Pritee Kathpal on WOW Awards 2024: Insights from the Event Industry's Top Host

by  Komal Parmar Entertainment | September 3, 2024 | Interview

Pritee Kathpal WOW Awards

Pritee Kathpal is a celebrated anchor and actress from Mumbai, with an impressive career spanning over a decade. She has hosted more than 2,000 corporate shows, entertainment events, and weddings across 40 countries, earning a reputation for her charismatic presence and versatility. Pritee's portfolio boasts high-profile events such as the WOW Awards, Filmfare Glamour & Style Awards, and MTV Girls Night Out, alongside her work on popular television shows like NDTV Goodtimes' Fast & the Gorgeous and Channel V's Adam vs Madam. Her dynamic energy and engaging style make her a sought-after name in the industry.

In an exclusive interview with EVENTFAQS Media, Pritee Kathpal shares insights on her journey in the entertainment industry, the evolving landscape of event hosting, and the challenges of engaging diverse global audiences. She also offers advice on staying adaptable and innovative to remain relevant in this dynamic field.

Pritee, as someone who has recently hosted the prestigious WOW Awards Asia 2024, how would you describe the experience of hosting such a significant event in the industry?

Being on stage at the most awaited event of the year was an exceptional feeling—it’s like hosting the Oscars of the event industry. This was one evening that everyone had been eagerly anticipating, especially those who had submitted nominations and were hoping to win awards.

When I stepped onto the stage, I felt alive; the energy was ecstatic, and the entire ballroom was packed with people cheering and hooting. The whole vibe was larger than life, and the stage itself was massive. This was one place where the audience wasn’t just clients or guests—they were friends, colleagues, event managers, and fellow artists. It truly felt like home!

Moreover, announcing the winners and seeing the joy on their faces while receiving their awards felt like watching my own family members come up on stage.

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You’ve had the opportunity to interact with many industry leaders and luminaries during the WOW Awards. Can you share any memorable interactions or insights that stood out to you?

The WOW Awards & Convention offers a unique opportunity to rub shoulders with the who’s who of the industry. I believe it's the perfect occasion to meet new people, network, and reconnect with those we work with throughout the year. This event allows us to catch up with industry friends and enjoy time with our own fraternity.

This gathering is a true celebration—not just for the winners, but for everyone coming together. Beyond being a networking party, it’s a special event where interesting conversations unfold about the past year, the latest trends in the business, and new ideas are exchanged while locking in upcoming shows.

Hosting events like the WOW Awards requires a lot of preparation and energy. How do you prepare for such events, and what are some of the challenges you face on the big day?

Yes, preparation is key. From the day the theme was announced, everyone was gearing up—there were discussions and lots of planning around the show flow and script. My co-host, Clince, and I were thrilled to set the stage on fire. We planned an energetic entry, brainstormed with the DJ, and chose a peppy song to make our entrance, getting the audience cheering and setting up an interactive and entertaining show.

Of course, challenges are a part of life and shows too. The catch here is that it’s a long night with plenty of awards, and everyone is waiting for the after-party. So, the goal is to keep the audience hooked and engaged throughout.

Hosting live events can come with unexpected surprises. How do you stay calm and adaptable when things don’t go as planned on stage?

Oh yes, live shows are a one-take act—unlike my days acting in TV shows where retakes were common. Here, there are no retakes, and being able to improvise is the trick of the trade.

Having been in the industry for over a decade brings a different level of showmanship. 

Experience is a priceless attribute. Moreover, my nature is very social, and I’m a people person, so interacting with the audience, making jokes, getting them to sing or do an activity is very easy for me. I truly enjoy what I do!

When things don’t go as planned, you have to be spontaneous and, without letting the audience sense that something’s amiss, just play along and go with the flow.

As a host, you play a crucial role in setting the tone and keeping the audience engaged. What strategies do you use to ensure the engagement remains high throughout the event?

Setting the tone of the evening requires some prep work. Knowing your audience is imperative. A client briefing before the event makes the job easier.

The fun part is that I’ve diligently created a list of engagement activities, motivational quotes, fun facts, shairees, etc., that I’ve collected over the years. I keep adding to it now and then. These help keep the event entertaining and come in handy whenever there’s a delay or a technical glitch.

Planning a script that’s apt for the particular audience is essential. You have to keep in mind the age group, demographics, and the brand’s values and objectives. And then, it’s all about vibing with the audience and having fun while on the job.