“When I mentioned my father, something changed,” he recalls the poignant moments. Like most of his conversations - on radio and otherwise, the actor-singer connected with the audience yet again, almost moving them to tears. “It is always a family decision.”ĭuring his last session at the radio station, Dhvanit went live on social media to thank and bid adieu to his fiercely loyal listeners, and people who supported him in the almost two-decade journey. So, I give the credit for this resignation to her,” the 40-year-old laughs, recalling how it was also his mother who supported his “difficult” decision to leave LIC and take the leap of faith to pursue a career in radio. “One night, mom and I were sitting on the hinchko and she told me, ‘It’s time to rediscover yourself’. That’s when my mother reminded me that it is time - time to quit and move on. “Then came 2021, and the second wave was over and things were seemingly normal. The Covid period also gave people enough mind space,” avers Dhvanit, who used the medium to help those in need, raising funds, and getting their stories out there. But Covid changed it all and social media became a major platform to connect with people. “I’d decided that in June 2020, I’ll take the final call, until then I’ll enjoy my stint to the fullest. Synonymous with radio - the prefix of RJ that came with his name as naturally as his deep voice resonated with scores of listeners - Dhvanit had been mulling the idea of moving on to (bigger and better) things since 2019. “I remember questioning myself often, ‘Am I contributing to noise?’ And after 18 years of public life, I wanted time and space to introspect, declutter my mind,” he says, on taking three months to come out and talk about the decision. Once the former radio jockey is in, we set up in the courtyard, chirping Jungle Babblers (Krishnavi was quick to retort that the birds are called ‘Seven Sisters’) and beautiful set of wind chimes striking the right chord, make for an apt backdrop – also suggesting the actor’s changed pace of life. Aesha, a teacher by profession, reveals how Dhvanit ensures their elder one also becomes proficient in mother-tongue Gujarati. At another point in the conversation later on, Dhvanit reveals how the “lockdown was a blessing in disguise”, when he could spend more time with family, collaborate with his daughter on fun art and craft projects - including walking through the new neighbourhood and handpicking flowers - and teach her the “kakko” (Gujarati alphabet). Krishnavi’s handiwork, we are told, and we set off on a small arty discussion with the kid as bright as the colours of her art. We are distracted by a flurry of white sheets on the centre table, each showing off a colourful drawing with pride. It’s been 18 years! Woh pehle LIC mein thha, aapko pata hai?” While we wait for Dhvanit, we are treated to nimbu paani, biscuits and chana zor garam, as Neeta ma’am tells us, “You know, I told him (Dhvanit) that it was time to move on (from radio). “I was hoping the festivities would help absorb the shock, but it wasn’t to be!” he will tell us later on in the conversation, recalling the tumult the announcement brought on in the city.Īt the Thakers’ new address, we are welcomed in by Dhvanit’s mum Neeta, his wife Aesha - we are meeting both after close to eight years - and the two cute additions to the fam, Krishnavi (who is sporting a ‘Daddy is my whole world’ tee) and her little sister Jayasvi, 10 months. Honestly, I carefully handpicked November 5 (2021) to deliver the news of me quitting the radio, because it was Bhaidooj - it is one of the days in the year with least listenership. “You know, I wasn’t anticipating such uproar. While we are awash with anticipation to decrypt the reasons that made Dhvanit Thaker (RJ Dhvanit, or simply Dhvanit, for his listeners, aficionados and followers), take the monumental decision of quitting radio, the RJ-actor-singer seems ambivalent talking about it for the first time. As cases of Omicron abated, we set up an in-person meeting, masks and sanitisers in tow, at his new crib on the outskirts of the city. Hi, I am ready to talk about it now,” the crisp, familiar voice came over the phone, one that Amdavad woke up to, celebrated, and rejoiced in every day for the last 18 years.
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