Baljit Nagpal started with radio back in the 80s, where he assisted the host of CKCU’s Indian Morning. After receiving feedback from listeners who requested to play more modern Bollywood songs, he transitioned to his own show. Baljit said that during the 60s-70s when many Indian immigrants arrived to Canada, Bollywood films and its soundtracks were still in their minds. This is how Aap Ki Farmaish was born, which Baljit says means “your choice.” The show has been on CKCU’s airwaves for nearly 42 years.
However, the weekly Tuesday show is also known to connect multiple cultures throughout Ottawa through its selection of world music and guests that Baljit and his team of hosts bring in. The show’s main goal is to cater to the audience, as he puts it.
“I try to play what the audience likes, and [that is what] people appreciate,” Baljit said.
Baljit says that the listenership of his program has expanded over the years and continues to try to do more outreach for South Asian communities in Ottawa who don’t know about it. To do this, he invites prominent figures in Ottawa, such as members of parliament, and local, international artists and community leaders to interview on the show. He even had the chance to interview Mayor Mark Sutcliffe during his candidacy run. According to Baljit, the show’s main goal is to provide the best music for listeners to enjoy, as well as information that will be helpful.
The program has also connected with members from Ottawa’s West Indian and Caribbean communities, and is looking to also feature those from Aboriginal communities.
To continue increasing Aap Ki Farmaish’s listenership, Baljit says the key is the variety of music and voices that represent it. Through the power of music, Aap Ki Farmaish aims to blend these different cultural communities together and inform them of what they need to know in the capital city.
“Music brings us pleasure and releases our suffering.
It can calm us down and pump us up.
It helps us manage pain, sleep better and be more productive.”
– Alex Doman (Author of Healing at the Speed of Sound)
– Audrey Pridham