Behind the chirpy voice of RJ Neena is the epitome of what resilience is. Her experiences will literally make one go weak at the knees, however, she never stops being strong. She now completes 14 years in the industry.
She says, “When FM Radio had made its advent in Kerala, I had just completed the post-graduation of Visual Communication then. My actual journey started when I was bedridden for one and a half years. Life was miserable after doctors said I will not walk again.”
“At the age of 23, a few of my friends suggested that I join them for a ‘walk-in’ FM interview, which itself was an ironic situation.But then, I got selected for Mathrubhumi’s FM.”
When asked about the advice she would give her younger self, Neena went a step ahead to thank herself, “I would say thank you for holding on, for trying hard and building your own character. When neither my body or health was not acting in my favour, the young Neena didn’t give up.”
Has she ever let out her emotions, while on air? “I have had the worst phases of my life, when I had my show. I had a miscarriage, on air.. I knew that something was going wrong, as I was warned by my doctor.” She adds, “There was bleeding, coupled with mental stress at that time. I finished the breakfast show, as I had already thought of what to talk about. Then I called up my parents and my brother-in-law to come pick me up for the hospital.”
Neena concludes, “I tell people, who ask me how I overcame it, that either you can smile and overcome or you can cry and surpass your problems. You have to choose the way and keep believing this will pass.”
