In conversation with…
I have done my schooling from an army school as my father was posted in Jammu and Kashmir. Did my MA in journalism and mass communication from Delhi University. During studies only, I started working with radio, TV and print media. My first job as a media professional was with The Times of India group company ‘APCA’ as an associate producer. As Soon as I finished masters, I got married and shifted to Mumbai. Here I started working with All India Radio and FM as an RJ. At the same time, I started producing, writing and directing youth oriented programs and fiction shows for Doordarshan and worked for some private production houses too. Later I joined Ramoji Rao’s ETV channel as an anchor and producer. After working with ETV for few years, I switched to TV today’s Aajtak and Tez channel and performed my services as producer for entertainment shows. I switched to Network 18 in 2016 and since then I am engaged as a senior anchor and senior producer.
Why Sheeba wanted to become a media personality?
I was a movie buff right from my childhood and loved to listen to music and keep writing verses at times as well. I participated in interschool drama, and speech compititions used to be in my prority list, you can say i was inclined towards media right from my school days. I remember during my school days the team from All India radio and Doordarshan came with an audition form and announced whosoever is interested can fill the form and will be called up for an audition for singing and drama. No one except me in my class filled the form and handed it over to Prasar Bharti team. Within a week I was called up for an audition at Prasar Bharti and I got selected as a singer for light music and soon I got to act as well in an inhouse Doordarshan serial.
As I was good at studies, my family never knew that I will choose media as my career. They thought she is persuing it as a hobby only. They wanted me to become a doctor, engineer or an IAS. But I was a rebellion, my fasicination towards journalism was increasing day by day. After I completed my graduation in science, I took up mass media. They were not happy about it as I was the only person in my family who had chosen media as a profession.
My Father was an Army official. He is no more now. He died of Cancer around 6 years back. My Mother was a teacher but quit the job and became a home maker later.
They were not happy about me choosing media. They were like why do you want to go into a profession where there is uncertanity. It was their point of view but I always loved to be in a creative field. I definitely wanted to be different from my siblings and not be an engineer or a doctor.
What is the significance of struggle period in your journey from being a student to a successful media professional?
Struggle plays an important part in your life. It makes you a better human being. Life has always been a struggle for me right from my childhood as I chose different path and loved being part of it. It has made me strong. I believe if you don’t enjoy the struggle period in your life, you will never learn. Each and every day is a struggle for me to live, learn and to survive.
What were the challenges and achievements during your service in TV Today as an anchor and producer?
Challanges are in every field and being a women you face more challanges in the field. You have to prove yourself everyday. Here hardwork, focus and determination play an important part and that makes it easy for you.
What were the reasons you joined Network 18 media?
I have a small family here in Mumbai which includes me, my husband and my daughter. As a family person and that too emotional, I couldn’t stay away from them as I was constantly missing them while I was working in Delhi with TV today. So one fine day I decided to come back to Mumbai and finally ended up taking up a job at Network 18 in Mumbai.
What are the highlights of your show “Dil Se” interview series in News 18?
Dil se is an exclusive inspirational, motivational and educational Chat show where artists, celebrities and renowned personalities from different walks of life share their life experiences and success stories with me.
Your proud moments as an anchor and producer in your media career?
When my viewers share their stories and problems with me in my morning show and say Sheeba dil se You have made our day. We have started taking life in a positive way. Life becomes easy when we talk to you on the show.
Thanks for listning to us. And of course, when I receive appreciation mails from different states and overseas as well about my shows I produce, especially for talk and feature based show like ‘Dil ne phir yaad kiya’. This show has received an ENBA award also in Hindi entertainment category.
How women can achieve success in respective fields so that they get recognised for their ability, mainly when they do not get support from the family?
Every women has the potential to do much more. She can be her own strength and support. She has to Know her worth and believe in herself. Her family has to realise that if she can be the ultimate strength and support behind the success of every individual, why can’t her family be a support to her.
Successful media professionals have to face criticism also, what is your experience?
How do you deal with the same?I always take criticism in a positive way and as a learning process. I beleive criticism is part of every job whatever you do in life. If there is no criticism there is no growth. People criticise you but that should not effect your peace of mind rather it should make you more strong.
In your profesional career, who supported you the most men or women?
You have to be the ultimate support to yourself rather than wait for others to support you. When you are focused and believe in hardwork, I guess every one supports you being it men or women.
What are your expectations from a life partner? How much support did you get in your success?
True love doesn’t expect anything. Why don’t we focus on giving rather than expecting. He has been always there as a support.
Mostly media professionals are swiftly changing jobs for more money. How do you see money as source for satisfaction and happiness in life?
Every body needs more money but you got to put a full spot at certain point. You can’t run after only money. Job satisfaction is also very very important.
You are always fit and energetic, What is the reason behind your fitness?
I constantly think about the betterment of others and keep myself busy mentally round the clock and that brings positive attitude towards life. Good thinking keeps negative energy away from you and that increases your level of energy and fitness.
What is your message for today’s hi-tech professionals of digital media?
Everyone has to move with the technology but we need to slow down when needed. People have become more lonely constantly being in the race. I guess people have become robots.
