A nish R. Nair grew up with dreams of entering the film industry. In fact, he gave up his career as a journalist with a Malayalam daily when he found it was not his cup of tea. Even though he isn’t sure when he would achieve his goal, currently he is enjoying his outing as a producer–anchor on the small screen. Anish, a senior producer (entertainment) with Mathrubhumi News, currently produces and anchors the show ‘Show Guru’, in which he interviews celebrities. Anish talks about his journey as an anchor and experimenting with the medium. Excerpts:
Where it all began
Ever since I could remember, cinema has been a passion. I wanted to be behind the camera. Whenever there was an event in school or college, I was more interested in capturing the moments rather than being in the frame. After I put in my papers as a reporter, I was jobless for three months. That was a tough phase, but I decided to try my luck on television.
And the journey from there…
I worked as a temporary producer for Asianet News when I did two shows, ‘Dream Homes’ and a segment of a music, trend and travel-based show. Then I moved to Manorama News, where I hosted and produced ‘Sakalakala’ and ‘e-show’, both of them entertainment-based shows. In Mathrubhumi, besides ‘Show Guru’, which has now completed 92 episodes, I do an ‘eating out’ segment for the channel’s morning show. I have also produced school youth festival package and many programmes related to cricket and elections.
‘Show Guru’
It isn’t the usual celebrity show, where the anchor and the guest sit and chat in a room. Our questions are informal, open and even blunt. We tell our guests that if they feel uncomfortable at any point, they can walk out. Also, we select quirky locations and go for unique frames, shots and camera angles but only after ensuring that the guests are happy with the location.
For instance, we interviewed Vinayakan in a building under construction, Chemban Vinod’s interview was shot in a scenic spot near the Chalakkudy river, Anumol was interviewed on the helipad of a building in Kochi with a helicam… We don’t repeat the locations, so each episode is a new experience for the viewers.
A highlight of the show is the promos of each episode. In fact, it is more difficult to make the promos than shoot the full episode. The 30-second promo should have something to make people look forward to the interview.
We have featured almost all the leading celebrities in Malayalam and stars from Tollywood such as Vijay, Surya and Karthi, and a couple of Bollywood artistes too. I want to interview Rajinikanth and Jackie Chan!
As an anchor
I was terrible when I started out (laughs), but didn’t give up. I believe that viewers should always be able to relate to an anchor.
I try to keep my presentation style simple and short, yet different. Also, an anchor should never underestimate the viewer. The moment you try to show off before the camera, they are sure to change the channel.
Tinsel town dreams
It is easier said than done. There are umpteen wannabe filmmakers and actors who have been struggling to get a break and I am taking it step by step.
(‘Show Guru’ is aired on Sundays on Mathrubhumi News at 8.30 p.m., with repeat telecasts on Monday 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.)
