Muriel D’Sa holds numerous titles—radio presenter, entrepreneur, storyteller—but above all, she is a mother. In this profoundly personal and refreshingly honest discussion, the voice of Lifetalk with Muriel D’Sa on Talk 100.3 shares insights about her early mornings at 5 AM with her son Zidaan, her transition from Mumbai to the UAE airwaves, and the legacy she is creating through The Opulent Treasures.
Could you provide some insight into your profession and describe what a typical day looks like for you?
Before I identify as anything else—a radio host or a businesswoman—I am first and foremost a mother. A mother to a lively and intelligent six-year-old boy named Zidaan. This means my day starts at 5 AM, not with the serene beauty of dawn, but with drowsy negotiations, tangled sheets, and the daily struggle over the importance of school. Some mornings involve gentle persuasion, while others escalate into full-blown discussions in bed. However, after breakfast is consumed, teeth are brushed, and his uniform is (somewhat) in order, I accompany him to the bus stop and watch him wave goodbye as he ventures into his own little universe. Then, it is my turn to enter mine. I hurry back home, quickly prepare myself, and set off for the radio station. During the drive, I strategize and outline my show. It is titled Lifetalk with Muriel D’sa on Talk 100.3—broadcasting live from 11 AM to 3 PM. It is more than just a show; it is my platform for connection. We discuss real life—messy, beautiful, and chaotic life. I have always described myself as a girl without a filter. I do not pretend to have all the answers. I simply arrive, with an open heart, ready to converse and to listen. I believe that radio, in its most authentic form, is about connection. Sometimes, a voice—honest and compassionate—can soothe, uplift, and even heal. When the microphones are turned off, another aspect of my identity emerges. I also manage an online jewelry brand known as The Opulent Treasures. This venture is my homage to affordable luxury—featuring both lab-grown and natural diamonds—stemming from a fundamental question: why should beauty be accompanied by an exorbitant price? With a family background in the jewelry sector, I chose to reinterpret tradition and establish my own niche. Each piece we provide carries significance—because it is not merely jewelry; it is a narrative of elegance, heritage, and accessibility. Additionally, there are other projects. The concepts I bring to life when the world is at rest. Something new is on the horizon—something that is dear to my heart. Because storytelling, in all its manifestations, is the thread that connects us.
At the conclusion of the day, I return home to tuck Zidaan in—those last 30 minutes spent with him are precious. Following that, I attend to the chores, complete the remaining tasks, and engage in quiet reflection. Ultimately, I retire to bed. Not for rest, but to rejuvenate—for yet another full, beautiful, and demanding day. Yes, my days are lengthy. They are multifaceted, occasionally chaotic, but always significant. However, they belong to me. And I would not exchange them for anything.
Did you always realize that pursuing a career in the industry you represent was your true calling? How did you come to that decision?
I have always harbored a quiet conviction within me — that I was destined to contribute to the community. To engage with others, to utilize my voice with intention, to help someone feel a little less isolated. However, the true champions of this journey? My parents. They recognized my potential before I ever did — the spark, the empathy, the insatiable curiosity. They never sought to suppress it; rather, they fostered it. My father, in particular, had a vision — not for himself, but for me. I recall visiting him in the UAE during school vacations from Mumbai. The radio was perpetually on. It served as a constant presence in our home, and he would listen with profound respect. One day, he turned to me and said, “One day, I want to hear you on that radio.” I was unaware at the time, but that moment sowed a seed that would influence the trajectory of my life. When the moment arrived to select a direction, he gently steered me toward Media and Communications. Not out of coercion, but from a profound faith in my potential. I often say — I did not choose radio. Radio chose me. This medium discovered me, and within it, I discovered my voice. And just like that, amidst uncertainties and minor victories, between instances of fear and surges of bravery, 15 years have elapsed. This industry has tested me, molded me, dismantled me, and rebuilt me. It has revealed aspects of myself I was previously unaware of. It has taught me that narratives can heal, that connection holds immense power, and that sometimes, our parents’ aspirations for us are grounded in a reality we have yet to comprehend. But most importantly, my husband Nishit has been incredibly supportive, along with my in-laws (which, by definition, is a concern for every girl). I have been fortunate to find a family that has been my support system, especially my partner who understands my needs before I even articulate them.
Whenever I activate the microphone, I bring their voice along with me. In a sense, they continue to listen — and I am still evolving into the voice they always thought the world should hear.
What initially sparked your interest in the industry you are involved in?
My passion for storytelling originated with the enchanting world of radio — a medium that not only communicates but also forges connections. I have consistently maintained that radio possesses a unique ability to touch the soul, resonating deeply and weaving invisible threads of emotion that can transform everything in mere moments. This is the compelling force that captivated me… and it continues to captivate me.
What challenges did you need to face? Challenges?
There were numerous — yet the most difficult ones were not external, but rather internal. I struggled with self-doubt in silence, questioning my adequacy, fearing replacement, and wondering if my voice held any significance. Nothing was straightforward, and I came to understand that the true battle was not with the outside world, but with the confusion in my own mind. I had to learn to disregard the opinions of others and begin to heed my own feelings. Embracing honesty with myself and staunchly safeguarding my self-respect became pivotal moments. At times, the most significant growth occurs when you resolve to cease the conflict with your own value.
What guidance would you offer to a woman contemplating a career in the field you represent?
What insights do you wish you had possessed? If there is one sincere piece of counsel I could extend to every woman aspiring to enter the realm of radio, it would be this: never mute your voice — not for trends, not for validation, and certainly not for the facade of glamour. Radio transcends being merely a microphone and a playlist. It serves as a potent platform to inspire, to provide solace, and to effect change. The world requires voices that heal, that offer clarity amidst the turmoil, and that remind us of our shared humanity. Before addressing the world, speak kindly to yourself. Recognize your value, respect your journey, and extend to yourself the same love you generously offer to others. When you commence from that foundation, everything else will find its harmony — akin to a captivating narrative awaiting its telling.
What activities do you engage in to relax after your workday?
After a lengthy day of juggling various responsibilities, nothing is quite as fulfilling as the instant I step through the door and hear that heartfelt phrase — “Mummy, I missed you and I love you!” — immediately followed by a warm, tight hug from my son, Zidaan. At that moment, my heart finds relief. It is within his embrace that the turmoil of the day dissipates. My genuine method of unwinding does not involve a serene room or a cup of tea — rather, it is our living room transformed into a dance floor, where Zidaan and I twirl, laugh, and immerse ourselves in our own little universe. We dance as if no one is observing, chuckle until our cheeks ache, and perform silly moves that only we comprehend. This is our cherished ritual — authentic, imperfect, and brimming with joy. In those moments, I am reminded of what truly matters. No accomplishment can rival the privilege of being his person, and no form of therapy is as restorative as the sound of his laughter.
