Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Charm, humour and style

The job of Video Jockey is promising as a career option but definitely not easy. G. Prasad chats with two of top SS Music VJs

Just imagine a show on your favourite music channel without those lively video jockeys. That might sound odd.

In their absence, that touch of charm, humour and style will be sorely missed.

It's not just all about requesting for favourite songs these days. But having a quick chat with these VJs is the main attraction.

Weird tricks

What is so special about VJs? Certainly, they have the uncanny knack of keeping the interest of the audience alive for a longer period of time by doing weird tricks. And, mind you, VJing is not an easy job either.

Ask Cary and he will list out the essential qualities a VJ should posses.

"Hey, we are not out there to read out a script prepared overnight. We are going to talk to people whom we haven't met and need to build a conversation. So, it is important to be spontaneous and enjoyable. Above all, be confident."

Cary has been with SS (Southern Spice) Music for more than three years now and he has the ability to impress people at the first meeting — that is what his job is all about. But would you believe that he took up this profession by accident.

A chance to host a fashion show at Mumbai probably brought him into VJing.

Cary, through his performance, not just drew the attention of the audience but also of those in Channel V.

"My experience at the channel counts a lot. That's where I learnt the art of VJing. Those two years there laid a strong foundation for my career," he says.

Choosy

Cary is also very particular in hosting shows that feature music to his liking.

That was also the reason for him quitting Channel V.

"See, if you want to talk to people about the song which they have requested, then I must know it and that is very essential. I cannot host programmes featuring Hindi songs, where people ask for Daler Mehndi. When I found the going tough I decided to quit," he confides.

He also feels that it is always good to know varied subjects, which would help while conversing with the callers.

And his colleague VJ Pooja Ramachandran has no second thoughts on that.

Exciting

Miss Coimbatore Pooja got selected through the talent search conducted by SS Music, named `VJ Factor 2.'

Pooja is excited about VJing but says there is always scope for improvement and wants to give her best every time.

VJing is by youngsters and for youngsters.

So is the career of VJs only for a short span? "I don't think so. Cyrus and Nikhil have been around for quite some time. It is just all about how you handle yourself in front of the camera," Cary says.

Public patronage

Are these VJs accepted by the older generation? "There have been instances when people in their 60's have accused me of spoiling our culture. But middle-aged people and housewives are watching most of our programmes, which is certainly encouraging," he gushes.

Acting venture

Apart for Vjing, Cary has also tried his hand in acting. A film for NFDC and another - `That four letter word.' Though getting offers from Kollywood, he is in no mood to accept them.

"First of all, I don't know the language. Then, I prefer acting only in English movies. Sadly, there are not many people willing to produce English movies here. Now, I am working on a project which I will direct and I expect the work to begin by this year-end," he reveals.

And what about his book `Comparative Religion'? "Ah! It's going on. I believe I will finish it one day," he laughs.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail