Offbeat: How Nisha Narayanan fights acrophobia

In our constant endeavour to give our readers content that is a little ‘hatke’ from the trade media norm, Adgully has been coming out with Special sections like The W-Suite, Ad Land’s Young Guns, Spirit W and ‘Offbeat’. 

Our newest offering, ‘Offbeat’, seeks to give a glimpse of the lesser known facets of our very well-known industry leaders. We present, in the industry leaders’ own words, an interesting read on areas that are not usually highlighted in regular media coverage – be it about their childhood days, secret skills that they possess, how they unwind from their hectic schedules, and much more.

For Nisha Narayanan, COO, Red FM, it all started with All India Radio, which she joined as an RJ. Prior to this, she was heading the FM Projects at South Asia FM for five years. At Red FM, Narayanan has been instrumental in setting up radio stations across various cities in the country. 

While a prominent name in the radio industry, not many know Narayanan beyond her professional life. Here, she reveals her passion to support handloom textiles and the floundering weaver community, her admiration for Garfield, being ambidextrous and a Cynophile, and more... 

How were you as a child and which childhood trait do you still possess?
I was always a quiet and an introvert child, but a rebel in the head. My rebellious behaviour still stays with me and does push my thought process away from the convention. Being a little headstrong is a virtue sometimes. 

Which superhero did you look up to as a kid and why? Which superhero power you wish you possessed?
Although these characters are not superheroes but I think, they have superhero like abilities. I have enjoyed Calvin & Hobbes and Garfield since childhood. Garfield, look at him! He is funny, goofy, sarcastic, full of witty one-liners and absolutely lazy. I admire him even better as inspite of being lazy, he smartly gets his work done! Now, that is a super power - ‘Smart Work’. 

What is your biggest fear and how do you face it?
I have acrophobia, which is the fear of heights. However, I try to overcome my inner fear by going on adventure trails and treks whenever I find the time. Looking down from rooftops or high-rise buildings has always been a challenge, yet I still try to do it. 

A skill you possess that no one knows about?
I am ambidextrous – I can use both my right and left hand equally well. People do not know that most part of my daily activities are done with my left hand. 

What would one find in your playlist?
My playlist includes a varied genre of Classic rock to Country to Carnatic Classical Music. 

Your go-to activity to relax?
I recently came across a word called Cynophile, which means someone who loves dogs. Being a dog lover, this is my therapy and go-to activity to relax. 

What is the greatest lesson that you have learnt from life so far?
Nothing beats passion. If you do what you love to do, then it never feels like work. Always follow your heart. 

A social cause that you are most passionate about?
I am a huge supporter of sarees and handloom textiles. I think there is a whole universe of traditional weaving which is dying and it is important to support the floundering weaver community and support handloom. It is very close to my heart. 

What is the one thing you would like to change about yourself?
I come with enough vices and virtues, and the vices and shortcomings only make me try harder in getting my work done. So, let me be! There are no perfect people around. 

If not ‎‎Chief Operating Officer at Red FM, what would you have been?
Coming from a defence background, I was always very fascinated with the services. So maybe something in the services, which obviously is the complete opposite of what I am doing currently.