From shy beginnings to Bollywood connections: The inspiring journey of Varshan Sookhun

Varshan Sookhun, a presenter at Lotus FM, has transformed his personal challenges into a powerful voice that resonates across generations. Starting his journey at the age of 13, he developed a passion for movies and music, which led him to work at a community radio station, Radio Phoenix. After completing his national diploma in television and film production, Sookhun joined Lotus FM, where he initially worked the night shift, gaining valuable interaction with listeners.

His show, "Lunch with Varshan," initially focused on Bollywood, but later expanded to include magazine-style elements such as lifestyle, culture, and art.

Sookhun's calm and confident air on-air was not immediately apparent, as he was once described as flat and monotone. However, over the years, he has developed a stronger, more powerful voice. He has interviewed numerous Bollywood stars, including Aamir Khan, Akshay Khanna, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Shah Rukh Khan, Arjun Ramphal, and many others.

Sookhun also compered concerts for international stars like Kumar Sanu, Sonu Nigam, Kunal Ganjawala, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, and Jubin Nautiyal. He represented South African media internationally at several International Indian Film Awards (IIFA) ceremonies, a proud moment for his family and the station.

Sookhun's dedication to theatre was recognized when he won two Fools Awards in 2007 for his contributions to theatre. He has also received awards for his Bollywood Billboard show at the then-MTN Radio Awards and the SA Radio Awards. Through this inspiring journey, Sookhun exemplifies how passion, resilience, and dedication can turn personal challenges into a powerful voice that connects with generations.