“It is answers that make a good interview and that is possible only when the person being interviewed feels comfortable,” says Johny Lukose, director news, Manorama News and host of ‘Nere Chowve’, a news-based interview on the channel. The veteran media person had years of print media experience behind him when he took up the reins of Manorama News in 2006. Since August 20, 2006, ‘Nere Chowve’, a 30-minute weekly interview with the Who’s Who of Kerala and visiting dignitaries, has been on air for eight years without a break, the only such news-based interview on Malayalam television. In addition to almost all the celebs and Page 3 people from Kerala, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Hassan, Vikram, Balu Mahendra and many such leading figures have appeared in his show. Decorum, courtesy and parliamentary language have never taken a back seat in any episode, not even when Johny puts his guests on the hot seat and grills them. Reactions have varied from angst and anguish to annoyance and amusement. But Johny’s equanimity never deserts him and his conversational style ensures that the interview remains civil and forthright even while the revelations create headlines. The experienced newsman talks about helming the show that bears his signature style:
From writing to talking
It was not easy, considering how much I enjoy writing. But once the channel went on air, the top management heads felt it was important to have a current affairs-based interview with leading newsmakers. Initially, I had misgivings because I am not an alpha male with an aggressive personality and since viewers seem to enjoy watching these tough hosts, I wondered how I would fare. Although I was more than a little nervous, we went ahead and it was well received!
Choosing the guest
Since the emphasis is on current affairs, finding the right person for the hot seat depends on what is dominating the news. Thus, when there is much happening, it is not difficult to find a newsmaker. I enjoy a good rapport with political leaders and eminent personalities in different fields. So I am in my comfort zone when I have them as guests on the show. I can set the agenda without being offensive or making it a game of one-upmanship. But when it comes to stars and musicians, I seek the help of experts in our office to frame the questions and understand the significance of their work. No matter who it is, each interview needs a considerable amount of homework. Moreover, Malayalis love celebrities and glimpses of their life. Viewership goes up when there is a film star or popular singer on the show.
Under the spotlight
Instead of trying to embarrass a guest or trying to hurt him/her, I try to make them comfortable and that is when they open up. That does not mean I don’t ask tough questions or try to flatter them. There were instances when some have requested me not to ask them about certain issues or people. Although, I have not given in to such requests, I do not believe in provoking my guests to add some spice to my show. That said, I have had to interview many people who I admire or look up to. On the show, I am a journalist and so, keeping aside personal considerations, I ask them about the ups and downs in their lives, the contradictions in their work, if any, and the controversies that might have been centred on them. I try to put myself in the shoes of an ordinary viewer and talks about issues he might have been curious about.
Setting the mood
I am interested in finding out what it is that makes them the person he/she is. It is not per se about what they said, did or will do. But what it is that makes them do what they have done or plan to do. I try to probe the reason behind decisions and the real person behind the public face. Instead of mud-slinging exchanges about their opponents and others, I try to coax my guest to talk about themselves. If leaders like P.K. Kunhalikutty and Gopi Kottamurickal surprised me with their candid speak and emotional outbursts, Jagathi Sreekumar, Salim Kumar and Suraj Venjaramoodu, actors par excellence who have made Malayalis laugh, talked about their agony. Mohanlal, usually non-committal and evasive, was forthcoming and that fetched me the State television award. Many guests surprised me with their conviction and attitude. Some greats like K.J. Yesudas, P. Jayachandran, and Shobana questioned my questions, which, I feel, made the interview stand out.
Looking ahead
The show owes it success to a team who work behind the scenes. Jayamohan Nair was the first producer. Now Saju Mohan produces it. Editing plays an important role in making each episode crisp and interesting. I always tell students of media that an interview becomes interesting only when the person being interviewed comes up with forthright answers. That happens only when there is trust between them.
There is much that I have learnt from and admired about the eminent people I have interviewed. If there is one person, I would like to have on my show, it is Sachin Tendulkar. I have been an ardent fan of his for long.
(‘Nere Chowve’ is telecast on Friday at 10 p.m. on Manorama News. The same episode is re-telecast at 2.30 p.m. on Saturdays and at 12.30 p.m. on Sundays)
