Voice, presence, passion

Shareefa Thahir has made a unique mark in Sri Lanka’s media and entertainment industry through her versatile skills as a program presenter, radio announcer, emcee, moderator and news anchor. Known for her confident presence, engaging personality and ability to connect with an audience, Shareefa has pursued a career in media since she was just three years old.

Her passion for communication and connecting with people began with a simple childhood act of reciting a poem in front of a microphone – an act that eventually evolved into a lifelong journey.

Attracted to broadcasting and presenting from a young age, Shareefa realized early on that she genuinely loved communicating and connecting with people. Her mother introduced her to the world of media, and her father supported her young efforts by dropping her off for work and bringing her home. Along the way, she has been fortunate to have supportive family members and inspiring colleagues and mentors who have shaped her career.

A defining moment in Shareefa’s career was winning Best Presenter in both radio and television, which recognized her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. Despite the rise of social media and digital platforms, Shareefa believes that authenticity still matters, particularly in radio where the listener cannot see the presenter.

She builds a connection with listeners by being real and speaking to them as if they were right there in the room, creating an intimate and genuine experience. Live broadcasting presents challenges, as there are no do-overs, but Shareefa prepares herself by understanding her subject well, anticipating the audience’s needs, and staying composed under pressure.

Shareefa adapts her presentation style according to the audience and occasion, whether it’s a news bulletin, corporate conference or award ceremony. She maintains objectivity when reporting sensitive or emotional stories by remembering that the story is not about her, but about the subject matter. With over a thousand events hosted, Shareefa takes pride in being trusted to hold the room together and create memorable experiences for the audience.