- Thursday, April 25, 2024
By: Manju Chandran
Youth marketing manager: My first corporate job out of university was as youth marketing manager. It was my first taste of working in the real world and what an experience it was. I was given an entire portfolio to manage and learned so much in that job. I still use the skills I learned there in running my own businesses.
Miss India Canada Pageant: This was my first ever beauty pageant. I remember the first moment I stepped on stage and saw the audience. My knees kept shaking and I kept praying I wouldn’t mess up my entry. This pageant gave me my first real taste of stage life, with a room full of faces staring up at you. I was so nervous on stage the entire time, but once it was done, I realised it was one of the most exciting experiences of my life and I never looked back. Beauty pageants really taught me so much on how to present myself to a room and speak in public with confidence.
Miss India Worldwide Canada: As Miss India Worldwide Canada 2010, I had the opportunity to represent Canada at the international Miss India Worldwide pageant. It took place in South Africa and was such an amazing experience. I had never been anywhere in Africa, so was thankful. At this pageant, I met girls from all over the world and got a global perspective. I saw how other pageant girls were doing big things with their careers and they really inspired me to use my platform to make a difference in my own community. I have great stories from that trip.
My first TV job: When I landed my first national TV host job, I instantly knew I was meant to work in media. I fell in love with the job. Getting to meet new people everyday and hear their stories taught me so much and enabled me to make important relationships, and connections. I love it when someone comes up to me and feels like they knew me because of seeing me on TV daily. It’s a great feeling like being an honorary member of everyone’s family.
Interviewing Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: I was sent to cover the red carpet at the Vancouver TOIFAs and because of an issue was delayed. By the time I reached, there were no spots available except for the very front of the line. I knew the areas where the stars would be brought and teamed up with another female reporter. The biggest moment there was when Abhishek and Aishwarya showed up. The fans went crazy and every media outlet tried speaking to them. I waved and they came over. I was shocked. I got a great interview with them both and then just like that, they smiled and walked away. As I watched them walk the red carpet, I realised they were only posing for photos. I later found out I was one of the very few to get an interview with them that weekend. It was such a thrill.
Salman Khan: I’m so used to being around celebrities that they are just like regular people to me, so don’t get star struck, but when Salman Khan came to Toronto and I was confirmed for an interview with him, I was in awe. When Salman Khan walks into a room, you know you are in the presence of a true star. He has this aura about him and I definitely felt a little star struck. Since Salman does not come to Canada often or do many interviews, I felt lucky to be interviewing him.
Launching In Conversation: It was always a dream of mine to start my own digital series and podcast. I wanted a place of my own where I could call the shots and get guests to open up like never before, with real questions. A show where stars knew they wouldn’t be censored. It took a lot of work to get my show off the ground, but as the one year anniversary approaches, I’m so proud of the interviews. I handpick my guests when I know they have a really interesting story to share and it means so much to me that they open up. My goal is for viewers and listeners to not only to get to know the guest, but also feel hopeful and inspired in their own life.
Anupam Kher: I grew up watching his movies. When I was given the opportunity to interview him for Hotel Mumbai, I was excited to get the chance to chat with the star. What a legend! I ended up spending the whole day covering his movie promotions and really getting to know the actor off camera. He is really interesting and insightful and totally funny.
Tiger Ali Singh: I admire the former WWE wrestler and his family. They are such a kind family and do so much to support the community. I knew some of Tiger’s story, but wanted him to come on the show and give us the truth. During my interview with him, he really opened up and revealed so much from behind the headlines. The interview left me in shock. He spoke about hitting rock bottom and working hard to get his life back, and using his platform to give back to the community. He is such an inspiration and proof that no matter what life throws at you, you will find purpose again, and can overcome anything. It’s a must watch interview.
Jaz Dhami: Whenever an artist comes into town for a performance, I only have a certain window of opportunity to get them on the show. Jaz had a tight schedule, but is such a nice guy and makes an effort to accommodate requests. We were running out of time before Jaz had to catch his flight, but we finally got the interview set up and it’s still one of my favourites. Jaz opened up about sacrifices he and his family made for his career. To this day, I still get a little emotional watching the interview. His story reminds me a lot of my own and how supportive my own mother has been in my career.
Amin Dhillon is a popular radio/TV host, producer, podcaster, and emcee. Visit Instagram & YouTube: @amindhillon
