Shekhar makes waves on radio

The actor on hosting the humorous cricket-based show ‘Big Googly’ on Big 92.7 FM

What prompted you to do this cricket-based radio show?
I have always been experimental, right from doing unconventional films like ‘Utsav’ and ‘Anubhav’ to doing television when I stopped getting good films. I also did a stand-up comedy with the show ‘Movers and Shakers’ and even sat on the judge’s chair in the show ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’.

I love challenges. So when this offer for hosting a radio show came by, it got me excited. It required different skills and was coupled with the fact that it was for the World Cup.

What will your show include?
We are essentially catering to an audience, stuck in a traffic jam and which has switched on the radio for respite. There are several shows that offer technical details of the game. But I will give interesting tidbits like the likes and dislikes of the players, their girlfriends, their victories and their fetish for food and fashion.

Is compeering on radio different from that on television?
For one, you don’t need to dress well or wear make-up for the radio show. For all you know, I could be in my briefs while doing the show! Radio is an audio medium, so voice modulation is required. Like people loved Ameen Sayani’s style. As for content, we have a great team of writers who keep me tuned about the happenings on the field.

Why aren’t you seen much on TV?
I have been seen on the small screen for more than a decade. There was a time when I was doing almost eight shows and was on the brink of burnout. But now I would like to pursue other things. I feel like going back to films even while I am doing theatre. I am cutting an album. I have also gone for a makeover and lost 10 kilos. The avenues are immense and I am busy exploring them.