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:
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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!!
