Ninin Kassim
A Life Full of Passion and Spark, On Camera and Beyond
With over two decades of experience in the media industry, Niiniin Kassim has witnessed and adapted to the significant shifts in the landscape of hosting and presenting. The media world has evolved dramatically, demanding hosts and presenters to be versatile, tech-savvy, and possess a strong social media presence. Authenticity and personal branding have become crucial, with the rise of streaming platforms broadening opportunities and changing content consumption patterns.
Throughout her career, Niiniin has been involved in a diverse range of engagements, from overseeing weddings to hosting prestigious award ceremonies. She tailors her hosting style to match the unique tone and audience of each event. For weddings, she focuses on warmth and personalization, while for award ceremonies, she emphasizes professionalism and high energy. Glamour and style are essential for a TV host, enhancing the visual appeal and professionalism of the presentation. A well-considered look creates a strong first impression and aligns with the show’s tone, contributing to a polished and engaging appearance. These elements not only attract and maintain viewer interest but also reinforce credibility and brand, ultimately impacting the overall success of the show.
One of the most significant milestones in Niiniin’s career was earning the title of a celebrity interviewer after conducting a major interview with Shahrukh Khan. This achievement opened doors to more exciting opportunities, such as interviewing prominent figures like Sudha Murty, Gaur Gopal Das, Geetanjali Shree, and Niharika NM. Additionally, she secured movie roles in Diamond Necklace and 1001 Nunakal (Lies), marking a significant turning point in her career.
Raised in Dubai with a Malayali background, Niiniin developed a distinctive style that set her apart as a bilingual TV presenter. Speaking English, Hindi, and Arabic on a Malayalam channel became her trend. She believes in owning one’s identity and confidently standing out uniquely in the field.
In addition to hosting, Niiniin has ventured into modeling and voice-over artistry, enhancing her versatility as a TV presenter. Modeling helps her understand how to look good on camera, while voice-over work improves her voice control and expressiveness. Together, these skills make her on-screen presence more dynamic and engaging.
Beyond the glamour and corporate life, Niiniin is a shy person who values spirituality deeply. Balancing her corporate job with media projects brings fulfillment in different ways, ensuring that her professional choices align with her personal values and beliefs.
Behind the scenes, being a TV presenter involves extensive preparation, research, and rehearsals to ensure a good show or event. A common misconception is that it’s a fun, easy, and glamorous job, but it requires quick thinking, handling unexpected situations, and working long, irregular hours.
Conducting celebrity interviews is a significant part of Niiniin’s career. She employs thorough research to ask meaningful and interesting questions, meeting and interacting with guests before the interview to create a comfortable atmosphere. Active listening and adaptability help her follow interesting tangents and uncover unique stories.
Memorable moments include asking SRK to hold her hands and promise to take her as his heroine if he ever needs a voluptuous woman, and making the usually serious Geetanjali Shree sing a song for the audience.
To aspiring TV hosts and presenters, especially in the dynamic landscape of the UAE, Niiniin advises staying current with industry trends and continually improving skills. Registering with reputable agencies, networking extensively, and maintaining strong social media engagement are essential.
Focusing on finding meaningful opportunities rather than chasing money and fame is crucial, as good work will help establish a strong reputation. As Aamir Khan says in 3 Idiots, “Don’t chase success, chase excellence in what you do; success will follow you eventually.”
