For more than two decades, Mirchi RJ Jeeturaaj has ruled the airwaves of Mumbai with his captivating voice, yet his face has remained a mystery—until now. Jeeturaaj’s journey began as an orphan found on the banks of the Yamuna River. Adopted by an army couple, his early life was marked by insecurities, but his passion for radio eventually led him to become the unmistakable voice of Times FM 107.1, India’s first FM radio station & now has been ruling the waves of 98.3 Mirchi, Mumbai, as the undisputed leading prime time jock.
The iconic RJ, known for his dedication to remaining anonymous, has now made a historic decision to reveal his face, and it happened in the heart of Mumbai, Dharavi. The campaign, “Dharavi Ke Dil Pe Karega Raaj, Mirchi Jeeturaaj,” ran from October 21st to October 25th, 2024. This event was more than just a personal milestone – it was a tribute to the vibrant and resilient community of Dharavi.
For years, Jeeturaaj lived by the words a famous singer once told him: ‘Meri Awaaz hi Meri Pehchaan hai’. It became his guiding principle, and he kept his face hidden, letting his voice define his persona. But with the rise of the digital era, countless YouTubers and Influencers began falsely claiming to be RJ Jeeturaaj. Many times they tried to tarnish his image. Noticing that such incidents had been repeating, Jeeturaaj took this decision of bringing his real self in front of everyone!
The buildup to this moment was emotional and profound. Through on-air conversations, Jeeturaaj shared his deep connection with Dharavi, offering listeners a personal glimpse into his journey. A special contest allowed one fortunate listener to walk alongside him through the bustling streets of Dharavi during his live broadcasts, adding a personal touch to the event. From October 21st, Jeeturaaj hosted his show live from Dharavi’s vibrant streets, interacting with local leaders, artists, and business owners. The excitement reached its peak on October 23rd, when, at exactly 10 AM, Jeeturaaj stepped out of his temporary studio, removed his mask, and revealed his face for the first time in his career to loud cheers from an enthusiastic crowd gathered to watch this historic moment. This powerful moment was broadcast live on Mirchi Mumbai’s airwaves and Instagram, followed by a press interaction and selfies with Dharavi’s residents.
Reflecting on the significance of this moment, Jeeturaaj said, “Dharavi is the perfect place because like Jeeturaaj who is heard every day through Mumbai ki Aawaaz Jeeturaaj, it appears that you know everything about him but still don’t know so many things about him, including his face. Ditto Dharavi, where it seems you know everything about Dharavi, but we all know there are so many secrets to be uncovered. So, this was the most suited place to reveal my face and my complete identity to my city Mumbai.”
The decision to unveil his face in Dharavi symbolised Jeeturaaj’s connection to its people. The day was filled with heartfelt conversations as he embraced his new identity in front of a supportive community. Even after the reveal, Jeeturaaj continued hosting his show from Dharavi, reflecting on the significance of the moment and drawing inspiration from the stories and strength of its residents.
As Diwali approaches, Jeeturaaj’s reveal is a reminder to not only polish our homes but also our memories and connections. This moment stands as a significant milestone in both his career and Dharavi’s cultural landscape.
