Shah Rukh Khan at t2 presents Indiawaale Kolkata Mein Chha Gaye! at St. Xavier’s College grounds

Hi, it’s me, Jimmy. You’ve been hearing my voice for over 20 years and now you’ll read my thoughts!

Let’s rewind, going way back to my college days. Since I come from a business family, it was all about commerce, college and going to dad’s office.

In 1983, sometime in February, I started deejaying at Calcutta Swimming Club (after the original DJ fell asleep deejaying and I was requested to take over from the week after!) with just six audiotapes as my world of music and no experience. But there was no turning back.

In February 1994, I was approached to be a part of a private radio station and on July 26, 1994, with no background or knowledge of radio, I did my first LIVE broadcast from the studios of AIR at 7am. It was an amazing experience; truly unforgettable. I did not realise that my deep baritone would create a disruption. My first two words, “Good morning”, overloaded the mixer and the transmitter tripped and I went off air for a minute. That’s how I started my radio career!

Among the shows I have done (and am still doing!), Direct Dilse is a must-mention. It has been on air since 1996 and, 18 years into the show, the love from the listeners continues to be unbelievable. It airs every Friday on 91.9 Friends FM, 9pm to 2am.

By the way, hope you are having a very happy festive season. The last six weeks have been full of excitement, in terms of work and the city. Being part of the youth-oriented and interactive 91.9 Friends FM has brought about a high degree of engagement this season. The station joined hands with 52 top pujas and gave out VIP passes for access to the pandals. We were not only on air 24x7 during Durga Puja, we went LIVE from various locations for major activations with clients like Idea, Havells and CenturyPly. Some 1,892 live updates from across the city during the Pujas, partnering all the Dandia events in the city and every major event that took place around you…. In October, the station was associated with over 92 activities around Calcutta!

Just before Diwali, 91.9 Friends FM went on a drive to collect chocolates and sweets for underprivileged children. The warmth extended by you was evident by the 500kg of goodies collected and on October 20, our team with some listeners hit 16 locations in the city to distribute the same.

The mega event of the month was on October 29 when we partnered t2 for the Happy New Year event with Shah Rukh Khan and his team that rocked St. Xavier’s College. Winners of a 91.9 Friends FM contest were able to attend the event and we went LIVE from the college to rock the city.

Lots coming up this month. For example, stay tuned for the Friends Live Plugged Concert at Nazrul Mancha on November 15 with Fossils, Chandrabindoo and Anupam Roy.

And look forward to more from the world of radio in t2, next week!