Masala Crew

Since 1993, Sunil has been entertaining a strong following with quirky quirky humor & upbeat messages.  He weaves in light-hearted commentary on daily current happenings in Houston / Buzz on Bollywood / and India trends with trendy Bollywood Music.  His love for everything Indian is evident in his passionate promotions of the best of local Indo American businesses, products and services, events, organizations, and charities.  He radiates positivity and encourages progress.  His interviews with the majority of  the Bollywood elite is just as entertaining as his talk with local ordinary citizens featuring their extraordinary achievements.  Be prepared to listen on the edge.

Since 1994, Preanka has been keeping fans in touch with “what’s buzzin’ in Bollywood.”  Music, humor and food are just some of the things that get her (aka Pre~ aka PreU~) excited… well, not quite in that order!  Born in Mumbai, India, as Arti Trilokekar, she got married straight from the womb (ok, not really), and transformed into Preanka Desai.  She was probably born with a totally filmi and foodie spoon in her mouth explaining her love for food and singing?!  When Masala Radio’s founder Sunil T was looking for a co-host radio jockey in 1994, just year after they’d started, she put her name in the hat and the next thing she knew, she was invited to talk at Fiesta’s then brand-new location.  It was clear this was her calling... it seemed natural.  Ever since then, she have hosted most every type of show as a radio jockey and interviewed many famous personalities like A. R. Rahman, Anupam Kher, etc. (yes, name-dropping...!).  The radio shows she hosted featured everything from today’s rocking hits to black-and-white classics to religious/devotional to shows highlighting diverse cultures, mainly in the Bollywood genre.  Her famous tagline, "That's what's buzzin' Bollywood... I'll have more in just a few...!" became a catchy slogan as she shared newsy happenings, providing her own unique perspective.  In addition to radio jockeying, she has also emceed several events showcasing prominent local and international artists.  And then there are the Masala Cruises where she not only managed the crazy Masala crew, but also hosted events.  A self-appointed influencer, providing creative content, managing a blog, reviewing restaurants and places-to-visit, she’s also planning on doing a syndicated show!  Her innate sense of humor and quick wit bring laughter and smiles to everyone.  

Since 2007, DiIip has been hosting the immensely popular Black & White era show Gata Rahe Mera Dil featuring classics from the 1960s & 70s.  In 2013, he co-started the regional language show Chel Chabilo Gujarati.  Dilip is a joyful and animated individual born in Mumbai and immigrated to Houston in 2001.  He brings his great taste and love for classical Indian music to our radio station. Aside from hosting these show, he works with Tara Energy in commercial sales and has raised an adult son and daughter with his wife Jyotsana.

Since 2009, Priya has rocked the show with her mastery of the 80s and 90s Era of Bollywood in different shows. After taking a break to enjoy her second baby she is back to co-host afternoon Drive Time Dhamaal with Sunil on WED and FRI. Born and raised in Houston, Priya was a teenage fan of Masala Radio, faxing in requests for her parents anniversaries since 1993.  She studied dance at the age of 4, and in her young years developed a passion for dance from wathicng her favorites Meenakshi Sheshadri in Hero, and of course Sridevi and the imitable Madhuri Dixit.  Even before she joined as a Radio Jockey, Priya was a leading choreographer for Masala Cruises since 2003, performing on cruises from both the US and Europe.  Ten years later in 2013 she started her own dance company, Ek Do Teen, married a year later, and now she has a happy family of four.

Since 2012, Ina -vibrant and cheerful chhel chhabili Gujarati - has graced Houston airwaves with her sweet voice and charming commentary on almost any topic! An avid Music Lover, Ina has accumulated vast memories and knowledge of various genres of music, specializing in Black & White Bollywood classics & Gujarati folk songs.  In 2013, she initiated and co-started the Sunday morning show Chel Chabilo Gujarati, allowing her to enrich Houston airways with her in-depth knowledge of the Gujarati regional language, culture, and of course vibrant music. An insurance agent by profession with New York Life, and a full time mother of three strapping young gentlemen, she is a staunch believer in holding on to her culture and her roots. A true Mumbaikar at heart and a Houstonian by soul. She is passionate about Gujarati language and to keep it thriving she teaches students in a Gujarati Sunday school.

Since 2012, Pankti is rocking the air ways of Masala Radio with her controversial topics and political insights. As a teen, she was inspired by Preity Zinta's character in Salaam Namaste and wanted to host radio shows and be a doctor in real life. Today she is successful Doctor of Chiropractic and a popular radio host, living her dreamy Bollywood life ! From Ahmedabad to America, Dr. Pankti Fadia had an interesting filmy journey and someday wishes to write a book about it ! Rj Pankti adds a special Gujarati flavor to her modern radio topics with her witty sense of humor - catch her live on Masala Express every Saturday, only on Masala Radio - Halo re halo !!

Since 2013, Swati has been filling Houston's Sunday afternoons with the sweetest melodies, ghazals, and a qawwali or two, slong with her even sweeter voice and commentary.  Music is her passion, a celebration of life.  She is a hardcore Pancham da  fan, not one show has ever gone without playing one of his tunes.  Zindagi agar jeene ka naam hai --- to gungunana bhi Zaruri hai,  Originally from Calcutta, she moved to Houston after completing her Masters in Journalism and Mass Communications, love every second of her time being an RJ.

