Why I am ‘married’ to my job- Celebrated radio presenter

 Photo: Courtesy

Shiksha Arora is a graduate of microbiology and biotechnology, a dancer, choreographer, celebrated radio presenter on East FM and reigning beauty queen. She is a natural charmer. She reveals to us what drives her

Away from media limelight, what is Shiksha all about?

I am a wanderer, a dreamer, an optimist who’s got the eye of a tiger. I am 50 shades of dramatic, a Bollywood enthusiast, and a complete foodie. I thank God for my genes (I don’t think any jeans would ever fit).

I am family-oriented, strikingly confident, exceptionally ambitious, a passionate dancer and one who believes in simplicity. If I could, I would wear pajamas all day.

 You are a radio personality, beauty queen and dancer. How do you manage all these?

 I have always been in love with the stage. It gives me this enigmatic satisfaction, which I simply love, be it being on radio, dancing, emceeing, acting or modelling.

I have been dancing ever since I was a child and have always been referred to as chirpy and bubbly, making me ideal for radio. I never limit myself to doing one thing.

Do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions?

Comfort and warmth are mandatory in the studio. The best thing about being on radio is you don’t necessarily have to look good to sound good. I always have a bottle of hot drinking water with me in the studio at all times.

My secret to a good show is keeping it light-hearted; I mean who wants to sit in their car in the scorching heat in traffic and listen to a dreary voice? I certainly wouldn’t. I believe the way to your listener’s heart is great music and engaging them in some small talk from time to time, compelling them to tune in.

How about your dancing?

I started my journey in dance when I was just six years old at the Kamini School of Dance and graduated in the Indian classical dance form, Bharatnatyam at 16 years old. Being a dancer gave me exposure to various platforms.

I have choreographed and performed extensively in shows of different genres of Bollywood, fusion, contemporary and hip-hop. Kenya lacks adequate dance education, which can broaden the dance platform for locals. A dance academy in Nairobi would be ideal to exploit and discover talent .

You were recently crowned one of the Miss India Worldwide Kenya pageant winners. How was the experience?

I have been watching Miss World and Miss Universe pageants since I was a little girl. I would wear my mum’s heels (which were obviously way too big for me at the time). It still took a month of excruciating, yet worthwhile training for me to be able to walk gracefully in six-inch heels.

The experience was an emotional roller-coaster, but a proud and humbling one. I got to meet some wonderful and inspiring young ladies. The pride on my parents’ faces after the win was the highlight of my journey. It definitely was a learning experience and I have grown a lot as a person.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I see myself doing bigger and better things, and always doing what I love. I am currently working on two upcoming shows here in Nairobi, a fusion of choreography and contemporary dancing.

I have several photoshoots that are scheduled for a few clothing brands which you will get to know about soon. I will also be pursuing my masters next year.

Is Shiksha Arora single?

I am pretty much married to my job and fully focused on my future career prospects.

What is the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for you?

I was on air doing extra time on a Saturday.  I jokingly told my listeners that I was starving. A few hours later, the receptionist calls me to collect a package. My favourite chicken avocado wrap, tropical smoothie and double chocolate cake awaited me.

You should have seen the smile on my face. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but I guess it’s the way to my heart too. You should believe me when I tell you I am a complete foodie?

As a public figure and reigning beauty queen, what are some of your charitable works?

I have worked with the Amani Na Wema Children’s Home as part of the Hoodwink9 theatre for the production Simba. The proceeds went to the children’s home. We put the girls on stage and they were truly delighted and absolute pleasure to work with.

I was also actively involved in the committee of the University of Nairobi Students Hindu Association; we have an annual fundraiser to give back to society.  We spent quality time with the children at another home, donated stationery as well as created awareness on medical issues through talks.

I am also working on a personal project, Dance for a Cause, which will officially debut soon.

You were recently in Madrid covering the glamorous IIFA awards. What was that like?

It was an eye-opener.  Behind the scenes, it isn’t as glamorous as it seems. I arrived there at 6pm and left at 2am. In the end, it was worth every minute because you get to experience, and to be part of the world of Bollywood.

Making new friends from all over the world, interviewing all the big stars and my favourite part was catching a glimpse of my favourite actor, Hrithik Roshan. The cherry on the cake being I got a chance to interview him, another check off my bucket list.

From meeting and mingling with so many Bollywood celebrities at IIFA, what can you share about the industry with our readers?

The Bollywood industry is like a big family that has one sole purpose, to entertain. From my experience at the IIFA, the life of an actor isn’t as enchanting as it may appear to be.

Countless paparazzi following you everywhere you go; and I mean everywhere. You have to look your best and weigh what you say.