Like them or hate, you can’t ignore them. They talk the talk in a variety of accents and dialects. But they are the soul and heart of many a show on television. Being an anchor on the mini-screen is no small task. There is instant fame, recognition and a more than nodding acquaintance with tinsel town. Be it reality shows, interviews, chat shows, stage events or award shows, anchors, especially female hostesses, are the stars of the programmes. They hog the limelight, with their style, screen presence and smart mouths.
“There are many plus points. It feels great to be recognised when you are travelling or shopping. There is the excitement of meeting celebrities from different walks of life,” says Meera Anil, host of Comedy Stars on Asianet.
The money speaks too. In fact, sources in the industry say that anchors of reality shows earn at least Rs. 10,000 for a day’s shoot with the figures going up depending on experience. Those hosting 30-minute episodes on music or cinema get at least Rs. 1,500 per episode. “If you have an impressive body of work to project, then definitely you can demand your remuneration,” says Meera.
In addition, many anchors double up as emcees at private events and corporate shows. Sinta Karthik, anchor of Mommy and Me, a reality show on Kairali, agrees that being a television anchor is a lot of fun. “When you host a private or corporate show, the fact that you are an anchor in a particular channel becomes a bonus. The channel gives you tremendous exposure and reach,” says Sinta. She anchored programmes in Asianet and later did shows such as Gandharvasangeetham Junior on Kairali.
With the field becoming competitive and vibrant, most of the channels give ample freedom to their anchors. “There are certain producers who want us to speak a mix of English and Malayalam, dress in a particular way and so on. And there are anchors who go along with the flow by sticking to the existing format of things and try to imitate many senior names in the field. But in general, these days many anchors chose to be informal in front of the camera. They even stick to their personal wardrobe. Boundaries are drawn when it comes to the language you use or the dress you wear,” says Sinta.
However, Soumya, hostess of Film Lounge on Kappa TV, refuses to be confined to the traditional concept of an anchor.
“I used to write about films on the social media and this show is an extension of that. We’ve this image of how an anchor should be, how she should dress, talk or behave, which I don’t want to follow. I am the same person on and off the camera,” says Soumya.
Meghna Nair, host of Tales and Tunes on the same channel, too feels that it is best to be yourself on screen. She has her own style palette to help her.
So aren’t they all attracted to the big screen? Yes and no, for most of them have had a taste of tinsel town. Soumya is an assistant director and has acted in movies such as David and Goliath and Santosh Sivan’s Inam; , Meghna had a role in Ustad Hotel and Sija has already done a serial, Makal . But none of them is in a hurry.
“The field is wide open with serial artistes and those who couldn’t make it big in films taking up anchoring. So it is better to stay anchored to where you are!,” says Meera. Point noted!
Leading the way
Poornima Indrajith, Meera Nandan, Remya Nambeeshan, Anumol and Akhila are among the actresses who had started their career as television anchors.
