The Voice of Ahmedabad: Decoding the Success of Murga Don RJ Kunal (Mirchi Murga)
If you live in Ahmedabad, there is one voice you recognize instantly. It’s the voice that has made us laugh in traffic, made us think during tea breaks, and—most famously—made fools out of unsuspecting people with the legendary "Mirchi Murga."
I recently had the chance to sit down with RJ Kunal from Mirchi 98.3. We didn't just joke around; we talked business. I wanted to understand how he has stayed at the top of the radio game for so long in an era where everyone is glued to Instagram.
Here is the unfiltered conversation on his growth, his pranks, and the changing world of radio.
Me: Kunal, let's start from the beginning. Today, you are a household name. But looking back, was radio always the plan? How did a regular Amdavadi guy end up becoming the city's favorite voice?
RJ Kunal: (Smiles) Honestly? It wasn't a master plan. I think I was just the guy who talked too much in class!
But seriously, when I started, radio was very different. It was purely about imagination. There were no cameras in the studio, no Instagram Reels. You had to paint a picture with just your words. I started with a passion for music and connecting with people. I realized early on that radio isn't about speaking to thousands of people; it's about speaking to one person like they are your best friend. That mindset is what helped me grow from a rookie to where I am today.
Me: You cannot talk about RJ Kunal without talking about "Mirchi Murga." It is iconic. But tell me, how do you handle the pressure? Do you ever get scared that someone will get genuinely angry or that a prank will go wrong?
RJ Kunal: Mirchi Murga is my baby, but it’s also a high-wire act!
See, the secret to a good prank is that it should never be malicious. I am not trying to hurt anyone; I am trying to find the humor in their reaction. The growth happened when I realized that the listener is laughing with us, not just at the victim.
And yes, people do get angry! I’ve been yelled at more times than I can count. But the moment I reveal, "Main RJ Kunal bol raha hu" (This is RJ Kunal speaking), the anger usually turns into laughter. That transition—from anger to relief—is where the magic is. Over the years, I've learned to read people’s voices instantly. I know exactly when to push and when to back off.
Me: That’s a great skill. Now, let’s talk about the shift. A few years ago, radio was "blind." Now, radio stations have cameras. You are a star on YouTube and Instagram too. How difficult was it to transition from being an "Audio Star" to a "Video Star"?
RJ Kunal: That was a huge curveball for all of us. Suddenly, I couldn't just come to the studio in my pajamas! (Laughs).
But honestly, it was necessary. Growth means adaptation. If I had stuck to only FM, I might have become irrelevant to the Gen Z audience. They don't just want to hear the joke; they want to see my expression when I’m making the prank call.
I had to learn body language, camera angles, and short-form editing. It’s no longer just "Radio"; it’s "Content Creation." Now, I consider myself a creator who happens to be on the radio.
Me: That is a powerful perspective. Staying relevant is hard. We see so many RJs come and go. What is your secret sauce? How do you keep Ahmedabad listening to you year after year?
RJ Kunal: I think the secret is Observation.
A lot of people try to copy trends from the West or Mumbai. I don't do that. I look at my city. I look at what the rickshawala is arguing about, what the college students at IIM road are discussing, what the aunties in the vegetable market are worried about.
If you speak the city's language—and I don't just mean Gujarati, I mean the vibe—you will never go out of style. My content grows because Ahmedabad grows, and I just mirror that growth.
Me: One last question for the aspiring RJs or content creators reading this blog. What is the one thing they should focus on?
RJ Kunal: Be Original.
It sounds cliché, but it’s true. Don't try to be the next Kunal or the next Dhvanit. The world already has us. Who are you? What is your unique take on the world?
Also, have thick skin. If you want to be in the public eye, you have to accept that not everyone will love you. Focus on the ones who do, and keep creating.
Me: Kunal, thank you. This was insightful. You really are the pulse of this city.
RJ Kunal: Thank you! Keep listening, and bach ke rehna, kahin agla Murga tum na bano! (Stay safe, or you might be the next Murga!)
My Takeaway
Talking to RJ Kunal made one thing clear: Consistency is key. He didn't become a legend overnight. He showed up every day, adapted to new technology (social media), and kept his ear to the ground to understand what his audience wanted.
Whether you are a filmmaker, a writer, or an RJ, the lesson is the same: Know your audience, and evolve with them.
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