Asian Star- Rashmi Kumar

Native Village/Country parent’s background:

I come from India, my home country. I was born in Pune into a Maharashtrian family but grew up in Delhi. My parents moved to Delhi when I was almost four-years-old. 

As for my parents, both come from a media background. My father Ashwini Kumar Ghodke was one of the most illustrious documentary filmmakers and has done extensive works for Nat Geo, Doordarshan, Discovery channel and such. He later started his own voice over artists Bureau and sourced talents (for commercials and voice overs to various media houses and private as well as Government brands and campaigns). My mother Mridula Ghodke (post retirement) continues to lend her voice for several leading brands as a commercial voice over artist. She retired as the head of News Services Division at All India Radio (Akashvani).    
Your Early Education:

I did my graduation from Delhi University, Jesus & Mary College with a major in English. After coming to Canada, I studied at NAIT and completed my two-year Radio & TV program. 
When and Why Did You Come to Canada:

I came to Canada after getting married in early 2012.
Your career advancement initiatives, volunteer work and present occupation:

I currently work as a Radio Host and News Broadcaster with My Radio 580. 

In India, I essentially worked as a Print Journalist and my last job was with Deccan Herald as a Features Editor. Some of the newspapers and magazines I’ve worked with include The Indian Express (my first job), Metro Now (joint collaboration between Times of India and Hindustan Times), and Business India. 

I also did commercial voice overs for brands like Dettol, Maggie, AirTel, Nokia, to name a few.

However, my favourite one out of all these would be my role as a Writer. I have three published books under my belt. My debut novel was Stilettos in the Newsroom, followed by Hooked, Lined & Single and my latest book was Goliath & I. 

As for my volunteer work, I have worked as a trained crisis interventionist at Sumaitri – a Delhi-based NGO for crisis intervention and suicide.

Your Regret in Life:

My biggest regret would be operating with a sense of fear. I wish I wasn’t as fearful now or even back then! Fear is the number one reason why we never dare to break our shelves, venture out and take risks and continue suffering – be it toxic relationships, work culture or personality traits that can be so positively worked upon. The day we dismantle fear is the day we’ll truly be free. 
Pick Any One of Your Best Achievements:

Out of all the roles that I’ve enjoyed as a Media Professional – be it – a Radio Host, Print Journalist or a Voice Over Artist, I have enjoyed being a Writer the most. I think I resonate the most with writing books. I usually don’t maintain a personal journal or scribble my thoughts on a piece of paper like most people do… However, I do express myself the best when I am working on my books. It is my sanctorium and I feel the most genuine, fearless and expressive with my books. So, yes, I’d confidently and most passionately and sincerely say that being a Writer has taught me the most, and if it happens to be one of my best achievements… then why not!?
Were You Ever Discriminated?

Most people would either sugar coat this answer or shun away from answering… However, I’d take this as a personal opportunity to reach out to many people like me who might resonate with my story. I am not saying that you have to draw a negative leaf out of this… because it’s not. It’s based largely and purely out of my observations. I do feel that I faced a lot of discrimination and to a large extent still continue to. 

The biggest hurdle I faced here was getting the right kind of job. There was a recurring need to gain Canadian experience, but how does the experience come when you don’t have a job? So the loop pretty much continued for many years. Most immigrants here pride in having worked odd jobs and continue to tell stories about it as if that were a thing to flaunt… I disagree on that account too! Most new immigrants here SHOULD NOT even have to do odd jobs. A lot of them are Qualified Engineers, Doctors, Architects, Financiers, Bankers or even Media Professionals… Why are their credentials not recognized? Why do immigrants have to go through the arduous process of matching their Education and level of Academic Credentials? I Agree that imbibing or assimilating oneself in any culture takes time, acceptance takes time and of course trusting an outsider takes time but that shouldn’t have to come at the cost of wasting precious years to prove your worth professionally.

I feel I faced a lot of discrimination on that account… In spite of my qualifications, I had to restart my life… On the contrary it should have been the other way round. I should have ideally started from where I left back home.

Are You Happy in Canada?

Happiness is a subjective term. While being in India too, there were moments when my life was not all put together! And being in Canada too, there are moments that give me an unadulterated joy. 

Any Comments on Canada’s Culture?

I am most impressed with Canada’s musical diaspora. It’s rich, vast and has produced some of the best music geniuses of the world. 

Most people here are friendly, polite and mind their own business (which I LOVE!)  

Any Comments on Canada’s Weather?

Harsh, unforgiving, unrelenting and extreme 🙂 Visually however, it’s breathtakingly beautiful. 
What Brought You Success in Canada?

I am a strong believer in the grace of God. The love I continue to receive through my listeners and fans is so tremendous and vast – I would – 100 percent attribute it to God. It’s only a miracle that a person who never quite believed much in herself had doors opened for her at the right time and place. If you continue to believe in God, he can open doors for you that never existed.