Since 2017, Amit has been rocking Rush Hour with his unique music and wit from a mixed of Desi roots and USA upbringing.  He has been RJing for 20 years now for several radio channels across the US.  Apart from radio, I am a business consultant, professional cameraman, cricket commentator and an avid cook.  Born in Indore, MP India, raised in New Jersey, now residing in Houston.  Favorite genre: Masala Bollywood Music.  Favorite Actors: Amitabh Bachhan, Aamir Khan, Paresh Rawal.  Favorite Actresses: Kajol, Alia Bhatt and Madhuri Dixit

Since 2018, Anees has hit Houston by storm with his quirky Indian memories and anecdotes!  He does a themed Bollywood rewind show on Saturdays 12 - 2 PM where he brings Bollywood stories along with great music which will definitely take you back in days. Born in Mumbai, Anees spent most of his life in Rajkot where both parents were teachers.  His favorite Bollywood movies are Don and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, favorite actors Amitabh Bachchan & Aamir Khan, favorite actresses - Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif.  His knowledge and preference in music varies greatly, topped by RD Burman and A. R. Rahman.  Favorite singers are Rafi, Kishore , Asha Bhosle, and Shreya Ghoshal .  His other work is in IT, utilizing his Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from Lukhdhirji Engineering College, Morbi in Gujarat India  and Masters in Computer Science from University of Bridgeport in Connecticut USA.  In his spare time he loves swimming, watching movies, eating out and traveling, and then there's adventure sports like white water rafting, zip lining, and jet skiing.

Anees is a typical Gemini: doing tapori jokes and playing fast music at one moment and playing soulful classy music reflecting on life experiences at the next moment . "Anees" means “A friend/companion” and it reflects clearly his friendly, fun loving, smile-invoking personality that shines through on air!

Since 2019, Shararti Shilpi has been rocking the airwaves every weekday from 10 AM to 1PM.  Her energetic talk and her even more pumping songs has become an addiction!  Born and raised in the small village Kashipur in Uttarakhand, she completed an MBA in Dehradun and was an assistant professor of Management before settling in Houston with hubby and bouncing young boy.  Her passions include volunteering for SEWA International for such amazing projects like Howdy Modi 2019 and Sewa Dancing Stars, dancing, and conducting Yoga sessions with up to 200 in attendance!  Some of her favorite movies are Hum Apke Hain Kaun & Zindagi Na Milei Dubara, and favorites Actors include Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Kajol.  Whether she is retelling an exciting Bollywood movie scene, unfolding a real life story, or just talking about whats going on in the world, you lose all sense of where you are, and are completely absorbed in her SuperNova energy.  And then she will blast her favorite bhangra, Remix, Pop, Party or Retro blockbuster hit, and you just cannot help but to start dancing...That's our Sharati Shilpi!

Since June 2021, Rishi has romanced the airwaves with his show Loveratri MON-FRI from 9PM – 11PM.  Rishi was born and raised in Trinidad & Tobago, and since graduating from the University of the West Indies in Engineering and Medicine, is pursuing one of his true lifelong passions in the field of Forensic Pathology and special needs research.   At the same time, he pursued his love of radio, advancing on Caribbean FM to head of Promotions and Marketing, leading the operations of several large Indian Festivals in Trinidad.  He’s proud of being awarded his hometown’s “Most Listened Radio Jocky in Bollywood Radio.”  A whirlwind romance and marriage led to his recent transfer to Houston, but with his current late night timings, “Romeo Rishi” still retains his Trini fan following through the Masala Radio App.  LOVERATRI is a collection of romantic songs from the 90s and 2000s, , especially from his favorites actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Varun Dhawant & Actresses – Madhuri Dixit, Sridevi, Deepika Padukone ( in that order).  Some of his favorite movies are K3G, Bhagban, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Padmaavat , and favortie romantic Singers – Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, Arjit Singh, Atif Aslam (in that order). Rishi says “I live by my three (3) watchwords – Simplicity, Sincerity and Sweetness – A simple man is a sincere man who enjoys the sweetness of life ……..”

Since July 2021, Vyoma has energized Houston’s weekday lunch time drive time with her show Masala Mania MON-FRI from 11AM-1PM.  Vyoma strongly believes CHANGE is the only constant, so every day the show is ever evolving with a myriad of topics and music…one almost never know what to expect!  Vyoma was born in Mumbai, but grew up in Vadodara, Gujrat, winning several awards in…you guessed it…garba competitions.  She completed a BS in Computer Science from the University of Vadodara and her career since has revolved around IT and Multimedia.  She was also passionate about getting certification in teaching Yoga, Early Childhood Care and Education, Vegan Nutrition, Digital Marketing and Cosmetology! Her husband’s career took her overseas through 4 different cities in the US before destiny allowed her to settle down in Houston in 2017 with her small family including one chatterbox “momma’s boy” young son, and one son on the way!  In her limited spare time, she dabbles in writing poetry in Gujarati, Hindi and English.   Vyoma is a Bollywood movie buff, her list of favorites is very long, but Jab We Met, Hum Aapke hain Kaun, zindagi na milegi dobara, M.S. Dhoni, Fashion all first come to mind.  Her favorite actors include Amitabh Bacchan, Hritik Roshan, Madhuri Dixit, Priyanka Chopra and top singers range from Kishor Kumar, Sonu Nigam, Darshan Raval, Shreya Ghoshal to Harshdeep Kaur. Masala Mania is ever-changing as Vyoma’s persona swings from Drama Queen & ChatterBox to Patient & Sorted.  Enjoy her happy, upbeat, romantic songs from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s with a rare sprinkle of non-filmy album songs and Gujarati songs (especially Garba).  HALO RE HALO!  Na failaya kisine sardi khasi corona ya malaria … Par ab Vyoma failaegi Masala Mania!!