House of Experts Ep19: Vibha Kagzi in Conversation with RJ Archana Pania

House of Experts is a show that ReachIvy kick-started to help those who are unclear about their career choices. We hope through these sessions with some very successful people, we can shed light on a new career path every week. House of Experts plans to make a collection of interactive and informative sessions with experts from various domains.
Vibha Kagzi, the host, is the Founder and CEO of ReachIvy.com, a premium study abroad and career consultancy organization. Vibha, a Harvard alumna, is a successful entrepreneur and believes in helping others chalk out their future careers.

In Episode 19 of House of Experts, we were fortunate to host the renowned RJ and Host, Archana Pania.  RJ Archana is a Mumbai based Radio Jockey currently working for Radio city 91.1. She received her formal education from Kuwait, the city she was born in. She was chosen to be a radio jockey by the renowned RJ Jeeturaj at Radio Mirchi in 2002.

RJ Archana is currently known to co-host ‘Kasa Kai Mumbai’ with RJ Sahil. It’s a morning podcast that is aired from Monday to Saturday from 7am to 11am. You can hear your favorite Bollywood music and interviews with famous celebrities here. Archana Pania has also acted in several movies like ‘Bomairiya’ and ‘I am a woman and I am beautiful.’ She is also known to host the Box Cricket League.

1) Tell us about your early years, and your educational background.

Back in the day, many of us who didn’t fit into the typical Science or Commerce fields were asked to take Arts. I chose Commerce as I was very good at Mathematics and wanted to score well. My biggest learning in my college days was how to make everyone your own.  Till date, my Dad always makes fun of me about the fact that I did not even use what I studied! I love totaling the number plates of every car that I drive past by. It’s actually about how you can utilize your mind in the field that grabs your heart. Any field of expressing arts can really help you be a more confident, outspoken, and a happier person.

2) How did you get into RJing?

I started off as a web designer. Then I realized that I cannot keep abreast with the new technology, and that wasn’t something I wanted to do. I decided to study Art, because then I could do everything. I applied to universities abroad, and there they require you to make portfolios. Once, when I was learning how to paint, my mentor told me, ‘You talk so much! You should become an RJ!’ At that time, Radio Mirchi was one of the biggest advertisers. I just showed up to the audition to prove to myself that I couldn’t be that bad at this. There were so many different kinds of people there! I surprisingly got through, after 3 rounds of auditions, and it was Jeeturaj and Raj Jaffery who chose me!

In Kuwait, radio was the only way to stay in touch with your roots. My involvement with radio was high since childhood. I always feel I was destined to become an RJ.

3) What does a typical day in the life on an RJ look like? 
An RJs’ job is 24*7. We have to be observers of life. We’re supposed to be aware of everyday things in order to relate to that. We tell stories on behalf of millions of people, and the only way to do it is if I can do justice by knowing their stories. I start early during the day. It makes you feel like you’re ahead of everyone is. The best thing about being an RJ, you need to know everything. I need to know relevant things to talk about on the radio. Understand the art of storytelling. Less is more.

4) Do you think radio as a medium is losing its popularity? 
I don’t think a medium like radio can ever lose its glory in front of any medium, because it’s a live medium. Radio is the only medium talking to you in real-time. Also, radio tells people about local events. I’m telling you a story about your own city! Beyond entertaining, I think an RJ’s is also supposed to tweak your mindset. We recently did a campaign for Mumbai’s dabbawalas during the lockdown and managed to raise 21 lakhs for them! I don’t think radio will ever lose its popularity.

5)What tips would you like to give aspirational RJs? 
There are 3 things- One is to know what kind of a personality you want to be on the radio. Once you define that role, you must define your core. Some people’s strengths is poetry, some people’s strengths are in storytelling, some interview really well. It’s important to be aware of your city and what it entails. You need to know how to use it. Once you know the basics which are the selling points, everything else just intermingles with it.

We have to keep working hard. Also, please be kind to everyone around you! You have to spread your wings and pull people in! That is how you give back to society.

We are truly grateful to Archana for sharing her exciting and insightful journey with us? Are you looking for career guidance? Contact usTODAY!