Supreet Bedi - There Are So Many Agencies Looking for Fresh Talent Everyday (Anchor)

Don’t let lack of contacts be your excuse. Instead, let your strong desire fuel that fire. Connect with people/agencies. Write to them with your profile and don’t feel dejected if you don’t hear back

1. Tell us about your background and journey. 

I’ve always been a destiny’s child! I graduated with a BA (Joint Hons) in Business Management & English Literature followed by MSc in Computing. Just when I secured a lucrative job in England with a work permit; my father took ill & I had to return to India. I was managing the family business of English teaching in Delhi when unfortunately he passed away. Rebellious & hurt, I came across the regional auditions for a popular pageant.

 Always one to multitask, I auditioned last minute and to my surprise; I got through! Next thing I remember was packing my bags for the city of dreams. Although I didn’t win that pageant, throughout the course of training, I got to know my own self better- my strengths & weaknesses and realised that my aim wasn’t just to be body beautiful but to be heard instead.

 My voice became my USP and I joined Zoom TV as an international travel host & never looked back. From Bollywood entertainment to sports, food to fashion & lifestyle; in an anchoring career of over 12 years...Today I can proudly declare that I’ve pretty much explored all genres! 

2. Did you ever think or dream of doing a tv show? 

That was never an active plan! I didn’t even know that anchoring was a career of sorts! Call it naivety, but career choices at the time were limited to being doctors, teachers, accountants, engineers & corporate workers! I too had my blinkers on and became an IT consultant in England followed by a businesswoman in India. But fate had other plans. The production house that was shooting the pageant liked the way I conversed with camera and told me with surety that I’m made for anchoring. That’s the first time I thought about it seriously and gave the audition for the travel show for Zoom TV.

 I still remember at such short notice I could only manage to hire a wedding videographer and the confused look on his face was priceless when I told him to pretend I’m at a beach in Pattaya (while we were actually stood in my balcony in Gurgaon)! He was perplexed at all the ad-libbing I was doing - kept asking me “Madam, Dulhan aap hi hain?” !

 I quickly couriered the CD to Mumbai and was called for an audition the next day! The show became popular to the extent that I was stopped in malls and streets for an autograph and that sweet memory still makes me feel special. I continued to work with the channel for another 6 years while hosting stage shows as a Master of ceremonies (emcee). The rest, like they say, is history! 

3. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to make it on a tv show? 

I believe more than knowledge, anchoring is a personality game. You have to be a people’s person. I haven’t yet met an introvert anchor. If you shy away from people or situations then this can’t be your chosen field. You must be prepared to take stage/face camera confidently, enthral audience spontaneously and also be ready for things that don’t go according to plan. 

If you think you have what it takes then believe that nothing will stop you from being the next popular face on TV. Make a list of areas to polish, skills to hone and work towards it with determination. Make sure you have language accuracy...incorrect grammar whether Hindi or English doesn’t suit an anchor. Practice putting your thoughts into words more impressively even in daily life. Approach event agencies to give you a chance in their upcoming events. Don’t focus on money yet, focus on gathering experience.

 Confidence will come with each successful event/show. Do a quick course to understand the basics of the business and  practice on the job! I too provide a course specifically on anchoring so pls connect with me via my website Supreetbedi.com or Instagram if you are serious about choosing this field. I’d be happy to clear any doubts and guide you further! 

4. If not this, what would you be doing? 

Teaching! Basically, I need to use words one way or the other — If not on stage then in a classroom! 😄 In fact, I already am a Personality Development & Communication skills trainer and would have solely focused on imparting life skills in case anchoring wasn’t an option. I strongly believe that everyone should work towards being a better version of themselves, whatever their career choice might be. 

5. For a complete outsider with no inroads, what advice would you like to give? 

Don’t let lack of contacts be your excuse. Instead, let your strong desire fuel that fire. Connect with people/agencies. Write to them with your profile and don’t feel dejected if you don’t hear back. There are so many agencies looking for fresh talent everyday. You could even join a talent management agency who can hunt for work on your behalf for a small commision. Avenues are plenty if you have the will. 

6. What is your mantra of success? 

Be seen, be heard. Dream big, work hard and always have pleasant encounters —people never forget how you made them feel so leave an impact, positive at that! and when you do make it big, don't let success get to your head. Humble beginnings should always be at the core of your achievements. 

Supreet Bedi - Anchor

Interview by - N.MURALI KRISHNA