Sujita Gurung, known as ‘Suji to the A’ on Hits FM, is one of the most popular RJs among youth audiences. She has a way with words and she’s known around town for being a master of many trades. The Post’s Alisha Sijapati caught up with Gurung to learn about her fun-filled journey as a media personality. Excerpts:

How did your journey as an RJ begin? What sparked the interest?

Even though I grew up as a Millennial kid in the fast-paced world of the internet age, I surprisingly found solace in the radio. When my dad brought home this

awesome multi-functional digital alarm clock with a radio, my sister and I were immediately hooked. I really loved finding out about new artists and new songs. At the same time, I was into hosting events, and I thought being an RJ would be a perfect ‘symphony’ of music and talking. My mama helped me with my application process at Hits FM and the rest, as they say, is history.

What are you currently involved with, besides RJ-ing?

I work as a teacher and a health instructor.  I will forever be grateful to my alumni, Malpi Institute, for believing in me and giving me my first opportunity to teach the A-Levels Sociology and Psychology

courses and I have been doing so for the past five years. I am also an IBDP English B lecturer at Ullens School. As for my work in the gym, I help people with their #fitnessgoals with my Zumba and aerobics classes.

What are the shows you are currently doing?

I like to say that I make my “special appearance” three evenings a week on the radio; every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8-9pm. I am a huge fan of the hip hop and rap genres, and on Fridays, that is the music I spin on the show Raise Da Roof. It is an original hip hop and rap show, and I could not be more proud of it. Mondays on Cyber Connection are about websites and song requests through emails, and Surfin’, the show on Wednesdays, is all about movies and Hollywood.

What are your thoughts on working as a VJ? Have you tried your hand at it?

I think it would be awesome to work as a VJ, but my ultimate love is radio. I have not tried any music-based shows but I have had some TV experience: I was on Khazzamandu, with the fabulous host Alok Thapa, who roped me in to be his foodie-partner-in-crime. It was a lot of fun but I do not see myself running any shows on the small screen any time soon.

Your most memorable moment till date as an RJ.

Just thinking of the many incidents right now makes me smile and it is quite difficult to choose only one. Anyway, since I have to choose, there is this one incident that happened during loadshedding hours. My show was supposed to start at 8 pm but due to some unforeseen circumstances, the station was down and when we got back on air, it was already 8.30! Thinking of adding a special twist to the delayed show, I got permission from my senior producer, and instead of doing a solo show, I invited two of my colleagues to join me—that was an epic half an hour.

What is your favourite show?

Every show that I have done has been special in its own way, but the one that I am totally biased about has got to be Raise Da Roof. It has been my baby since I started with it eight years ago.

Any challenges you have faced?

Initially, the biggest challenge for me was my accent, since I was raised in Singapore, and apparently, my accent stood out in both positive and negative ways. It was also the same for my pronunciation. Thus, I had to work extra hard in those areas and that was quite an uphill task.

Who is your favourite RJ?

Now, that puts me in a spot! I guess for me, a good RJ is someone who has a good command of the language, plays fantastic music, makes things interesting by providing trivia and when you listen to him/her, it feels like a conversation where the RJ is just there with you. For me, someone who embodies all of that talent is Alok Thapa and he is definitely my favourite RJ.

What are your future plans?

The one thing that has remained constant in my life ever since I came back to Nepal is Hits FM 91.2. It was my first job here and I know for a fact that the love I have for the radio is something that will always be there. So yeah, in the future, I definitely see myself still on the airwaves. Apart from that, I am working on a venture related to education and learning, which I hope will materialise very soon.

A few words for aspiring RJs.

Music is something that everyone loves, but it takes more than just musical knowledge to make it as an RJ. You must be prepared to be judged, and learn from constructive criticisms. This profession is also about getting delayed gratification, so that is something you should consider before you decide to throw your hat in the ring. All in all, if this is something that you would love to do, then you ought to give it a try.

You also work as a Zumba instructor and as a columnist. How do you have time to juggle all these roles?

Juggling takes a lot of practice/time; some days are crazier than others and I have to make many sacrifices—I have to sacrifice family time, give up on sleep, etc. It helps to have really understanding and supportive family members who do not mind if I am not spending time with them. Eventually, I push myself because it was my own decision to be involved in these different fields and I am so passionate about each of them. What I have realised is the importance of going after what you love. Another necessary aspect? Scheduling beforehand and planning your work every week.