Luveena Anand, now a well-recognised voice on Canadian radio Spice Radio and Australian Radio Rhythms, never envisioned herself as an RJ while pursuing Commerce at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar. However, destiny had other plans. It was at Lavanya—the college’s grand fashion event—that she first discovered the thrill of hosting. One event led to another, and soon, she found herself at the center of college festivities, effortlessly engaging audiences. Her voice became her power, and that confidence steered her towards a career in radio.
In a fun candid conversation, she reflects on her journey, the emotional strength required in this field and how she overcame social judgments to establish herself in an industry where passion must always overpower doubt. Read edited excerpts:
How did a commerce student transform into an RJ?
Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar gave me the platform to express myself. Lavanya-(the grand college fashion show) was the turning point—I hosted that show and realised I never wanted to leave the stage. From then on, be it farewell parties or college functions, I was always the host. That’s when I knew: this is what I want to do for life.
But what propelled you to choose radio as a career?
Interestingly, I had initially planned to pursue a PhD in commerce. But my mentor advised me to explore the corporate world first. That led to an internship in radio, where I discovered the magic of being behind the mic. I wasn’t on camera, yet people were listening to me—it was exhilarating. I auditioned at Radio City, got selected, and the journey began. I later joined 92.7 Big FM, handling Jalandhar first and eventually becoming a regional jockey and then covering all of North India.
Another major inspiration was my younger brother, Uday Vir Anand. He always wanted me to be in a profession where people would recognize me. His belief in me strengthened my resolve to succeed.
RJs are expected to be upbeat all the time. How challenging is that?
It is one of the hardest parts of the job. No matter what’s happening in your personal life, you must sound happy and full of energy. People tune in to the radio for positivity and joy.
The most difficult day of my life was also my first day as an RJ. I was set to be launched on air, but that morning, I lost my younger brother—the very person who had dreamed of this moment for me. In Punjab, radio launches involve dhol and celebrations as one can imagine. I had to dress up, smile, attend the launch and perform my duty as an RJ all this whilst my heart was breaking inside. I did it for him. I knew my brother would have wanted me to go on. That day, I realised the true resilience this profession demands.
You faced societal judgment as well. How did you deal with it?
Oh, plenty of it! In this industry, attending late-night events is common. And society was quick to question my choices. I often heard comments like, “Achhe ghar ki ladkiyan stage pe nahi chadti” (Respectable girls don’t go on stage). Even in the 21st century, mindsets remain outdated. But I was determined. I knew my worth, and today, I stand tall, having represented Punjab at UNICEF and as a state ambassador for various feminist initiatives.
Three biggest rewards of being an RJ?
- Unmatched audience love – Many assume people no longer listen to the radio, but trust me, when I ask a question, I receive over 100 calls—from Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and even remote border areas where radio is the only mode of mass communication. Once, a military officer dedicated a song to his wife through my show. That ability to connect with people is priceless.
- Recognition and fame – We RJs become household names. We interview celebrities, attend exclusive events, and sometimes, even get opportunities in OTT and entertainment industries.
- Global platforms – I represented Jalandhar at UNICEF, where I discussed how radio can drive social change. That was a career-defining moment for me.
Many believe radio is fading in the digital era. Do you agree?
Absolutely not. “Radio sirf suna nahi, dekha bhi jata hai” (Radio isn’t just heard; it’s seen). Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat airs on every radio station because he knows radio reaches places where television and the internet don’t. Everyone can afford a radio. And social media has only amplified our reach—RJs today are influencers, event hosts, and content creators. Radio is evolving, not disappearing.
Very well said! Any radio personality who inspires you?
Neelesh Misra—his storytelling is incredible. I aspire to build a platform like his, where I can narrate stories in my own unique style, with a show and a team of my own. Fingers crossed, one day!
For Gen Z, radio often seems like just a music jukebox. Your take?
That depends on the RJ’s craft. If you can create content that people relate to, they’ll tune in for your words, not just the music. I try to make my segments engaging—for example, with Valentine’s Day coming up, the movie Loveyapa is on the promotions. So, I’ll talk about love story angles, ask listeners for their experiences, and make the show interactive. That’s what keeps radio alive.
Which top celebrities have you interviewed?
Almost everyone from Pollywood—Gippy Grewal, Sargun Mehta, Ravi Dubey, Sunanda Sharma, Binnu Dhillon, Neeru Bajwa and the list goes on. From Bollywood, I’ve had a great time interviewing Katrina Kaif and Sonakshi Sinha.
Final thoughts for aspiring RJs
If you have a dream, chase it fearlessly. Radio isn’t just about speaking—it’s about connecting. And if you do it right, you’ll make an impact that lasts a lifetime.