Radio City's RJ Salil is not only popular behind the mic, but has also faced cameras with appearances in films like 'Aashiqui 2', 'Awarapan' and '3 AM'. Juggling the role of an actor and an RJ, Salil Acharya can be heard everyday on 'Kasa Kay Mumbai' along with RJ Archana. Labeling himself as a workaholic, he talks to Radioandmusic.com's Dhairya Ingle about his journey as an RJ, films and a lot more. In the course of the interview, he breaks that myth that RJs are responsible for people getting bored with radio.

Excerpts:

Journey as an RJ

For me it just happened. I was a good student and was pursuing Economic honours and my parents wanted me to go to London School of Economics. But fees were way too high and so we had second thoughts. There was this friend of mine who asked me to take part in a contest and I went there for the auditions and got through. Three weeks later they asked me to come to Mumbai to go on-air. At the time, ratings were absent and everyone was trying to figure what exactly was on private radio. I was the first RJ to talk in Hindi on radio. We were still trying to figure out what could go on air, in terms of content. Not long after, private FM radio really took off in India, so people would often ask my parents what I did or if I made money out of RJing.

Growing up

I was a very bright student simply because I would often learn an entire book word-for-word, and the following day would write it all out during exams. This resulted in me getting some of the highest marks. I spent almost 20 years of my life alone as my parents were working. I was involved in a lot of sports like cricket, tennis and golf. I almost played at a national level in tennis.

Innovations on the show

I think right from day one we kept it simple. We spoke about cricket since I was into sports and was well versed with numbers. We did movie reviews as I noticed it became a talking point for people around. RJ Archana was good with Astrology, we introduced the astrology segment and even managed to get Ekta Kapoor’s astrologer on the show. We kept on adding elements to the shows we did and were willing to laugh at ourselves. Fortunately people liked it. Also Radio City is the only station that keeps their links short. Out of the 60-minute show, RJs speak only for nine minutes and the rest all is ads and music. So if people say that RJs are responsible for people getting bored, then it is wrong. Listeners get bored because of ads and not RJs. Our talktime on radio is divided between Archana and me. Unlike other RJs, I produce my own show.

What to be careful about on air

First of all respect the listeners. For an RJ coming on air is something very usual, but for the person who has called up it is a small opportunity for him or her to get famous, so allow him/ her to talk. Respect them, respect their opinions. Do not take listeners for granted, you cannot repeat what you have said a couple of days back. Never lie to a listener because a lot of people say that we have Amitabh Bachchan in the studio when actually you have a voice over artist sitting next to the RJ. If you say that you will be going from Dadar to Churchgate, make sure you really travel. So stay honest to your work. If you are honest, it will reflect in your voice and people will respect you.

Radio- a stepping stone to films

Radio has given me a lot of stability in the last six years, and I would never get a loan as an actor. If I work, I get all kinds of loans. But if I was taking radio as a stepping stone to movies, I would never give eight hours in a day. Also I am the only employee who comes before time and does not take leave. I took leave for a couple of days for my marriage.

Social causes

I am not the one who will endorse social causes, but I would like to donate half of my income to animal charity organisations. I have a couple of dogs at home, who are my kids, and four of them in my building. Also one request to people- please do not give leftover food to dogs. Take some time out and buy food for them.