“I never planned to become a radio jockey or start a podcast. I have always been curious about people and their stories, and that curiosity has taken me through several unexpected turns.
I grew up in Warangal, where newspapers and news channels were part of everyday life. My father, a senior journalist with Eenadu, Andhra Jyothi and Sakshi, often took me on assignments, to reporters’ meetings and interactions with bureaucrats. I witnessed events I might not otherwise have encountered as a child, including the Valigonda train accident in 2005. These experiences introduced me to journalism early.
My brother and I even made our own newspapers at home, writing imaginary political stories and headlines. I began looking at newspapers in the first standard, before I could properly read them. I was interested in current affairs, and becoming an IAS officer was my childhood dream.
After graduating in Electronics and Communication Engineering, I worked as a software engineer in data analytics. After about a year and a half, I realised a conventional job was not what I wanted. I resigned, prepared for UPSC for nine months, and returned to my former company when it did not work out.
Still searching for something different, I ventured into Manufacturing business through personal loans despite having no background in the field. Managing workers, expenses and COVID-19 setbacks became challenging, and I eventually closed the business.
In 2021, I moved to the UK for a master’s in Computer Science at Teesside University. My father supported me financially, and friends helped me settle in. I took up part-time jobs, later becoming a business analyst working with SQL and Power BI. Living in north-east England also introduced me to people whose openness left a lasting impression.
Radio happened unexpectedly. At a cafe, I overheard that a station was looking for a host. I applied and proposed The Kalyan Chronicles, a programme speaking to people from India about their work and experiences. I joined Spice FM 98.8 and began hosting live conversations after a few days of training. Through Instagram, I interviewed entrepreneurs, educators and medical professionals across 30–35 voluntary episodes.
After four years and eight months in the UK, I returned to India. Though a digital news channel did not materialise, I continued The Kalyan Chronicles in Hyderabad, recording in rented studios. The podcast has completed around 20 episodes with doctors and other professionals.
It has also helped me build a valuable network in the UK and India. I believe “Network is Net Worth”—meaningful connections open doors, offer new perspectives and create unexpected opportunities. My father, initially unsure about podcasting, now supports me and even helped connect me with a recent guest. His journalism career first introduced me to news and current affairs.
Today, I work in IT at a web and mobile app development startup while pursuing podcasting. Through The Kalyan Chronicles, I want every conversation to offer knowledge, inspiration or a new perspective.
From engineering to UPSC, entrepreneurship, life abroad and broadcasting, not everything worked as planned. But each experience taught me something. Life does not always follow our path; sometimes, unexpected opportunities lead us to what we truly enjoy. I aim to keep learning, stay curious and remain open to what comes next.”
- Kalyan K Bharath