A fan once asked to marry me- Radio queen

 One of my listeners’ grandmother called in asking that I marry his grandson, who was a huge fan and could not stop talking about me at home- Amarpreet Bhamra Photo: Courtesy

Radio queen Amarpreet Bhamra has the voice. The Sound Asia FM host talked to us about the journey of her life, love and work

It’s almost a decade since you took to radio. How did you get started on this path?

It’s been a long journey, one that started many years back. I was a young girl, aged only 16, when I realised I had a passion for radio. My dream took its first real steps when I heard this commercial on radio; they were looking for radio presenters. I went there, did a voice test and got selected. I kicked it all off as a weekend presenter. I have never looked back.

It must be challenging working in the entertainment industry. Who is your biggest inspiration?

I’ve always dreamt of working alongside Sanjeev Sharma. I used to listen to his show, Moonlight Shadows. I must have been 13 or 14 years old at the time. I loved his voice and the show. He has been my role model and inspiration. I aim to take my show to those heights one day.

What else do you do apart from radio?

I am an assistant manager at Wabco Trading. I spend my free time dancing or watching my favourite show, NCIS. Let’s just say I love the entertainment industry.

It must be boring being on air every single day. Just how ow do you keep things original and fresh?

I love what I do. When you love what you do, it is never boring. The only problem could be when I am under the weather or lose my voice. I just focus on making my listeners happy every time I am behind the mic.

They say the media is a dirty industry, full of jealousy, backstabbing and cattiness. What’s your take?

I agree that media can be challenging, but to say it’s dirty is not entirely true. It’s just challenging, and whenever I feel someone or something is pulling me back, I simply remind myself how much I love my job.

What projects are you working on currently?

At the moment, I am focusing on my studies, which I was unable to complete earlier due to unforeseen circumstances. You will probably see me finally graduating and continuing to do what I love in the coming years.

Yours is a very popular show no doubt, with thousands of fans. Any weird experience with your fans?

I have had all sorts of experiences; from getting marriage proposals, being asked out, to flirtatious comments. The weirdest experience to date was when one of my listeners’ grandmother called in asking that I marry his grandson, who was a huge fan and could not stop talking about me at home (smiles).

Are you seeing someone?

No. I’m not seeing or dating anyone at the moment.

What are the traits you look for in a man... what does it take to woo you?

It isn’t easy to woo me. I am a very independent woman and it’s very difficult for me to rely on someone. But if I must answer that, I’ll have to confess that I admire a man who can stand up for what is right, a man who can fight the world to be with me even if it is difficult. That man will definitely win my heart.

Radio popularity is going down and not many people tune in to listen, especially with the surge in MP3s, audio playlists and podcasts. Yet, somehow in Nairobi, Asian radio stations are doing just fine. What’s the secret?

Our radio here in Kenya can be educational because they also tackle current events. They don’t just tell us Bollywood or other celebrity news, but also report news around us, including traffic updates. Then there are these contests and people sharing their experiences. It’s captivating.

What advice do you have for young people who want to join radio?

It’s all about passion. If you have the drive, that undying thirst to follow your heart, then go for it. It may not satisfy you financially, but at least you will have psychological satisfaction