Karnika Pandey: From Radio Waves to Reels with 'Just Too Filmy' (RJ at Fever FM)

RJ Karnikaa Interview

Entertainment may grab attention, but authenticity is what keeps people coming back.

Q. Let's start with your journey. How did RJ Karnikaa become 'Just Too Filmy'?

My journey into becoming ‘Just Too Filmy’ is really a story of blending passion with profession. I’ve always been deeply in love with cinema, not just as entertainment, but as a reflection of life, emotions, and culture. As a radio jockey, I was already engaging in conversations, building connections, and creating a bond with my listeners through my voice. 

Over time, I realised that my natural flair for storytelling, my deep Bollywood knowledge, and my ability to make even the most filmy references feel relatable could be shaped into something bigger. That’s how ‘Just Too Filmy’ was born. Not as a gimmick, but as a natural extension of who I am both on and off the mic. 

In this show, I don’t just talk about films; I connect them with real-life experiences, personal anecdotes, and the cultural heartbeat of my audience. I’ve been ‘filmy’ all my life, so it feels less like playing a role and more like embracing my authentic self. And I think that’s what makes the show click. It’s not just about Bollywood, it’s about creating a space where listeners feel like they’re chatting with a friend who just happens to know every filmy detail by heart.

Q. From radio waves to reels, how has your creative expression evolved across platforms like Fever FM and Instagram?

Transitioning from radio waves to reels has been an exciting creative evolution for me. On radio, especially with Fever FM, my primary tools are voice, spontaneity, and the ability to create vivid imagery purely through words. It’s an intimate medium. You connect with your audience in real time, their imagination filling in the visuals. 

Instagram, on the other hand, brings a completely different creative challenge. Here, it’s all about visual storytelling, adapting to trends, and capturing attention in just a few seconds through short-form content. Both platforms allow me to express myself, but in different ways. Radio nurtured my ability to think on my feet and build a personal connection through tone and storytelling, while Instagram pushes me to be more visually creative and experiment with formats.

One of my favourite examples is my Instagram segment ‘Gaano Ke Peeche Kya Hai’—a series where I share the untold stories, inspirations, and little-known trivia behind popular Bollywood songs. It’s insightful, fun, and gives the audience something deeper than just the melody. They get to know the emotions, the history, and sometimes even the quirky incidents behind a track. This kind of cross-platform creativity has helped me grow as a storyteller and keep my audience engaged, no matter where they’re listening or watching me.

Q. You blend pop culture, humor, and nostalgia seamlessly. How do you decide what hits the sweet spot with your audience?

For me, the sweet spot lies in nostalgia. It’s that universal language that instantly connects people across generations. In my show, I often tap into shared memories, be it the golden days of Doordarshan, the magic of Sunday morning cartoons, or the little rituals from our childhoods that still bring a smile. These aren’t just random topics; they’re moments that almost everyone has lived in some form, and when I talk about them, listeners immediately find themselves saying, ‘Oh, I remember that!’

I blend pop culture references and humor into these nostalgic themes so that while people are reminiscing, they’re also laughing and feeling entertained. It’s about striking a balance. Giving my audience the comfort of the familiar while adding a fresh, playful twist. Nostalgia creates the emotional connection, humor keeps it light, and pop culture keeps it relevant. That combination ensures that the content feels both personal and shareable, making it easy for listeners to not just relate to it, but also want to pass it on to others.

Q. What's one moment-on air or on camera-that truly made you feel, “This is why I do what I do"?

There have been many moments that reminded me why I chose this path, but the most special ones are when the audience tells me how my work has touched them. On radio, it’s when a listener calls or messages saying that my show brought them a little joy after a tough day, or that a particular story or song reminded them of something beautiful from their past. 

On Instagram, it’s when someone tags me in a reel I created, saying it made them laugh out loud or brightened their mood.

Those moments might seem small from the outside, but to me, they’re huge. They’re proof that what I do isn’t just about entertainment. It’s about creating a connection, sparking emotions, and making someone’s day a little better. That’s the real magic of this profession: knowing that a voice, a joke, or even a nostalgic reference can bridge the gap between strangers and make them feel seen, understood, and happier, even if just for a few minutes. That’s when I think to myself, ‘Yes, this is exactly why I do what I do.

Q. As a TEDx speaker, what was the core message you wanted to leave your audience with, especially as a creator in a noisy digital space?

When I took the stage as a TEDx speaker, my core message was simple yet powerful. In today’s noisy digital world, your greatest tools are confidence and authenticity. As creators, it’s easy to get lost in the pressure of trends, algorithms, and comparisons. But the truth is, what makes you stand out isn’t how well you can imitate what’s already popular, it’s how fearlessly you can be yourself.

I wanted the audience to walk away with the understanding that authenticity is magnetic. When you stand for something real—whether it’s your passion, your values, or your unique perspective—you naturally cut through the noise because people are drawn to genuine voices. 

Confidence is what allows you to keep going even when the likes or views don’t match your expectations, and authenticity is what ensures that when people do find you, they stay. In a space overflowing with content, being true to yourself isn’t just good advice, it’s a survival strategy for any creator who wants to leave a lasting impact.

Q. What advice would you give to content creators trying to build both entertainment and authenticity into their brand?

My biggest advice to content creators is this: truly know your voice. Understand what you stand for, what excites you, and what kind of impact you want to have on your audience. Once you have that clarity, stay consistent, because in the ever-changing world of digital content, consistency builds recognition and trust.

At the same time, never shy away from what makes you different. Your quirks, your perspective, your way of telling a story—those are your superpowers. They’re what set you apart from the endless stream of similar content. 

Entertainment may grab attention, but authenticity is what keeps people coming back. When your audience feels that you’re being genuine, they’re more likely to form a real connection with you, and that’s the foundation of any lasting brand. So, don’t just chase trends, build something that reflects you, because that’s what will stand the test of time.

Q. If your life had a Bollywood title today, what would it be and why?

If my life had a Bollywood title today, it would be ‘Just Too Filmy: Beats, Banter & Bollywood.’ It perfectly captures the rhythm and energy of my everyday life. The ‘beats’ are for the constant flow of music, stories, and creativity that fuel my work. The ‘banter’ reflects my love for fun, spontaneous conversations with listeners and followers; and of course, ‘Bollywood’ is the heartbeat of it all.

This title isn’t just catchy, it’s a reflection of who I am. Someone whose days are filled with soundtracks, storytelling, and a little bit of drama. It sums up my personality, my profession, and my passion in one line. Every day for me is like a scene from a movie—sometimes emotional, sometimes hilarious, always colorful—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Bio:

RJ Karnikaa is a vibrant radio personality, digital creator, and TEDx speaker best known for her show “Just Too Filmy”—a perfect blend of Bollywood flair, nostalgia, and heartfelt connection with her audience. From making listeners smile on Fever FM’s airwaves to creating viral reels on Instagram, she seamlessly blends music, pop culture, and storytelling. With her signature mix of beats, banter, and authenticity, Karnikaa has built a loyal community that tunes in not just for entertainment, but for the joy and comfort she brings.

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Interviewed by: Anish Singh