Sophiya Anjam aka RJ Sophie is the marketing head at Radio one FM 91 and hosts her radio show ‘Drive on with Sophie’ on weekdays. She hosted her infotainment-based TV show ‘Weekend World with Sophie’ at PTV World. She is also a freelance marketeer and a part time red carpet/main event host.
Sophie is a gold medallist in dramatics. She was voted as the ‘Best Female RJ’ and ‘Voice of the Year’ in Showbiz Hungama Awards (online) 2009 and won both the categories. She was also nominated as one of the best female RJs in Pakistan Media Awards 2011.
In an interview with Pakistan Today (PT), RJ Sophie tells us about her personal and professional experiences.
PT: Tell us about your academic life and how you entered into this profession?
Sophie: I had my schooling from Lahore Grammar School (LGS) and ended up completing my Masters in Mass Communication from Kinnaird College. I had a fortnight’s training in Dubai at Kromosome, a joint India and Pakistan production house. I have also interned at The Nation, Dawn, Evernew Concepts and Hum TV.
As for joining the radio side, I had a friend working at FM 91 who wanted me to find female RJs in Lahore since I had a good PR. When I met her at the station, I ended up auditioning and got selected. The rest, as they say, is history.
PT: It’s almost been a decade since you are a part of FM91. How does it feel and how much you have learned?
Sophie: Working professionally for almost a decade makes me feel ancient sometimes. On a serious note, though, I have learned a lot and that has made me grow/evolve both at a personal, as well as a professional level. I am grateful for that and I learn every day at work.
PT: Head Over Heels VS Evening Drive Time. Which show has been more close to your heart?.
Sophie: Head Over Heels will always be special because it was my first radio show. However, I love hosting the Evening Drive Time show now. No early mornings anymore.
PT: In your opinion, how is TV hosting different from radio hosting?
Sophie: TV and radio are two completely different mediums. Visually, you can play a lot on TV shows. The set, what you wear, guests, lighting, so many things can be utilised/tailored for TV shows and you can make up for your weaknesses/shortcomings accordingly. However, radio is tough. You only have your voice and content to play around with and that is why complete control of your voice along with content is very important and not everyone’s cup of tea.
PT: How was your experience with PTV World and hosting your show ‘Weekend World with Sophie’?
Sophie: I worked with PTV World for a full year and my experience was wonderful. My Lahore team was excellent and I had full liberty to creatively produce my show in any direction I wanted, approved by the management of course. That one year with team Weekend World with Sophie was surely memorable.
PT: How do you see the radio industry of Pakistan? How much it has progressed and how do you see its future?
Sophie: Commercially, the radio industry has grown quite a lot. They have learned tricks of the trade and know what sells and what does not. However, FM 91 is still perhaps the only popular radio channel in Pakistan that whole heartedly supports local talent.
Otherwise, it’s mostly Indian content and clichéd programming on most stations. I see a bright future for radio in Pakistan because of technology and the advanced social media.
There are now apps and so many online portals available through which people can connect with RJs anywhere across the globe. Face recognition is also common these days with RJs being hosts, actors and singers as well. Radio is growing and is here to stay. The video will not kill the radio star.
PT: Apart from your work, what are your interests and hobbies?
Sophie: I hardly get a lot of free time from work since I have a busy schedule. However, whenever I do, I love travelling to different parts of the world and meeting new people. I’m a huge couch potato and I love watching TV show seasons. I like reading online too.
PT: Favourite movies, TV shows, books?
Sophie: I was a book worm as a kid. Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Sweet Valley, Emily Bronte, Archie Comics and the list goes on. Since I started working, my focus on reading decreased somehow because of the lack of time. I love reading online articles, though, huge fan. My favourite seasons are Friends, Boston Legal, Supernatural, Hannibal, Games of Thrones etc. My recent addiction is Black Mirror. Movies that I love are mostly old school like Back to the Future, When Harry Met Sally, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil Chahta Hai, Pretty Woman, Ghost, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kal Ho Na Ho, Problem Child etc. Sigh, 80’s and 90’s mostly. May be emotionally I’m still there.
PT: Since you are a foodie, what are your favourite dining places?
Sophie: In Lahore, I love the food at Nandos, Café Zouk and Salt n Pepper. My favourite cuisine is continental and Italian. I love burgers, fries, pizza, lasagne, Paninis. I’m a big Paratha Roll and Shwarma fan too. Sadly, I have a sweet tooth due to which I have to be extra careful about my weight.
PT: As you love travelling, which places you would like to go, you haven’t visited yet.
Sophie: I would love to go to Europe and I am planning a summer trip in 2018 for it. I have my eye on Australia right after that. As a kid, though, I had always wanted to visit Switzerland. I blame the Yash Chopra movies for that, yes.
PT: Since music is a vital part of radio, what kind of music do you like? Favourite artists, bands?
Sophie: I love music but my choice depends on my mood. My all-time favourites are U2, Michael Jackson, Abba, Bryan Adams, Rafi, Kishore, Sajjad Ali, Junoon, Lata Mangeshkar, Atif Aslam, Alanis Morisette etc. These days, though, I am in the mood for perky tunes so bring in some Sia, Calvin Harris, DJ Snake, Rihanna, Justin Bieber and I am happy.
PT: How do you enjoy live event hosting?
Sophie: The mic loves me and I love it back. Live hosting is amazing. It is thrilling, exciting, is a two-way street and anything can happen – that’s the best part. I like challenges and every time there is a live event and I am a part of it, it’s a new mission!
PT: Tell us about a memorable/funny experience while live hosting?
Sophie: There was this event I was hosting a few years ago and this gentleman came up to me, took the mic and read some poetry to me regarding my eyes and hair. For a while, I was like what just happened there, then back in action again.
A lot of times there are technical glitches and last minute changes/disasters but a good host should always have a plan B and not panic. This too shall pass they say.
PT: What are your future plans? Any goals you want to achieve?
Sophie: I guess my next step would be towards acting. As soon as I plan something for it, I will definitely go do it.
PT: What advice would you like to give to the young and new broadcasters?
Sophie: Always be true to yourself. The biggest deception in the world would be if you fool your own self. Understand your strengths, know your weaknesses and work hard. There is no shortcut to success and when you have achieved it, you’ll be happy you earned it on your own.
PT: Any message for our readers and your fans?
Sophie: Don’t expect everything on a silver platter. Blood, tears and sweat makes the taste of success pure in its essence and give longevity. Be patient and loyal to your work. If you believe you can do it, you’re halfway there already.