Photos: Jinson Abraham

As the sun peaked, I was welcomed not by the manicured green lawns at Choice Marina, but a view of an opulent yacht. Although there were many on the boat, I easily spotted Rajisha posing for the camera. With a fresh beam of sunlight hitting her hair, her confidence radiated as she casually donned a navy blue dress. Her confidence comes as no surprise, but her amiable nature unfurled as we got into a conversation. With wind in our hair, the interview was relaxed and soothing; just like a sail in the yacht.

How did the journey as an anchor begin?

Once I finished my schooling, as every Malayali parent would do, my parents wanted me to take up engineering or medicine. Though I did not prepare for it, I did get through it. But somehow I realized that it was not my cup of tea. I applied for Bachelors in Journalism Mass Communication at Amity University, Delhi. In my first year of college, I wanted to get into print journalism. Then in my second year I wanted to make films and direct. But by the third year, I wanted to do television. I ended up doing PR instead. I realised a while later sitting in an office wasn’t my cup of tea. Until, I saw a television ad that was looking for a new anchor for a new television channel, Surya Music under Sun Network. I went for the audition and got through it. My first show was ‘100% Love’, in which I was a love guru. Within three weeks, I worked for a travelogue called ‘Manassinakkare.’ One of my major shows was ‘Surya Challenge’ in Surya TV, which was a reality game show. I did six shows after Surya Challenge. The 7th show was ‘Susi’s Code’, which was the path breaking show for me. Susi’s Code was about to complete its 150th episode; that’s when I got a call from Mazhavil Manorama. They said that there is a new show called ‘Ugram Ujwalam’ – a show that showcases talent that isn’t limited by age or nationality. I realised it was the right time to end everything, and ‘Susi’s Code’ was at the peak during that time. Somehow everything fell into place.

‘Susi’s Code’ was path breaking for you, what made it unconventional?

It did not follow all the television rules. There were no edits or cuts. Whether I am looking outside or talking to my producer, everything went on AIR. People liked that. It was like seeing your friend sitting in front of you in a couch and talking to you. I am indebted to my producer, Ameen. He is just 25 years old and is the sole reason ‘Susi’s Code’ became ‘Susi’s Code’. I could never see the mails prior to the show. Ameen selected the mails and topics. If I saw the mails, the reactions wouldn’t be spontaneous. He was the backbone of the show. The freedom he gave to the anchor was amazing. The best comes out of you when you are given such freedom. I am sure he will reach great heights.

What has been your proudest moment or memorable moment so far?

I had anchored an event earlier where Mammukka was there, and I was nervous. I had messed up things by calling him Mammukka sir and saying he has an aura. I was sad that I couldn’t do well. Recently at Vanitha film awards, I was hosting the red carpet. I was talking to Rimi Tomy, and he came to me and shook my hand. Later, after the show, he said, “Are you not Susi?” He mentioned that he has seen the show and that it was a nice one. That was beyond anything and everything for me. Mammukka is so humble, down to earth and yes extremely handsome. Forget about the handsome part, but he has this energy that comes from his personality. Being appreciated by a legend was huge, and that was my best moment.

Can you talk more about Ugram Ujwalam?

I never expected that it would turn out to be like this. There were more than 80 contestants and 25 performers. Each person is so talented. There are contestants who are differently-abled and some of them have been getting injuries, jumping from heights, eating fire… Looking at them perform, I realised that I haven’t done anything in my life. As an anchor, I was a friend who wanted the best out of the contestants, like a mother taking care of contestants, a cheerleader clapping and applauding for the contestants. That changed me.

How has it been working with the judges?

To share the dais with three amazing judges is amazing. Poornima Indrajith is an actress, renowned dancer and an entrepreneur, who has set an example. I don’t need to say anything about Sudha Chandran. We know who she is. She is one of the most amazing woman I have ever met. The confidence she has, the way she travels and works, and her energy levels are unbelievable. What a brilliant dancer she is! Bala chetta is the most innocent, humble and humorous man I have met. He is the one who makes us all laugh on the set.

Has ‘Ugram Ujwalam’ raised the standards of reality shows in Kerala?

It has set a bench mark. There were reality shows, but the problem was; they were all repetitive. There was never a show where every talent was shown. I never thought Kerala had so much of talent. The best part is the competition is not among the contestants but a challenge within oneself. Like the tagline says ‘survival of the fittest.’ One’s performance is analyzed and criticized with their previous performances. This helps people give their best.

It is an inevitable fact that Ranjini Haridas has changed the anchoring scenario of Kerala. Do you look up to her? Are there any other anchors you look up to?

I have met Ranjini Haridas a couple of times. She is a very strong woman. No matter what people tell and comment, tomorrow, if you want to do something, the first name, is Ranjini Haridas. The way she has stood up to the criticisms. It takes a lot of guts, courage and self-respect to stand up for themselves. For that reason and that reason alone, I am so proud of her.There are a lot of anchors who are doing a good job like Pearle, GP, Jewel, Rahul. I do not look up to them, but I do appreciate them. I do not look up to them because the more you look up, indirectly they would influence your working style. In this industry, you have to be yourself. Ranjini was who she was; Pearle is who she is. People do not want dupes.

What is the Indian media trying to do in terms of standing out?

I am happy that media is the 4th pillar of the constitution. There are countries where there is no free press. At the same time, I am sad media is not following the ethics of journalism. We all need TRP’s, but intruding someone’s personal life for the same TRPs is not right.

Is there any art film that you still remember watching, sitting in your Amity classroom?

I loved watching Rushmore by Kim Kidd, Bicycle Thieves by Vittorio De Sica, Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s movies, Satyajit Ray’s films. I love Charulatha.

Any movie that you’d like to make? Who would be part of it?

I would make a movie with Mohanlal and Mammootty. The actress would be Shobhana. And I will not tell you whom she goes with (laughs).

What is your biggest passion?

My biggest passion is to travel around the world; talk to new people, listen to music. I just have to cover the islands in India.