Komal Agarwal, 21, juggles studies and work as an anchor - sharing her hard earned money with her family. Describing her anchoring style as “energetic and full of life” Komal is making her mark.
What is your story Komal?
I’ve been working since I was 18. I started my career as an RJ with Hyderabad’s local channel before I went on to becoming an anchor. As a Mass Communications student, the best way to learn the ropes of the trade is to be on the job. Of course, the job also fetched me my pocket money. But a year ago, after the demise of my father, my freelance anchoring also became a source of income for my family.
I give a major portion of my earnings to the family. The rest I invest in a production house that my friend, Hamza, and I have established. We are still testing the waters.
Does it get difficult to juggle studies with work?
Not really. My anchoring work is pre-scheduled and it does not hamper my studies. As soon as lectures conclude, I rush to attend meetings, to anchor shows, or set out to plan for my production house. I make it a point to utilize every single minute of the day, ensuring that I don’t lag behind either in my profession or my academics. I gain practical knowledge on the job that only helps me understand my subjects better.
What if you have to anchor a show during the college hours? How do you manage?
My college, St Francis College for Women, has an open gate system. So, I can leave the premises during college hours. In fact, there are times when I receive unplanned meeting requests during the day. If no important lecture is to take place, I leave to step into the shoes of an anchor.
Do you sometimes feel that unlike your peers you have to shoulder huge responsibilities at a young age?
I feel normal about it. One major change that these responsibilities have brought into me is the fact that I don’t get carried away by things that my peers do. I understand what’s important and what’s not. I understand life better and am proud of what I do.
Interviewed By Suhani Dewra