DUBAI : After a long hiatus, popular Indian radio jockeys Kritika Rawat and Gaurav Tandon are all set to return to the airwaves.
The husband and wife duo will host separate weekday talk shows on Radio Spice FM 105.4 beginning this Sunday.
"I am both nervous and excited. As the cliché goes, I have got butterflies in my stomach," said Kritika, 28, whose unceremonious exit from City 101.6 FM in July 2009 had sparked outrage among listeners.
Angry fans had set up a Facebook group called ‘Kritika Don't Go' and, as part of a bizarre form of protest, sent tomatoes to her previous radio station.
Kritika said she has put her past behind her and is starting afresh, though the concept of Birthday Poppat - the highlight of her upcoming show The Maha Breakfast Show with Kritika - appears to be heavily borrowed from Birthday Pappu, which she hosted at City 101.6FM programme English Breakfast Desi Mem.
Her show will be aired from 7am to 11am on weekdays. Advertising, television and media professionals, besides the consul general of India Sanjay Varma, will go on air to welcome Kritika on the inaugural show.
Gaurav Tandon said his show Excuse Me, I am Gaurav will be aired during evenings and will resurrect affable characters like AJ and Ramesh The Friendly Kabootar.
Kritika said her return to radio was prompted by a conversation she had with a Pakistani taxi driver en route to Bur Dubai from Al Barsha.
"I asked him casually if he listened to the radio and he said not so much since Kritika went off air. Of course, he didn't know who I was. I was so touched I instantly decided I have to make a comeback."
Radio listeners have welcomed the return of the RJs. "I can't wait to tune to my radio," said Aditi, 34, a self-confessed fan of Kritika and Gaurav.
