| 'Regulation
should not hamper creative freedom' |
|
| Published
on 5 April 2008 |
A
post graduate in Corporate Law from the National Law School, a TV anchor for the
past nine years who has interviewed celebrities like Dr Rajkumar, H D Deve Gowda,
Juhi Chawla and Sri Sri Ravishankar; Harsha has done it all in his 26 year old
life. Now,
he wakes up even earlier to host the breakfast show on Big FM, Karnataka with
his famous catch phrase is "sikkapatte tarle!" His pet interests include
meditation, astrology, music composing, dramatics, writing and mimicry; he adores
food and loves 'Winnie the Pooh.' Do no underestimate him, for he is also the
executive producer of his show, looking over production, voicing scripts and special
characters on-air. His simple yet endearing attitude mixed with wit and warmth
along with his deep voice has made him a household name in Karnataka and Kannadigas
around the world. Radioandmusic.com's
Aaishwari Chouhan engages RJ Harsha in a conversation. Excerpts:
After training
in law, why did you choose to be in the field of entertainment? And, why RJing,
of all professions?
I had some experience in the entertainment field
and a qualification in law! I guess my penchant for humour and the desire to entertain
people and be in the limelight finally made me lean towards entertainment. Radio
was a new medium, which I always wanted to explore. After my stint on TV, I got
an opportunity to work with Big FM and it is something that I have thoroughly
enjoyed and learnt from. So I could either talk on the telly or on radio or in
a court room!
You
are interested in composing music too. How far have you taken this interest of
yours professionally?
Music
has been my first love. I have been fascinated by music and the impact it has
on our lives. Music used to inspire me and fuel my creativity. I used to compose
music for fun and my satisfaction. Though I have never learnt music, it comes
to me naturally. Maybe I could dabble in professional music composing in the future,
but of course keeping my RJing intact.
| How
far should RJs be regulated when on-air?
Radio, as any other mass medium
that influences public opinion, has a socially responsible role to play. Being
a live and interactive medium, every RJ has to keep in mind the sensitivities
of the public at large when hosting shows. RJs hence must take care to ensure
we are not attacking communities, saying anything defamatory, anything against
law and order etc. This is especially true, given the increasing base of radio
listenership and given the impact that radio has on the public today. The regulation
however, should not hamper creative freedom! A basic structure and system of rules
always supports creativity.
Discipline and freedom go hand in hand. |
| |
You
also seem to contribute to ads and promos of Big FM. How easy is it for a RJ to
make ads for his radio station?
It all depends on the RJ's creative capability
and willingness to go the extra mile. It is an easy job for an RJ to script stuff
since an RJ is verbally fluent and is blessed with wit and sharpness. Scripting
ads also requires writing skills and the ability to deliver the communication
peg in a striking capsule. An RJ with such an inclination could make great radio
ads. Where
does a RJ head to once he has attained the highest peak in his career as a RJ?
Well, back to the studio for one more great show? Actually, there is
lots of stuff to do once an RJ feels he or she has accomplished all that he or
she could have. Programming is one option since radio involves a lot of ideation
and planning. One could also move into scripting or don the role of a producer
or programming head.
What
gives your show an edge over the other breakfast shows in Karnataka?
I guess the fact that my show 'Big Coffee' offers a lot to the listener right
from astro predictions, contests, debates to relevant yet funny discussions.
Fun is an integral part of my show, hence I try and mimic popular stars and play
interesting characters on-air. Every link has to be special else there is a danger
of your listener tuning out! If
given a chance, what is the one thing you would want to change about the radio
sector in India?
It would be great if we were allowed to air news and
current affairs on radio. There is immense potential to make this medium more
interesting and entertaining. What
is the one thing you hope never changes about radio as a medium?
The music
and the fun loving RJs!! | 
