Do Not Treat The Stage Like A Ramp Walk, Treat It Like The Workplace You Worship: Kavea R Chavali
If we look at the last decade, the Indian events industry has come a long way. From a chaotic sector with almost no rules, the industry has evolved to become one of the most attractive places for top talent.
One of the sub-sectors in the events space—the ‘Live industry’ has thrived on the back of its robust growth. It has in turn nurtured some world-class talent who know how to own the Live space and mesmerize the audience.
One name that stand out in the Live events industry is Kavea R Chavali. Known for her unmatched stagecraft when it comes to hosting events, she spoke to EE about her love for Live events and more.
Excerpts:
Tell us about your love for the stage, was it your first love always?
I have always believed in being a performer. Back during school and college days, I was performing & winning dance competitions & debates so it was a love story that started gradually. For me it was an escape from the mundane and from my self doubt where I used these channels of performance arts to express myself. Being a military kid my parents have also been very instrumental is letting me explore the opportunities .The love story only became stronger over the years.
What are the three biggest challenges about working in the Live events space?
Event management is people management. Live events need you to be completely in the moment. There is no room for retakes, so the challenge is not just as an individual but for the entire team to be that.
Executing a Live show is a responsibility of not just one person but everyone involved. But everyone comes with a different level of passion in them. It is challenging when you have the drive to run a successful show while for others it’s merely a day to make more bucks. Now this attitude can create no room for mistakes, so it's a challenge for everyone to be motivated from the start till the end.
Live events host, content creator and entrepreneur how do you reconcile the three?
One you start freelancing you understand the need to be an all encompassing employee of your brand. You are your own boss, peon, admin, finance etc; and somewhere this sense of an entrepreneurial nature seeps in. I read well and have been very well regarded for curating strong & innovative content in my shows and somewhere this sense of Independence coupled with my existing talents got me to become a full fledged entrepreneur.
My passion and love for sarees got me to start a boutique handloom brand KALANECA . Along with my sister and mother,we decided to promote the handloom of Uppada in Andhra Pradesh(where I hail from) . Through my shows where I get to drape the saree I am able to bring the beauty of the loom ,so I use my power of voice to promote this authentic 'Made In India' brand for the people of the world to sit up and notice too.
What are the three biggest qualities needed to become a successful live events host?
Good listening skills - A host is not brought on the show to merely talk but to respond. You are not just paid to talk but are on board to drive the conversation surrounding that topic/industry
Presentation - it is true that power dressing makes a lot of difference and as a woman / man you have to invest your thoughts/money in dressing up appropriately and according to the show. Do not be under a misconception that only glamour sells.
Purpose - This quality is underrated, but if you do not believe in your presence for the show, the audience will not. Your purpose is beyond the spotlight on you and beyond everything that is about you. As the voice of the show if you are authentic and believe in the purpose behind that show, even if it is for 3 hours, you will be revered.
What are your views about the events industry in India?
I have been in this industry for the last 9 years and I have seen that gradual shift from the unorganized chaos to an organised one.
Conversations with artists has become respectful and payments have gained clarity after the GST too. This industry has now become prominent for people to understand its importance unlike earlier when I was often asked “What is event Management?” In India specifically I see how the teams go beyond the call of duty to execute a successful show. I only wished our time management skills would be better. We still need that sense of discipline that can improve.
Name your three favorite anchors?
My all time inspiration is - Shereen Bhan,Managing Editor -CNBC TV18. I used to watch her everyday and somewhere her exemplary anchoring skills and intelligence motivated me to become an anchor
I had the opportunity to come host 3 shows along with Gaurav Kapur and I have learned so much by just watching him interact and speak. His presence of mind and vast knowledge makes him not only a popular, but a very respected anchor too.
Over the last 4 years I have become a huge Ellen DeGeneres admirer. She makes the world a happy place to live and in her show she not only treats her guests but also her audience as the stars of her show.
What would be your advice for the budding emcees?
Firstly feel empowered that you are being chosen to be the voice of a show, and that sense of responsibility to bring someone's idea to vision rests in your hands, so feel empowered and not burdened.
Secondly the stage deserves your respect and your time. Please do not treat it like a ramp walk to wear designer clothes and strut your stuff. Treat it like the workplace you worship and you look up to.
Even if you start small, start. Do not categorize the events. No event is small. Even if you are doing a mall activation do it with pride.
Work on your skills constantly so that you do not feel the pressures of the fancy social media posts that your friends/colleagues post. It’s a mad world out there so please stay original and you will succeed.
