We will continue to do work and be voice of people: RJ Malishka

Ever since her video became viral and was then criticized by some, RJ Malishka has been trending. Back in Mumbai after, she spoke to DNA and mentioned how she looks to take up causes that affect the city and thanks the BMC for sending notice that informed about mosquito breeding and also hoping that the video will be taken in right spirit besides looking to taking up the issues.

You have received a lot of support for your work? Do you think without support it would have been difficult?

Yes. And it is very obvious it would have been difficult. When we made the video, it had a million views and it told us that people loved it. When I flew off outside the country and suddenly started getting reactions that were not expected and I wondered how come this kind of reaction. It was around that time that we saw such worrisome reaction. But before I could say anything, people owned the song. It was the way they felt and it resonated with them. So, every time I saw something negative, people countered it for me. This is what everyone is saying so why target her.

These issues have been going on for a while now. Why did you think of doing this video now?

The question should have been the other way around. The issues have been there for a while and we have been making so I do not understand what this video made a bawal (trouble) now. This is not the first time. This has happened before. Rains is a big mudda (issue) and what happens is also a big mudda.

Why do you think this one was taken so adversely?

Because it went viral like no one's business. It means that janta ki awaaz aap tak barabar pahuchi (people's voice reached you properly this time). That is the only thing. Everybody notice. After noticing the next step is rectification, ideally. Or at least an attempt a communication

You say there were other homes inspected and given notices. But do you think it was vengeance on their part? How frequently such inspections are done otherwise? Do they come and fog? Have they done that earlier?

This is the first time they have come to our building. My building de fogs every few months. I can't tell you. It is a building in Bandra for God sake and they are hyper about these things. But this is the first time since I have lived there I have seen there come. However, having said that I believe these inspections are carried out in the rains is what I have been made to understand. It is the timing of it that people started talking about it and how it seems suspect. For my mother, it was OK. They have come to the rest of the building and someone came up and said they went to the other houses also. She said of course check it. I believe in on pot outside they found something is what I have heard.

At any time, you thought authorities (other than BMC) did not support you or were not as supportive of you? How was their response?

The cops have been very supportive. I have one or two of them around me all the time. I would like to thank the Khar police station.

Did you have to ask for them or they were there on their own?

I was not here so whatever communication I have had is with Red FM. I think this happened through my organization so I do not have details on this. But they are very supportive. It is amazing they are there all the time. What is not amazing is that they have to be there. We shouldn't have to live in a place where.

You have been making a lot of videos like the one that went viral. Do you think such videos achieve what their purpose is?

Seemingly they achieve more than what regular talk does. A new way till it gets old. The purpose of the video is to make pothole, rain situation more visible to the authorities that matter. Secondly it is to talk about what people are feeling. What they do with is their prerogative. I really hope they do the right thing. Rest of the things have been done. I hope they take it in the right spirit. I think the purpose of it has been solved nationwide. We have done pothole utsav every year.

With respect to notices served, how do you look forward to taking that ahead. Was there mosquito breeding in your house? Any cases in the area due to mosquito breeding?

They have not served any notices. I do not know about the future. The only notice that was given was the one which they gave other flat in the building. If they come to your house and find mosquitoes they tell you hey this there and please clean up. They can go to your house or another celebrity's and may find it because it is that season. They are doing the right thing. Like my mother said, say thank you.

Did they fog after giving notices.

I don't think so. But I know our building was fogged and it keeps getting fogged all the time.

What do you have to say about the defamation. Some people demanded that there should be Rs 500 crore defamation case be filed against you.

That was conjecture. Hawa main thi who baat (It was all in the air). It really is largely conjecture. If something like that happens I am sure Red FM is more than capable of taking care of itself and me. And that is my hope. I stand for an organization and its values which is entertainment with a purpose. This is not the first time. As a radio station we have been doing this thing. The mandate is different from a news station. It is in the best way possible and as Bajate Raho way possible. It is not just highlighting issues but also to do good in other ways that are possible. I am very proud of Bajao for a cause that started long back when I joined the radio. It is station with a heart as well. I remember getting funds aids affected kids. We have got them aid for senior citizens. When all these issues are being brought up by the radio station then I think there should be plaques and medals also coming our way at the same time.

What are the six more videos on? When are they coming out?

The point is not about song or no song. The point is we will continue to do the work that we have always done and continue to be the voice of the people. We will continue to do what is required and what is mandate to us from the people and from the radio station. So it does not matter if the song comes out or does not come out. Do not anticipate that the song will be like old song. We are not doing this for majja (fun). We did it with a purpose, which was to highlight and that something happens. After all we are an entertainment station.

...& ANALYSIS

• Instead of owning up to the situation, the civic body preferred to indulge in blame game by sending authorities to inspect the RJ’s residence
   
• The issue of potholes is well known and not one the BMC can turn a blind eye to