Happy Birthday RJ Mantra: Journey of a voice across radio, theatre and screen

RJ Mantra, born Puranjit Dasgupta in Indore on 21 August 1982, celebrates his 43rd birthday today. Known widely as RJ Mantra, VJ Mantra or Mantra Mugdh, he has built a career that moves seamlessly between radio, theatre, television, cinema and digital platforms, making him one of the most versatile names in Indian entertainment.

Before he found his calling behind the microphone, Mantra worked in the hospitality sector, serving as a receptionist and manager at the Taj Hotel in Indore during the late 1990s. His breakthrough came when he was discovered for his distinctive voice and presence, leading him into the world of FM radio at a time when the medium was just taking root in India. His debut came in 2000 with Radio Mirchi, marking the beginning of a journey that would soon make him a household name among urban radio listeners.

By 2003, Mantra had shifted to Delhi to join Radio City, where he hosted shows such as Route 91. His popularity grew further with Mumbai Local on Red FM 93.5, a show that earned multiple industry recognitions including Promax and RAPA awards. Years later, in 2017, he made a celebrated return to the medium with Lamhe with Mantra on 92.7 Big FM, which went on to win Best Radio Personality at the New York Festival Awards, cementing his reputation as one of the most influential voices on Indian radio.

Alongside radio, Mantra made a mark on television, hosting widely watched shows like India’s Got Talent, Comedy Circus, Zara Nachke Dikha and the Pro Kabaddi League. He also appeared as Narad Muni in Narayan Narayan on Big Magic, displaying his ability to combine humour with traditional storytelling in a way that appealed to family audiences.

Theatre remained another space where Mantra thrived. His performance in Piya Behrupiya, the Hindi adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, received acclaim on international stages, including London’s Globe Theatre. He was equally praised for his role as the Genie in Disney India’s Broadway-style production of Aladdin, a role that highlighted both his comic timing and larger-than-life stage presence.

Cinema added yet another dimension to his career. Mantra has appeared in films such as Tum Mile (2009), Game (2011), Bheja Fry 2 (2011), London, Paris, New York (2012), Rebellious Flower (2016), High Jack (2018) and Panipat (2019). In the digital space, he has been part of web series including Boygiri, Phone a Friend, Bhanwar, The Casino and High, showing his ability to adapt to changing audience platforms and storytelling styles.

Beyond performance, Mantra has also been an advocate for audio storytelling. Through his Mumbai-based creative studio, Mantramugdh Productions, he has produced several original audio series such as Bhaskar Bose on Spotify, Kaali Awaazein, Mine n Yours and Love in the Time of Corona. His work in this space has been widely regarded as pioneering in bringing audio drama back into mainstream Indian entertainment.

Over the years, Mantra’s contribution has been recognised with multiple awards, including two Promax Awards, two RAPA Awards, Golden Mike Awards, Radio & Music Awards, and the international New York Festival Award for Best Radio Personality. He has also been acknowledged by PETA with a “Hero to Animals” recognition for rescuing a parrot, reflecting his personal commitment beyond his professional life. As RJ Mantra turns 43, his journey continues to stand out for its variety and adaptability.