Mera Gaon, Mera Des (but Jock from Pardes?)

So does a jock need to be from the city? One of the most controversial questions in radio, specially these days, when in Mumbai itself 50% or more jocks are not Mumbaikars.

And when I say Mumbaikar, or being from the city, I would like to clarify that I mean someone who has stayed in the city for at least 5 years or more. Or has strong bonds with the city due to frequent visits or being the native city etc. Nothing more is expected.

There are a lot of 'requirements' you need to fulfill when you are going on-air. Some basic parameters.. Voice, Spontaneity etc. (some lack even these on-air these days) However, I would not list the requirements here, mainly because for every Programming Head, these requirements differ, specially in the degree in which they want what.

So I will stick to what I find interesting, the question of "Where are you from?"
I wanted to comment on it since I too was subjected to this test myself. Have been noticing a trend in Mumbai and most recently, spoken to someone who wanted to know my opinion on it.

1. You need to know the language. And its not just Hindi, Bengali or Gujarati, but the slang as well. The words that belong to the city, which you will use in your links naturally and not with an effort, only if youhave grown up hearing them and using them.

2. You have to know the vibe of the city. Well, that you can catch even by being here for sometime and observing and absorbing in good quantities. Provided you have the bandwidth and capability to do that.

3. Traveled on the most basic and best vehicles in town. Consistently.

4. Felt that you 'belong' to the city. sometimes this is the most difficult feeling to build in your system if you are from another city. But this is what works subconsciously and decides whether you 'connect' with the junta; specially when the city is hit with trouble.

5. Eaten the food that the city offers. As the city offers it. And know how it has evolved over years. So knowing the vada-pav stall at Mithibai is the best is not enough. Do you know what it used to cost in 99?

Well, I have time only for this much today and I will continue and conclude this soon. Till then, you are welcome to comment on this and would love to know your views too. But would like to specify that there is no right or wrong here.

Music to my Ears (and Peers)

I will have to move a step away from radio and talk just about music here. It was something very small that I noticed and felt so overwhelmed with, that I thought I must write about it.
My friend's birthday party was a house party and music was being played by a friend via his laptop. We had the best, latest international hits to groove to, which people were enjoying for sometime. People would come and go off the dance floor. And then, there was a wave of the Rishi-Riches of the world, hip-hop, etc etc.
Then another friend decided to plug in his iPhone. He had a fantastic collection from the 90s. No, not international. This one was pure Bollywood. So, Jaane de jaane de mujhe jaana hai, jumma chumma, saat samandar, deewana mujhsa nahi, khud ko kya samajhti hai.. so on and so forth. And EVERYONE just went MAD!! Everyone was on the dance floor! Even those who were staying away since the beginning. And enjoyed themselves thoroughly.
And guess what the audience demographics here were? Sec A, A+. 20-28yrs old. Male & Female.

Phir bhi dil hai Hindustani? :)

Hi.. you talk to me!

My relatives used to be ever-so-curious about my job earlier (when I was a jock)and one of the questions thrown at me was .. "So you just talk to the wall?" :)

Which is in its literal sense quite true. A jock basically is talking to a wall, sitting in a room, all by himself. But the point is - someone out there is listening to him. And that is where the romance is, right?

I basically thought about this because I have been traveling quite a bit within the city and got an opportunity to be a typical Mumbaikar and looked out for entertainment on the go - via the radio. I came to face a horrifying fact about our drive-time jocks. They just don't care about who's listening to them!
It seems like everyone is busy getting together a show (much like a circus show)) and trying hard to make a great show and then just presenting the show! That is the KRA of a jock, no doubt. But is that really what makes you a jock?

It's saddening to note that you no more care about me. (the listener) Everyone is just busy doing their own thing! It's so obvious that you are just doing a job! Its not only saddening for the listener then, but even for the jock.

The first golden rule of radio I had learnt was - talk to ONE person. That I guess people have stopped teaching now... but I will extend it for you and say - Talk to SOMEONE atleast! Don't just throw your quick wits up in the 'Air' for us to catch! And well, don't even get me started on the wits...

I just thought I'd let it out... I am the reason you are on-air. Try not to ignore me please.