MASALA MAGAZINE

Upclose and personal with Aashna

She lights up any room she walks into. She has it all - fame, a magnetic personality, vibrant good looks and with more than five years of television experience under her belt. Aashna Patel's career continues to take off. Having started off at YTV in "The Treehouse" as PJ Aashna, today she takes command of her own music show as she hosts the popular "Hit List".

Aashna was born in Mumbai, India and moved to Canada at the age of three and has lived in the burbs of Toronto ever since. After completing high school, she studied broadcating for three years, graduating with a degree from Ryerson University. Fame came to Aashna soon after finishing school. This young girl was determined to be "On Air" and pursued her goals by letting nothing stand in her way.

After applying everywhere for a job, Aashna received a call from YTV to audition for a PJ (Program Jockey). Determined to make a lasting impression, she made a puppet of herself out of a sock and prepared a five-minute audition. The very next day Aashna became the first South Asian PJ on YTV.

Was television her ultimate goal? Aashna laughs, "Well, I always wanted to be a singer, to be the next Mariah Carey or Madonna, but decided that I didn't want to starve on the road there. I don't think I'd make a great waitress. Television is safe and secure." So this gutsy gal decided to establish herself on television while simultaneously pursuing her passion for music.

Aashna has starred on a number of YTV shows. She began with "The Treehouse" and moved to "The Alley", "The Breakfast Zone", "The Shift" and now her own show, "Hit List". This media sensation thrives on the flexibility of her job and has not only perfected a confident demure on live television, but also can handle the responsibility of working "behind the scenes" with the same poise and control.

Being an idol to many children across Canada is an added responsibility for Aashna. "The attention makes you feel powerful and responsible" she says. She stresses that her personal influences started from within her home life itself. "My parents have always influenced me and have been extremely supportive. My friends also keep me grounded. You know, it's a job and I have a life outside YTV. I'm just like everyone else."

One would never guess, Aashna has had the opportunity to visit, interview and schmooz with various musical artists and celebrities such as 98 Degrees, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, The Tragically Hip, The Backstreet Boys, Jamie-Lee Curtis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dan Ackroyd and Steve Martin just to name a few. Aashna has even had the opportunity to meet U.S. President Bill Clinton when she was invited to sing "The Star Spangled Banner", the US National Anthem, at a doctor's convention in Chicago.

As a South Asian, Aashna did not find it more or less challenging to land the job as a media personality. "Canadian stations are open for minorities. The US is harder to break into.

Aashna's work is a wild ride from one day to the next. It's any wonder that she still finds time to attend and participate in various South Asian events. "I'm very flattered to be invited to these events. There are stereotypes that being an artist should be a hobby. I want to be one representation of an Indian in a career that's non traditional. I hope I can help open some doors for other Indians who want to get into the business.

This young diva is 100% supportive of all who want to pursue a career in the arts. Aashna cautions however, "Lose the ego!" Her advice: "volunteer as much as you can at cable stations, you favorite show and learn from those you admire. Don't limit yourself to one area in the business." Aashna reminds us along with the glamor comes a lot of rejection. "If you can't take it, you have no chance of surviving in this business."

Keep an eye out for Aashna Patel - a modest girl from Toronto that our entire community can be proud of. Way to go Aashna! Keep up the good work!