Ever since Ranjini Haridas became a household name through the music reality show Star Singer, she had been a victim of criticism. From her style statement to her pronunciation of Malayalam words, people criticised her even for supporting animal rights.
However, Ranjini ignored all negative remarks and fought against all odds to become a popular presenter. Even though she proved her mettle and tried to improve her Malayalam, a few were reluctant to appreciate it. But, it is gradually changing.
Ranjini was the host of the inaugural ceremony of the Smart City project conducted recently in Kochi, which had guests from outside the country.
The way she presented the show was lauded by many, including the dignitaries. While some found it dignifying and entertaining, a few were of the opinion that Ranjini proved before the world audience the competence of Kerala women.
“I am thankful to my teachers and the institutions where I studied, for my good English. I owe them for laying the foundation. Also, I grew up in a corporate world which had so much to do with the language. Besides, I read a lot and watch movies. All these helped enhance my English,” says Ranjini, adding that she speaks Malayalam at home.
“But speaking Malayalam at home and on stage are two different things. Also, each show has its own character and we have to mould accordingly,” she says. Speaking in Malayalam was a tad difficult for her while doing Star Singer. “There were certain words I had not used before,” says Ranjini, who began anchoring 18 years ago.
Did she do any homework to improve her Malayalam after the criticisms? “No. Because Malayalam is not a new language to me. But I’ve started reading Malayalam newspapers and watching movies that helped me get a grip over the language. Since I have done plenty of film shows and have interacted with the local audience in the past few years, I think, I have improved a lot. I’ve a database of Malayalam words in my memory and it flows automatically,” explains Ranjini in her signature style.
