Celebrating the International Women's day, we bring the second Interview of our series. Our guest is a household name amongst the vibrant south Asians in North America. Bold, Beautiful, Vibrant, Colourful and full of life – that’s Mamta Narula for you. For more information about Mamta, you can visit www.voiceofmamta.com
Team Okiedoks wishes her all the very best for her future pursuits. Lets know more about her………
1) Kindly tell us about your journey from being a presenter to event management via radio and media? How did it all start?
It all started 10 years ago although it seems like just yesterday. I gave an audition in a south Asian radio station based out of New Jersey, called EBC Radio and got selected. I started hosting talk shows, celebrity interviews, vibrant interactive segments which created a very loyal patronage through this medium. People started loving me as “Mamta Jisko Kuch Nahin Jamta”. While hosting radio shows, I was approached by a local TV channel to host an Indian entertainment based show, which was aired locally on various cable channels covering New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, and throughout the country on TV Asia. I started hosting the show and eventually bought the rights of the same show and became a producer. While I was involved with Radio and television, I had started hosting community shows on the stage. My exposure to events, south Asian Media and interaction with the key members of south Asian community grew leaps and bounds. Event management was a very natural step in my career growth and hence formed ‘Ultimate Media’, my company that helps clients and event organizers in marketing, PR and management.
2) What's your take on the role of radio in the glamour industry and media?
Radio in this part of the world, that is North America, plays a very important role. I have witnessed the success of products and events within our community because of radio promotions. People like listening to variety of talents on air. Radio is free of cost and you can enjoy radio while being occupied with your regular activities. It is the most convenient entertainment medium where you can listen to songs, news, talk, latest products in the market, client promotions and much more. It reaches a wider audience in less time and hence yields successful results.
3) Stage Hosting is live so is it different than other recorded formats for you?
Absolutely. Stage hosting gives me immense pleasure and thorough satisfaction. Instant reaction from the audience, their appreciation and criticism (both are equally important for me), their round of applause, everything helps in building my confidence level. It feels good that I can interact with so many people at the same time. I have hosted shows with attendees ranging from mere 50 to more than 100000 in number, so its fun and learning at the same time.
4) Planner or a spontaneous person?
Extremely spontaneous. My media career started from radio and being on air, you have to be spontaneous. Things planned can go wrong any time. So you need to be prepared for surprises. Simple example would be, while hosting interactive shows, we don’t know who the next caller would be, what he will say, but we need to be able to handle everyone without offending or hurting their feelings. With experience we all learn and I am no different
5) Do you want to share any memorable incidents which happened while hosting an event?
Many incidents have happened in the last 10 years but I would like to mention the below incident. I was hosting a show for the launch of Pakistani / Punjabi TV channel in New York, couple of years back. I had to announce an artiste on the stage, and it seems I pronounced his name as we would do in India. But there were lot of people in the audience from Pakistan, sitting on the last table, who started saying “humare yahan aise nahin bulate inhe…” (Its not announced that way in our place). They were little upset and wanted to correct me. I felt a bit awkward as it was a huge crowd and for some of them I had made a mistake. But I didn’t express my emotions at the very moment. The artist came, spoke and then it was my turn to go on the stage again. I went on the stage, looked at the last table, and don’t know how but all of a sudden I said this “Wo jo pare baithe hain, wo jo unse pare baithe hain, hum un par mar baithe hain, jo sabse pare baithe hain”….after listening to this, the gang sitting on the last table gave me a big round of applause, everyone started laughing and the entire auditorium became a happy place. I could have replied to them earlier when they were shouting but I ignored their reaction, instead made them happy with my sense of humor. In fact, I worked quite often with the same Pakistani organizers and have formed a great relation. That’s why they say, pyar se sab jeet sakte hain….(everyone can win with love)
6) When you hear the word 'India', what things come to your mind?
Parents and Progress!!
I feel very proud every time I visit my country back home. It feels good to see so much of development in last few years. Every visit makes me love India more and I see change, for the better, every year. Keep growing India and on behalf of most of the desis (countrymen) living outside India I will just say one thing, no matter where we live “Phir bhi dil hai Hindustani”!! (Still our hearts are Indian)
7) Any comments on the fast paced progress of the term called 'South Asian Media.' How aware are Americans about India?
South Asian media is very powerful. It has played a big role in making the world aware of India and people from our country. We are respected, at least I have seen that and I believe the way we are progressing, we will be the top most nation one day. Being a part of Media, South Asian Media to be precise, I can very proudly say that media can make or break reputations, create good or bad events, our reviews matter and people do listen to us. So yes, the term south Asian media has progressed very fast.
8) With such a flamboyant and a pleasing personality, and with films becoming an extension of media any reasons as to why didn’t you try being a part of the film industry?
I have been approached many times by renowned film makers to visit Mumbai and give movies a shot. My life here is quiet busy, and to me any project that I undertake becomes a very big responsibility. Film acting needs a lot of time, which I am short of, as of now. But I do look forward to an acting opportunity, where in the movie will be shot here in US and I won’t be required to travel as much. Let’s see when that happens.
9) If you want to some up your life's journey in a quote, which quote would it be?
Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you will land among the stars!!
10) 3 things the world doesn’t know about Mamta Narula
She is a day dreamer, superstitious and extremely moody!!
11) Any message to your listeners, fans and aspiring creative souls?
To my fans:- I would like to convey my gratitude and a big ‘thank you’ for making me a brand in North America. Their love for “Mamta Jisko Kuch Nahin Jamta” is priceless and I respect them so very much.
To all the creative talent out there, just be real, genuine and honest in your creativity. Get inspired by more accomplished souls but never copy anyone. If you are passionate about your talent, you will form an instant connection with your audience and that will be your success. Unless an artist forms a bond with the audience/listeners, to me he or she is not successful. Give your 100% in whatever you do and leave rest to almighty. Remember these words “All Izz Well….all will be well”. Good luck.
Send your comments/feedback to cs@okiedoks.com or d@okiedoks.com