Voice Over

Comedians like Bhagwant Mann and Gurpreet Ghuggi were often seen anchoring shows in their inimitable style,combining satire and humour. But things now are changing,with the likes of Johal taking over. She has been steering live events for five years now and has also anchored shows on television,slowly gaining popularity outside Punjab. “I recently hosted the Global Punjabi Diwas,2011,in New Delhi. I got to introduce global Punjabis who were felicitated for their achievements,” says Johal,who also hosted a Bollywood night at the Delhi Commonwealth Games,2010. “I was the cultural captain in college and am glad I could turn my talent into a profession,” says Johal. Making her presence felt hasn’t been easy. “It’s been a struggle finding the right platform,but I have been noticed for my original style,” says the anchor,who is extremely fussy about the outfits she wears on stage. “I choose my outfits depending on the theme of the show. I shop everywhere,”says she.

That’s something Chandigarh-bred Jaspreet Kaur,more fondly known as Jassi,can relate to. The multi-talented Kaur,a television anchor on ETC and Zee Punjabi and a popular face at corporate events in the region,is always on the lookout for knee-length dresses. “I love Western dresses,” says Kaur,who was recently seen emceeing a corporate event with well-known actor Divya Dutta in Chandigarh . “The perks of the job are that you get to rub shoulders with the celebrities,” she admits. Equally proficient in English,Hindi and Punjabi,Kaur writes her own script as well. “A script is just an outline and on many occasions live events take another turn,” says Kaur. The law graduate likes to update herself with the latest around the world.

However,long before these young ladies took to the mike,Satinder Satti,a TV anchor,actor,singer,was taking baby steps on stage five-years back. A household name in Punjab as a TV host,she was often seen anchoring live music events as well. “She was one of the first few to host events. Now it’s a trend to have women emcee on stage. Most organisers emphasise on it,as they feel that a lady host adds appeal to a show,” feels Dalbir Singh,a Jalandhar-based event manager.

However,despite the demand for anchors,there aren’t very many ladies in the field. According to DS Saroya,Director,NZCC,

“In the early ’90s,a school teacher Asha Sharma was often referred to as ‘Mallika-e-Stage’ for the way she would host shows. She shifted to the US,where she now hosts radio shows. After her,Satinder Satti came in the spotlight and though now we have a few Punjabi anchors,there’s need and space for many more.”