Meet the medical doctor who now hosts Sunnyside Up on Southside FM

IN A WORLD where passions often clash, few individuals manage to blend two seemingly divergent careers. Dr Pubern Padayachee, born and raised in Chatsworth's Arena Park, is one such individual. 

A doctor, award-winning model, and now radio presenter, Padayachee is captivating listeners with his new breakfast show, Sunnyside Up, on Southside FM from Monday to Friday from 6am to 9am.

Padayachee's journey began at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine but beneath his white coat lay a young man eager for creative expression. With a background in Western music and Indian classical dance, he has always found joy in creativity, whether it be through cuisine or the performing arts.

"I was always academic and musically-inclined even throughout school," said Padayachee.

"Medicine was a first love but there was always a creative side to me that also had to be satisfied. When I was approached at a shopping mall, while with my mum to enter my first pageant, I remember her being supportive only after I promised to not let it affect my studies. It was seen as a hobby, not as a career path.

"I was fortunate to win both Mr India South Africa 2004/2005 and Mr South Africa International 2013. It launched a parallel career in modelling, presenting and acting. I did multiple theatre productions, The Chalo Cinema franchise from 2005 to 2012, and wrote and produced theater productions during my medical school years.

"I remember long days spent during school hours and between productions. It wasn’t always received well by the conservative medical field and the directors and agents back then, and I found myself working twice as hard to prove my dedication to both fraternities.

"I really had to fight to keep pursuing both fields as it was unheard of, for anyone at that time being equally passionate about both. My dedication to ensuring I didn’t let the baton drop allowed me to win them over and be recognised for doing both simultaneously. Now society is a little more welcoming and accepting and I’d like to think I played a small hand in bringing that to the present."

He said pageants for men were also considered taboo among some circles, and the stigma of intellect and beauty never being able to co-exist in the professional and entertainment realm prevailed. 

"I pushed the boundaries and proved to be the exception to the norm. I gained respect for wearing the sashes with pride, and using them as platforms into successful entertainment and philanthropic fields while still being dedicated to my patients."

Padayachee went on to present for Eastern Mosaic which, he said, allowed him access into every Indian South African home.

"And years later, I began presenting on the Expresso morning show, making me a national household name. These two experiences taught me valuable tools in the trade."

He said having won both pageants also meant doors opened for him in India and Asia.

"I relocated for some time until I returned to South Africa to resume medicine during Covid-19."  

Since he was away from the media scene for a while, the environment had become different to when he was involved.

"I’ve re-entered after a long hiatus because I was tired of sighing deeply and shaking my head every time a vapid influencer expressed an undignified thought on a public platform. I was tired of watching impressionable youth spend hours mindlessly following and mimicking the actions of a 'public figure' to the detriment of their pockets, their time and their future.

"We all think that it is not our problem or none of our business, until you start dealing with it in real life. Leaving culture unpromoted, morals unattended, and work ethics not reinforced will ultimately lead to a community that is weak. I was waiting for someone to come and save the public platforms. Someone trending and fresh to take on the fight, but when I look around, I think popularity was prioritised above talent. I had the credentials, experience and urgency, and it was my time to re-step in one way or another.

"I am excited to use this new radio cap to bring back the importance of media and entertainment in shaping people's thoughts and views and hopefully provide formidable role models."

His co-host on Sunnyside Up is Thashriya Naidoo.

"She is from a different generation to me but when you listen to our show, it's a seamless blend of current South African, Indian and international culture that’s ageless and entertaining. She is talented, wise beyond her years and is also making great sacrifices on her end to make the show relevant and successful. We thankfully gelled from day one and have an on-air chemistry that would be difficult to fake.

"We pride ourselves in having a range of music genres from golden oldies to the latest Tamil, Telugu and English songs and our content is creative while being current."

Padayachee said he prioritised giving back to the listeners.

"I grew up when Indian radio and TV stations really got involved with the community. That’s missing today and it is a pivotal gap that I'm trying to fill. There's a real sense of family and friendship that exists on Southside FM and I'm excited to become a part of their daily mornings.

"There are plans for a youth club, community events, listener challenges and games and freebies. Everything you need from the new breakfast kids on the block."

The response since joining the station, he said, was overwhelming.

"There are new listeners joining in every day, even extending as far as Johannesburg and the UK."

To add another feather to his cap, Padayachee said due to being featured on multiple culinary platforms, and having a passion for food and flavours, was writing a recipe book to document all his kitchen adventures.

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