Big dreamy eyes? Check. Megawatt smile? Check. Infectious personality? Check. What more can you ask for a Live N Loaded host?

By Cheryl Tan


When HYPE first interviewed Greg Uttsada Panichkul, most affectionately known as Utt, six years ago, he had this thing about him that would make any pubescent girl drool.

Now, except for a few more wrinkles and a slightly different hairstyle, the gorgeous host of Live ‘N’ Loaded still has the same effect on young women.

“Well, I have no complaints! I’m definitely welcoming it,” says Utt with a cheeky grin.

As one of MTV Asia’s most recognisable faces, the pretty boy has since ventured into acting, and setting up his own business, Seven95ive, a boutique artiste management company.

“I’ve been multi-tasking quite a bit, both behind the scenes and in front of the camera,” says the host-cum-actor-cum-businessman.

With his latest role as host of Live ‘N’ Loaded, it is very clear that the stage is where he truly belongs. Just watch him hype up a crowd and you will see why he takes to hosting like a fish to water.

“Hosting comes most naturally to me because I like meeting and interacting with people,” says Utt, who sheepishly claims that he still gets nervous in front of the camera.

Although hosting a local talent show is unlike anything he has done before, Utt feels that his presence on the show is a show of his support for the local music scene. When Live ‘N’ Loaded first premiered as a platform for showcasing local musicians, Utt was most willing to be part of it all.

“Live ‘N’ Loaded is underestimated, especially when it first came out but I think we really need to be supportive and encouraging as we see an overview of the local music scene.”

A self-professed fan of local music, the MTV VJ thinks that there is hope for the local music scene, which is commonly described as a cultural desert. He quotes bands like Electrico and The Great Spy Experiment as examples of local acts that have successfully crossed into international markets.

“We need to be supportive and not leave the local music scene dead and hanging,” he says.

That, and his down-to-earth persona is probably the reason for his staying power in the industry.

Remaining relevant in the fickle world of television for so many years has been no easy feat, especially since new faces flood the industry almost every other day.

“You have to be true to yourself and have respect for those around you,” he remarks as he reminisces fondly about all his years in showbiz.

He adds, “It is easy to fall into the industry… So you need to see that the world does not only revolve around you.”