When CJI Chandrachud moonlighted as radio jockey at All India Radio

In the last few months, moonlighting has been one of the most discussed topics across the world. While companies in India, especially in the IT sector, may have risen against moonlighting, the changing landscape of work in the post-Covid era is triggering numerous conversations surrounding side hustle among employees.

Interestingly, it is not a new phenomenon. Over the years, several prominent personalities, celebrities and public figures have opened up about their stint with moonlighting. The latest to touch upon moonlighting is Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, the 50th Chief Justice of India.

While addressing a conference, CJI Chandrachud recollected about the time of his life when he moonlighted as radio jockey at All India Radio. He spoke about the kind of shows he did when was working for the radio in his early 20s. The 63-year-old revealed that he used to do shows such as ‘Play It Cool’, ‘Date With You’ and ‘Sunday Requests’.

His comments triggered a huge round of applause at the event. A short clip of his interaction, later shared by Bar & Bench on Twitter, went viral.
“Not many are aware of this, but I moonlighted as a radio jockey in my early 20s in All India Radio doing programmes like ‘Play It Cool’, ‘Date With You’ or ‘Sunday Requests’. My love for music persists only, even today,” he said while addressing the gathering.

The interaction also led people to see an unseen aspect of the CJI’s life - his immense love for music. In the same clip, the CJI can be heard saying how he has been taking out time from his busy schedule to enjoy music every day.

“So, after I am done with the music of the lawyers, which is not always music to the ears, I go back and listen to music which is music to the ears every day of my life,” the CJI was heard saying at the event,” he told a room full of people who cheered and applauded.

Moonlighting essentially refers to a side job in addition to one’s primary job. Moonlighting often means employees are taking up side jobs in utmost secrecy. Earlier this year, food delivery brand Swiggy introduced a ‘moonlighting’ policy that triggered a spate of conversations across the spectrum. It has led to a polarised debate among employees and employers.