Lucknow’s hidden gems: Mallika Yash Asthana says ‘You need to continuously improve your craft to be a successful anchor’

Mallika Yash Asthana is a popular anchor and voice-over artist who has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in Lucknow, thanks to her ability to connect with the audience. During her illustrious career, the self-made sensation has hosted events involving film stars such as Disha Patani and Suniel Shetty.

She has also served as the emcee for events graced by the likes of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Madhuri Dixit,  Ranbir Kapoor, Kapil Sharma, and former cricketer Chris Gayle. 

In an exclusive interview with Roktim Rajpal Diaries, Mallika opens up about her career and reveals what it takes to be successful in this line of work. 

How did your journey as an anchor begin?

I was basically a student of Commerce. I did my college and then one day my mother came across a broadcasting course in radio. She planned to join it. I took her for it. The counsellor asked me to join. I joined the one-year programme. The counsellor took me under her wing and the word spread. 

How did voice-overs happen?

I became a VO artist in 2010. It was all part of the discovery process. I wanted to max out my abilities. So, I received proper training. The process was rigorous, and we received several scoldings. It was all part of the grooming.

Is being a VO artist easier than being an anchor?

Both are hard. For me, both are the same. You have to put in equal effort, and client satisfaction is the key. 

Anchor Mallika Yash Asthana. | Credit: Instagram/MallikaYashAsthana

Have you ever faced setbacks or rejection in your career?

I have never faced rejection for my anchoring gigs. However, there have been times when events have been cancelled. In fact, there was once a time when I was to host an event, but they went with another one at the last minute. I used this as an opportunity to learn from them and familiarise myself with the format. Failure is the greatest teacher and you should never give up when things don’t work out. 

How do you deal with setbacks?

A few years ago, I was to host an event for the President. However, I got removed It was a necessary setback and one that pushed my envelope. I cried for 48 hours after the incident. 

Why didn’t you shift to Mumbai, given the fact that it is associated with more opportunities?

When I was younger, my priorities were different. Things changed for me after Covid when I lost people. I am an emotional person. So, after those setbacks, I decided to be in Lucknow with my family. It was a conscious decision. 

What advice would you give to aspiring anchors?

You basically need to be a student and feel like you have something to learn. The ‘mujhe sab aata hai’ attitude won’t work. You need to improve your craft continuously.