Prajakta Koli to Maneish Paul: Popular RJs Who Turned Successful Actors
Updated on: 26 June, 2025 05:27 PM IST |Shweta Shah

Prajakta Koli Birthday
Radio was the first love of boomers and millennials. It was also the first source we could listen to our favourite songs. But what made radio even more special were the radio jockeys. Their soothing yet powerful voice and entertaining content can keep us hooked to one radio channel for hours. However, did you know there are some leading Bollywood actors who started their careers as radio jockeys? The list will shock you.
Today, Prajakta, who is widely known by her Instagram name MostlySane, has acted in movies like JugJugg Jeeyo, Netflix`s original series Mismatched, and more. She is one of the highest-paid YouTubers.
1. Maniesh Paul - Radio City 91.1
Known as one of the most loved RJs in Radio City, Maniesh Paul started his career by being behind the mic and entertaining people with his witty humor. He then slowly shifted to hosting events and shows, which slowly became Maniesh`s forte. Today, Paul is recognised as one of the most talented budding actors in Bollywood.The RJ-turned-actor has acted in Bollywood movies like JugJugg Jeeyo, Micky Virus, Tees Maar Khan, and more.
2. Ayushmann Khurrana - BIG FM
Do we even need a description for this actor? Despite giving several successful hits, Ayushmann Khurrana is to date known for his Bollywood debut performance in Vicky Donor. Ayushmann started his career at the age of 17 by becoming a video jockey and enjoyed short-lived fame through Roadies S1. But little do people know, the actor was also once an RJ. Khurrana hosted a show on BIG FM titled Big Chai- Maan Na Maan.3. Prajakta Koli – Fever 104 FM
It was once the content creator and actor Prajakta Koli`s dream to become one of the biggest, most successful radio jockeys in India. However, within months of starting as an RJ with Fever FM, she realised this wasn`t her cup of tea. It was Hrithik Roshan who recognised her talent as a content creator, and the rest is history.Today, Prajakta, who is widely known by her Instagram name MostlySane, has acted in movies like JugJugg Jeeyo, Netflix`s original series Mismatched, and more. She is one of the highest-paid YouTubers.
4. Nikhil Chinapa - Madras FM
It was Nikhil Chinapa who introduced the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene in India. A successful DJ and owner of India`s biggest EDM company, Submerge, Nikhil started his career as a radio jockey at Madras FM. A Coorg by heart, Chinapa never left his roots when it came to being behind the mic. The RJ-turned-actor has given us some entertaining performances in Bollywood movies like Shaitan, David, Pyaar Kiya Nahi Jaata, and more.5. Salil Acharya – Radio City 91.1
One of the most popular names and faces of Radio City, RJ Salil Acharya revolutionised the way radio functions. From talking about interesting topics from finance to entertainment, Salil still remains one of the leading radio jockeys in the world of radio.He has acted in Mohit Suri`s Aashiqui 2 and 3, and the 2007 release Awarapan.
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