J ayakrishnan Nair’s drive has helped him carve a niche in the media world. As anchor, producer and, occasionally, cameraman of ‘Fast Track’, a 30-minute episode on Manorama News that follows everything on wheels on the road, Jayakrishnan kick started a trend in Malayalam television that is common on all Malayalam channels now.
For more than a decade, he has been cruising along with the show that brings the latest from the auto world. Excerpts from an interview with Jayakrishnan:
On the fast track
Actually I moved into ‘First Gear’ in Indiavision. It was perhaps the first show in Malayalam that focussed only on automobiles. I was in charge of production. When our anchor went on leave, I had to fill the space and did the anchoring. But my bosses liked it and from then on I was anchor and producer of the show.
Prior to my work in Indiavision, I was anchoring a show called ‘Cinema Diary’ on Asianet. I was working as a trainee in the channel when Sreekantan Nair sir gave me the opportunity to do my own show when I was just a year old in the profession. That was a big break.
Change of track
I have been with Manorama News right from the beginning of the channel.
I have completed 430 episodes of the show. It has opened a world of opportunities for me and given me the chance to drive some of the best machines on the road.
I have always been a fan of automobiles and so this show is right up my street.
I do a fair bit of reading of auto magazines and surf the net to understand technical details and the how and why of certain aspects of the features of a vehicle.
Components of the show
There are three segments in all the episodes. In one, I test drive the new models and new variants of existing models. We compare the automobiles and explain for the benefit of our viewers what they can expect from each one. True, we can’t be overtly critical but I give an honest analysis of the vehicle. Then there is a segment on vintage cars or an interaction with celebrities and people from different walks of life who are crazy about automobiles. We also have a segment, ‘auto doctor’, in which viewers call up with doubts and questions.
The three segments vary from one episode to the other.
Memorable trips
Many! Some of the interactions with people who love cars were nothing short of a joy ride. For instance, one would have never guessed that the late Sukumar Azhikode was such an ardent fan of automobiles or for that matter the late Congress leader Karunakaran either.
The late Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma was another person who was passionate about cars. He knew all the technical aspects and could talk hours about cars.
I was the only person from a regional channel who got the opportunity to travel to South Africa to test drive the Mahindra XUV. The 10-day trip was unforgettable. Another memorable drive was on the Buddh circuit in Delhi in an Audi!
I may never be able to buy one of those vehicles but thanks to the show I was able to drive those magnificent machines. Unfortunately, one such trip from Kanyakumari to Leh had to be cancelled as we met with an accident at Karur, near Salem. I might do it another day.
By the way, I own an i10 and an Alto.
Racing ahead
Now almost every Malayalam channel has a show devoted to automobiles. We have several firsts to our credit.
Offroading became a major sport in Kerala after we covered one in Kottayam. Now, it has become a rage all over Kerala and there are two clubs just in Wayanad that organises offroading trips regularly.
Automobiles have a large fan following, gender and age no bar. As soon as I post a snap on Facebook, there are people who call me up to ask about the vehicle and its plus and minus points. Not all of them are going to buy it but they follow cars with a singular passion.
Over the years, I have become an expert at spotting the make of a car a mile away. Not everyone can turn a passion into a profession. I consider myself blessed to have got that opportunity.
(‘Fast Track’ is telecast on Sunday at 9.30 p.m. on Manorama News)
