Beyond The Bars: Inmate Takes Center Stage As First Female RJ In Byculla Prison

The capability of music to bring about transformation and uplift individuals is well-known.

Hence, it comes as no surprise that inmates at Mumbai's Byculla District prison have turned to music to add vibrancy to their otherwise monotonous lives. In fact, Byculla prison pioneered the establishment of its own radio service.

Each afternoon, they enjoy a three-hour session of entertainment through the Prison Radio show.

But the distinctive feature of this initiative lies in its host - a 24-year-old undertrial who holds the distinction of being the first female radio jockey (RJ) within a state prison.

HT

How did the prison radio programme begin?

The Prison Radio show initiative was launched in December 2023.

Additional director general of prisons Amitabh Gupta had said at the launch, "The prison houses individuals facing diverse charges. They grapple with anxieties about their families, their futures, and ongoing legal battles. The aim of the radio show is to inject a dose of positivity into their lives."

Hunt for the prison radio star

Rani (name changed, as per TOI) was chosen as the radio star after a talent hunt among 380 women and 390 men inmates.

She was imprisoned about eight months ago on charges of cheating.

Giving dance lessons to inmates, she was one of the five finalists.

BCCL

How did she get interested in being an RJ? Well, she has experience working in a production house and theatre, apart from a degree in business financial management.

"I see this as enhancing my skill set for future employment once I am released," she said, speaking to TOI.

Prison room to studio: Song requests galore from inmates

Once finalised, it didn't take long for a prison room to be transformed into a makeshift studio.

Representative image/ Unsplash

For the show, song requests are taken from inmates, with requests varying from '90s Bollywood classics to modern remixes, occasionally including English tracks for foreign inmates.

One inmate had said in a letter written to jail authorities, "We get to hear so many encouraging stories on the radio, which keep our mind fresh and fill us with positive thoughts,... But what we like most is that the radio plays songs, and that too of our choice."

Moving forward, the prison aims to bring in a counselor who would receive questions from inmates and addressing them on air.

A prison official mentioned, "We have also requested new speakers, as the current ones were installed with only routine announcements in mind."

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