendously, however, radio continues to thrive as a platform that has gifted numerous legendary careers. Radio has always played a huge role in the entertainment and media industry. In India, many celebrities started their career behind the microphone before becoming famous in films, music, or television. On this World Radio Day, let's take a look at the most prominent Indian celebrities who began their careers as RJ.
The great actor started his career as a radio presenter from Radio Ceylon before entering Hindi film industry. During his radio days, Sunil Dutt got a chance to interview Dilip Kumar and Shammi Kapoor.
The Vicky Donar actor began his career as a Radio Jockey with BIG FM in New Delhi at a very young age of 17 and became successful pretty quickly. He hosted the famous show named “Big Chai – Maan Na Maan” and then “Main Tera Ayushmann” on the channel before becoming a VJ on MTV!
Like his brother, Aparshakti was also a radio jockey with BIG FM in Delhi. Meanwhile, he used to play cricket for the under 19 Haryana Team and was also equally active in theatre. Aparshakti made his Bollywood debut in Aamir Khan starrer blockbuster Dangal in 2016.
The ace TV host and a Bollywood actor, Manish Paul began his career as a small time TV host with Radio City Mumbai. He used to host the famous morning show “Kasakai Mumbai”.
The famous TV presenter Mantra has spent a good amount of time as an RJ in different FM channels. He started his career as an RJ in 2000 with Radio Mirchi, after 9 years, he got his acting break in Bollywood with the 2009 film Tum Mile, also starring Emraan Hasmi. Mantra has participated in multiple TV comedy shows as well.
The actor who surprised everyone opposite Anushka Sharma in NH 10 has also began his journey as an RJ during graduation days. He has also starred in films like No One Killed Jessica, Shaitan, and David. Later, he took up theater and then started acting in bollywood.
Smriti Kalra began her career as an RJ before appearing in the lead role in “Suvreen Guggal – Topper of the year”. She was also seen in shows like “Dil Sambhal Jaa Zara”, “Karol Bagh”, “Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya”.
RJ Malishka Mendonsa, popularly known as “Mumbai Ki Rani”, is a prime example of how radio can pave the way for mainstream media success. She began her career with Red FM 93.5 and eventually became one of India's most influential RJs. She later transitioned into television and appeared in reality shows like “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa”, and even lent her voice to multiple Bollywood films.
Let me conclude the article with an exciting trivia. Amitabh Bachchan wanted to become a radio presenter and applied multiple times. However, All India Radio (AIR) rejected him because of his heavy voice, unsuitable for broadcasting.
