With Indian television actor Kushal Tandon.
Image: Supplied
Lotus FM presenter Varshan Sookhun reflects on his journey from an introverted teenager at community radio to an award-winning broadcaster and respected voice in Bollywood entertainment. He speaks to the POST about his career, memorable celebrity interviews and ambitions to make a film.
For more than two decades, Lotus FM’s Varshan Sookhun has made a career out of giving people a voice, telling stories and creating connections.
However, the 46-year-old from Umhlanga said that behind the now-confident voice familiar to generations of listeners was an introverted boy.
Sookhun, a radio presenter and master of ceremonies, known for his immense knowledge of Bollywood, shared his journey with the POST.
Childhood
His passion for movies and music started at home in Parlock when he was young.
“My parents, two siblings and I used to sit together to watch a good film and discuss it afterwards. It was part of our family culture. I had a knack for critiquing movies from a young age. However, I was quiet and introverted, but my love for music and movies helped me connect with the outer world. By the time I was 13, I realised that I wanted to make my own movies,” said Sookhun.
While in high school at Dr AD Lazarus Secondary School, he started working at a community radio station, Radio Phoenix.
“I was drawn to radio. Even after completing my national diploma in television and film production after matriculating, I continued working at the station until it closed down in 2001. A year later, I got a job at Lotus FM and have not looked back since.”
Varshan Sookhun
Image: Supplied
A young Sookhun.
Image: Supplied
He initially worked the night shift from 9pm to midnight.
I really enjoyed it, as it was a time when most people were relaxing, usually after a long day. There was a lot of interaction between myself and the listeners. I really got to know them and they got to know me. I felt I was meant to be on radio
“After a short while, someone told me I deserved better and needed to climb the ladder. I was given my own show, Lunch with Varshan, from midday to 3pm.
"Back then I mainly spoke about Bollywood because I was still young and did not know much about other things. It was like a music and movie show but then we introduced magazine style elements such as lifestyle, culture and art, which became the staple of the show.
“The show name has since changed to The Lunch Break, but from then until now, we have also focused on theatre, community leaders, business people and empowerment. I also present the Bollywood Billboard, a top ten chart show, on Saturday afternoons,” he said.
Sookhun said being on-air came naturally.
“By being on community radio when I was younger and still having stars in my eyes, I did not feel nervous or doubt myself when I joined Lotus FM. People often said I was natural on-air. I, personally, did not like how I sounded on-air. I felt I sounded flat and monotone. But over the years, I have changed that and developed a stronger, more powerful voice.”
Among his memorable moments, was a sit-down interview with Bollywood actor, Aamir Khan.
“While it was not my first interview with a Bollywood star, it was quite special. At that time, everyone thought it was impossible to speak to someone as magnanimous as him. We over prepared for the interview, but when he came to the studio, we realised he wanted to have a relaxed chat rather than just answers questions. I learnt a lot from that experience as well.”
He said another special moment was meeting Bollywood actor Akshay Khanna in 2007, with whom he believed he shared a similar personality.
“He came to South Africa to shoot the movie, Race. When I met him, I felt our personalities matched. I was always introverted, but once the mic was switched on, I became a different person. He was the same type of person. He was quiet, just a handshake and 'hello', but when you see him in action on screen, he is a completely different person.”
Over the years, Sookhun has interviewed various other Bollywood stars such as Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Shah Rukh Khan, and Arjun Ramphal.
Sookhun added that he also shared a special relationship with his listeners.
“It is a two-way relationship. I bring them joy, and it is reciprocated. Just recently, a female listener messaged me to say that her brother passed away on that day many years ago, and I played a song that cheered her up. She told me that was the reason she was attached to the show and me.
“I also love and care for my listeners just as much. If they message me, I won't just reply saying ‘hi or hello’, but I will find out how they are doing. I enjoy that relationship with them because it also motivates me to keep doing my best,” he said.
Beyond radio
In addition to his busy schedule, he has written scripts for theatre productions and since 2001, has compered concerts for international stars such as Kumar Sanu, Sonu Nigam, Kunal Ganjawala, Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town.
“I have also compered for the appearances of Zee TV stars, and, more recently, for playback singer Jubin Nautiyal, who performed in South Africa in July.”
With Bollywood singers Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan.
Image: Supplied
Highlights
Among his highlights was representing South African media internationally.
“I have attended several of the International Indian Film Awards (IIFA) ceremonies over the years in countries including Singapore, Dubai and Amsterdam.
“I won’t forget when I returned from attending the IIFA in Singapore, the station’s news bulletin carried a story about how I had done the first international broadcast for the radio station. Everyone, especially my parents, felt so proud.”
Recognition
In 2007, the Durban Theatre Group presented Sookhun with two Fools Awards, in recognition of his contribution to theatre.
“At the time, theatre was not a talked-about industry in Durban. However, we started talking about it and promoting theatre artists on-air. It was so well received that I was given the appreciation award.”
In 2012, he received two awards for the Bollywood Billboard show at the then-MTN Radio Awards. He again received an award for the show at the SA Radio Awards in 2020.
“The awards are validation of the hard work that is put in every day. It also means a lot because often we just keep working and don’t see the need for recognition. But the award is a reminder that you are on the right track and are being appreciated for everything you are doing.”
Looking ahead, Sookhun hopes to produce his first movie.
“It was my childhood dream and what I studied. Now that we have a booming movie-making industry in the country, it is something that I would love to do in the near future. However, I believe that slow and steady wins the race.”
**Advice **
His advice to others: “Never let anyone convince you that you are not worth it. Whatever your dreams are, go out and pursue them, regardless of what challenges you might face.”
Relaxation
He enjoys playing padel, taking long walks, listening to soothing music, and indulging in good food.
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