Having begun his professional journey as a Radio Jockey (RJ), actor Aparshakti Khurana, on World Radio Day, today, credits the medium for honing his confidence and craft needed in his acting career.

“Radio has taught me a lot, including teamwork, and how to be impromptu, as I did live shows that have helped me as an actor as well as a host. It has really shaped my future since,” he says.

While the medium’s popularity seems to have waned over the years, Aparshakti continues to hold radio close to his heart. “The appeal might have reduced over time, but its charm can never fade away. I still love listening to it when I am driving. It connects you to a very different world and gives you food for thought about the things that are happening around the world,” he shares.

Among his many memories as an RJ, the one that stands out is when he got the chance to interview actor Shah Rukh Khan for Ra.One (2011). “At that point, I had no plan of becoming a film actor. I was doing theatre, but I couldn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel in this journey of becoming an actor on screen. I was completely in awe of him, and it felt like my reason for becoming an RJ had fulfilled that day,” he recalls fondly.

He also shares a funny memory from his time as an RJ, which still makes him chuckle. “Once I was live on radio, and I had played the music after finishing my part, but I forgot to switch off my mic. I was telling my producer how mean our boss has been to both of us, and it all went on air. People who were listening to it could all relate to it,” he laughs.