V Sethupathi, popularly known as Setta Sethu has been a radio jockey for almost a decade now. His witty prime-time shows 'Semma comedy' and 'Semma Ragala' on Suryan FM are famous across radio listeners in the city.
“I always wanted to be in the limelight and that's how I chose to work in the media,” says Sethu, crippled by polio.
But his physical handicap never affected him in any way. “I am as normal as anyone and adapt to the surroundings with ease,” he says. His spirit and determination as the longest serving RJ has now fetched him a national record. The Limca Book of Records has just acknowledged his role and contributions as the first physically challenged RJ in the country. He joined Radio Mirchi nine years ago and has been with Suryan FM since 2012.
He thinks his convivial nature and comical comments got him the post of a jockey in Radio Mirchi from among 3000 applicants. “My friends used to encourage me saying that I have a way of talking that made people laugh,” he says.
In the four years at Radio Mirchi, Sethu introduced few innovative programmes. One of them was 'Wrong call matter', a sort of prank in which audiences are required to mail details of their friends whom they want to play a prank on. “It became a big hit among listeners in Madurai and was later aired in Coimbatore and Chennai. The programme even got fans among cine stars. Actors Prakashraj, Daniel Balaji and Sona were regular listeners and appreciated me in person,” says Sethu.
To be a radio jockey is to be the voice of the masses and an RJ has the responsibility of reflecting the thoughts and emotions of the city and its people. “When I sit before the console in my studio, I feel like a person with multiple personalities. I should be quick enough to understand the pulse of the listeners and callers and react accordingly. My 'semma ragala' is like a radio version of what people discuss during their evening tea time.”
RJs have the liberty to be sarcastic, says Sethu. “I mock at political situations and play matching songs and it immediately connects me with the audiences. An RJ has to be on the same platform as the listener. I am careful to not sound condescending or preachy in my shows. I do my homework daily, read a lot and learn about current happenings from share market to the vegetable market, so that I can talk about, comment on and discuss issues on air,” he adds.
In 2010, he was given 'best RJ of Tamil Nadu' award by Vikatan. “I am happy about the recognition given by Limca Book of Records. Apart from awards, I enjoy my job and it gives me a kick each time I go on air,” says Sethu who has customised his car for self-driving.
