Radio being one of the oldest form of mass communication has provided a platform to outstanding talent. Many artists have started their careers as Radio Artists, loved by the listeners, and eventually were welcomed to the film industry to act.
Majorly, films and radio have the element of sound and expression in common. The voice and the energy of a radio artist drives them to acting.
Here is a list of 3 successful Indian actors who started from radio, all because of the magic of expression and engagement in their voice.
- Saeed Jaffrey
A highly successful British actor, born in India, Jaffrey tried his luck and started off his career as an English Announcer with the external services at All India Radio in 1951. It was all because of his hold over various languages. The late actor, had traveled all over the US and the UK for his acting endeavours. Appreciated till the end of his time, and even after, Jaffrey was honoured with the Padma Shri Award posthumously.
- Sunil Dutt
With his stern command over the English language, Dutt started his career in radio. Dutt was hugely popular on the Hindi service of Radio Ceylon, the oldest radio station in South Asia. As an RJ, he interviewed various other veteran actors like Dilip Kumar and Shammi Kapoor. He pivoted to acting in Hindi films and got introduced to the industry with ‘Railway Platform’, his first film in 1955.
- Ayushmann Khurrana
The latest heartthrob of the Hindi film Industry, Ayushmann Khurrana was a young boy who landed at New Delhi with big aspirations in his eyes. Khuranna started his career at BIG FM in New Delhi right after completing education. He was popular then, with programs like Big Chai — Maan Na Maan and then Main Tera Ayushmann. He then moved further and was highly appreciated as a VJ on MTV. Finally in 2012, Khurrana backed a lead role in Vicky Donor, where he started his acting career. An actor, a singer, and a host, he believes that he always knew he wanted to become an actor, and was acting all this time as an RJ, VJ and singer.
Radio is simply a medium of expression that sends your thoughts and speech to the listeners.
They say it is a dying form of media, it isn’t. Radio was there while the nation got independence and it will live on till the end of time. No technological advancement can provide you with the homely feel of adjusting the radio’s antenna.
Hope you took some inspiration today. See you soon.
Have a great day and stay strong jockey!