Priya, Suresh, Vera, Rohit, Gita, Sheetal. No prizes for guessing who they are! Ask any music lover in Bangalore, and pat comes the reply, they are the new craze which has taken Bangalore by storm-yes they are the RJs on Radio City. Bubbly, chirpy, witty and full of enthusiasm they have become quite popular within a very short spell.

Unlike a VJ there is always an aura of mystery spun around an RJ. We only hear his voice, become passionately involved with his way of talking, laugh at his jokes, share his anecdotes, but he reamins only a voice for us. We don't know how he looks, whether he is tall, dark and handsome or a skinny, non descript person with a great voice. Well, we at Bangalorebest thought of dispelling the mystery a bit. So, here is a preview of your favourite RJs:

Let us begin with Suresh Venkat, the Namma Bengalooru lad, who chose to become a RJ " As I thought I might as well get paid to talk endlessly, which I do anyway." Known for his special brand of laid back typical Bangalore humour, his is the deep voice that plays our favorite Hindi music on his popular show "Hot Air". He also anchors the "Best of Bollywood" on Radio City on Sundays.Suresh loves Bollywood music. He studied at the National Institute of Design in Amhedabad as well as St. Joseph's college in Bangalore. He earlier worked as a writer at Channel [V], Mumbai. He was only too happy to come back to the fold, to Bangalore, when Radiocity beckoned, and aren't we all thankful that he did! A big hit with all in the city, we wish that this RJ doesn't run out of steam for a long long time to come.

Priya Ganapathy, is another steady favourite with all those late birds who stay up to catch some solid good English music until midnight, in her "Late Show". With a diverse repertoire of skills in the field of communication, Priya has compered and anchored shows, acted and recorded commercial documentary voice-overs. She thinks of Radio as yet another unplanned yet exciting and welcome twist in her varied career. She really loves this media as she can share her experiences with the masses.

She loves connecting with the man on the street with her pithy sayings, her views on everything under the sun and good music.When quizzed on what she likes about her profession, she very confidently stated she loves playing the music people like and " that is exactly what Radio City does". Armed with a Masters in Communication, Priya has worked with newspaper houses, youth portals on the Internet and television software production houses, so joining Radio City nicely rounds out her experience with a full range of communications media!

Priya loves listening to alternative rock, old rock classics, world music and Asian underground music, with jazz and blues topping her list. Her current favorites include American jazz singer Diana Krall.Being somewhat of a musician herself, she also dabbles in theatre, art and loves books, movies and travel.

Vera, is the voice that rouses you out of sleep and jump-starts your day! You have probably heard her bubbly voice on your way to work, or across the breakfast table. Along with Rohit, the co-host of "The Breakfast Show", this communication English graduate does all she can to liven up the morning rush. She also hosts the super Saturday show on her own from 8 am to noon. Enthusiastic about her profession, she says it is amazing, for " you get to be part of so many people's lives without intruding, and it is a great feeling being able to start a community". Vera has had previous experience in broadcasting with Radio Midday, Times FM, Channel [V] and Indigo FM.Vera's favorite artists include Sting and Ella Fitzgerald. The small and petite Lil V loves singing and baking, jazz and of course being a RJ!

Gita Modgil, a hit with all who tune into the Radio City Café, on weekdays, and the super Saturday show, is originally from Mumbai. But she found the lure of Bangalore and RJing too potent a mix, to resist. When asked why an RJ? She quipped, "I love to talk basically and I love music, why else?" She also loves the mystery that every radio jockey enjoys, being a voice without a face. In Mumbai, Gita had been a producer and writer of radio programming for Banyan Tree Communications. She has also had a stint with Channel [V] as a scriptwriter. She loves music by Brit. bands, along with U2. Reading and movies come a close second on her list, when she is not busy serving hot chart toppers to her listeners!

Rohit Malkani is the host of the Retro Show on Sundays, from 7 to 9 pm. He has had a long association with radio in many capacities. A resident of Kolkata, he has been in Bangalore for over six years. He hosted the All Gold Show on Radio Midday and the Mahindra Armada Drivedown on Times FM. He has also creted a concept for a childrens channel for Worldspace.His first job in Bangalore was with HTA. Rohit enjoys blues, jazz, rock and needless to say retro. Theatre is his abiding passion, and so is watching classic films, cooking and reading. He foresees a volatile and exciting time for radio as a medium in the times ahead, for " the time is ripe and the audience is changing: there is a world out there waiting to be won." Well, we wish him the very best in his quest and future conquests.

Rohit Barker, is the voice that helps you get your groove back and really let your hair down on weekends on the Club Show. He also hosts the Breakfast Show with Vera. This pucca Bangalorean, has been born and brought up here (" although rather badly," he says!). Being in the centre of things is nothing new for him as he is a permanent fixture at every 'do' in our city.Beginning his tryst with AIR, where he anchored "Tuesday Tunes", he has also been associated with Indigo Radio and Channel [V]. His likes and dislikes include " women", though he gets on like a house on fire, with Vera his cohost! That notwithstanding we hope his love for music and entertaining music continues to keep us glued to our radio sets.

Watch out for more pleasant surprises like a request show and informative
interviews soon to be aired on Radio City.They seem to have a whole bag of goodies and treats in store for the enthusiastic and wonderful city that is Bangalore!

Preeti Prakash.

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