MUMBAI: She’s called the ‘coolest RJ of the nation’ and Shagufta Ahmed loves the sobriquet. At the Bengaluru office of Radio Indigo, she’s often referred to as the ‘gossip queen’ and Shagufta loves that title as well. Here’s Shagufta in a quick, invigorating chat with Radioandmusic.com.
How did you start your journey as an RJ?
It was not part of the plan. I was interning in Radio Indigo Bangalore when I was in college. At the time, Radio Indigo was an English radio channel. I joined as a creative solutions executive but my heart was in music and programming. I was offered an RJ’s job by Radio Indigo, when they realised how much I could chatter away.
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Did you plan to be an RJ?
No, not at all! I didn’t even dream of it. While I was working in the creative team, my boss and other team members figured that out I am a chatterbox. After one and half years, Rohit Barker, (the former RJ of Radio Indigo) asked me to try my luck in RJing and I ended up with my own show with Radio Indigo eventually. According to me, your voice is secondary, what you say, how you say, how you present your story are important. Having said that, having a good voice is always a boon.
Tell us more about your show.
My show is on air Monday to Friday, 6 pm to 10 pm, which is actually very chilled out. When you are driving back home after a mundane day, my show can help lift your mood. Most importantly, it is all about music. I start the show with 80s and 90s English, old school music and come to an end it with new trending numbers. I can vouch that my show is light-hearted and absolute fun.
What’s the most interesting thing about RJing?
The most interesting thing is that you can actually talk to strangers without getting into trouble. I am basically a shy person but when I am on-air I can talk my heart out.
How active are you on social media? Do you think it is important?
Oh, it is important. In the past, it was just getting on the radio, executing your show and you were done. But nowadays, it is essential to be on social media. People want to know about you, interact with you and so on.
What are you looking forward to in 2016?
I wish I could get more creative opportunities in radio only. I want to do more exciting things too. And, my listeners, do share your feedback.
