MUMBAI: Tarana Raja, who has been associated with Indian radio industry for a long time is all set to host NDTV Good Times’s travel show Dubai Diaries. Tarana, who is the former radio jockey of Radio midday, Go FM, is now a resident of Dubai, working with Josh, Dubai.

Speaking passionately about it, she shared, “I had to do this! Ever since I got into television way back in 1995, I've wanted to host a travel show. Finally 21 years later, I got to play tour guide where I'm looking forward to showing you my Dubai.”

While talking about her journey so far, she said, “I'm blessed to be able to follow my passion for so many years. I'm not formally trained in radio, but my experience and instinct for it tell me that I meant to be in this field. I love waking you up in the morning and putting that smile or grin on your face! It’s a challenging, tough job, but the response is almost instantaneous and being told that we make someone's day definitely makes ours! (smiles).”

Dubai Diaries will tell personal stories and experiences. When asked what will be her story ideas she said that, being a resident of Dubai has its advantages. It will be all about where to shop, where to eat, where to get away for some peace and quiet, where to go off the tourist trail. “It’s an amazing way to bring in the dynamic emirate of Dubai to the rest of the world. Also, the fact that there are many different anchors, you get amazingly different tailor-made trips to suit your temperament,” added she.

Apart from Tarana Raja, the show will be anchored by TV Host Varun Mitra, Rocky and Mayur, Ambika Anand and Neha Dixit.

After ruling the Mumbai radio scene for more than seven years, Tarana’s show ‘Wake up with Jaggu & Tarana’ started in 2013 in Dubai on Josh 97.8 and recently they have started the podcasts of the same.

Talking about it Tarana shared, “Wakeup with Jaggu & Tarana is our way of waking up the UAE and perhaps the rest of the world. Through the four hours show, we hope you're entertained, informed and generally put in a great mood as you begin your day. Our brand of radio is keeping it real always and we cater to that one person who may listen to the entire four hours. So, a range of topics are covered and we never ever repeat content in the show. Our listeners have been with us since our Bombay radio days, so clearly our brand of radio works.”

When asked if she would like to get back to Indian radio and television industry she replied, “India is my home. If there's room for Jaggu and me to do our kind of real, quick-witted stuff, I would be happy to come home. As far as TV is concerned, if an exciting (Human NOT insect NOR Gorilla) role beckons I'm game.”