Global Indian Creatives

When was the first time you saw your story on stage?

Pravesh Kumar MBE has made it his mission to share stories from the British Asian diaspora so they are heard, as well as making audiences feel seen.

Pravesh is founder and director of Rifco Theatre Company and has spent over two decades sharing the stories of British Asians on stage through plays, comedies and musicals. Born and raised in Slough, he has been awarded an MBE for his contributions to British theatre.

In this episode, which we recorded while he was on a break in the middle of a production rehearsal, he shares his passion for storytelling and why he wanted to redefine the theatre landscape.

Imagine moving between cultures and still feeling a sense of belonging. That was the case for the award-winning actress Nina Wadia OBE who is best known for her roles in the hit sketch show Goodness Gracious Me and as Zainab Masood in EastEnders. She has won the Best Comedy Performance and Best Onscreen Partnership at the British Soap Awards.

Nina Wadia spent her childhood across continents before moving to England. She has built a diverse and successful career across theatre, television and film - from starring in the movies Bend It Like Beckham and Aladdin to appearing in stage productions including NOW That’s What I Call A Musical and dazzling audiences on Strictly Come Dancing.

Nina Wadia continues to light up every stage and screen and in this episode she shares her story with us.

What does it take to create a career from going viral online? Comedian Parle Patel has earned a loyal online following from his comedy sketches capturing his experiences as a British Asian Gujarati. 

In 2015, he was awarded ‘Best Online Channel’ at the Asian Media Awards and has extended his comedic skills and sketches to theatre stages, by acting as Mrs Kapoor in ‘Mrs Kapoor’s Daughter’s Wedding’, and launching his own show called ‘Patel’s Millions’ featuring comedy, music and dance.

In this episode, he reflects on the multi-faceted nature of identity and how his various roles and experiences shape his presence online while navigating a digital space filled with many voices and perspectives.

For former medical student Jay Sean, one single changed his life. In this episode of the Global Indian Creatives Podcast, the singer from West London reflects on his journey and reaching to success, where he is now considered as one of the most successful male UK urban artists in US chart history.

Jay Sean made history as the first British Asian artist to top the US Billboard Hot 100 with his single ‘Down’. He took the UK’s Asian music scene by storm after his song ‘Dance With You’, under the Rishi Rich Project, reached number 12 in the UK Singles Chart. He has had numerous worldwide collaborations as he has risen to international stardom.

In this week’s episode, Jay Sean opens up about his journey, the importance of paving the way for others, and the personal family moments that mean the most to him.

How does someone go from thinking acting isn’t a career option open to them, to becoming one of the most acclaimed actors in the country? In this first episode of the Global Indian Creatives Podcast , writer, actor and author, Meera Syal CBE opens up about her journey and shares her message about finding your voice in an industry. 

Meera started life in New Delhi and upon coming to Britain has delivered change to the landscape of television and film. She rose to prominence as one of the team who created the hit BBC sitcom Goodness Gracious Me and then The Kumars at No. 42. Becoming one of the UK’s best-known personalities, Meera was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to drama and literature in 2015. In 2023, she was awarded the BAFTA Fellowship for her services to the television industry. 

Welcome to the Global Indian Creatives podcast - an interview series that showcases inspiring journeys through prolific voices of creatives who have helped shape the narrative for future generations of creatives across Britain and beyond. This series is brought to you by multi award-winning presenter & journalist Anila Dhami and pianist & composer Rekesh Chauhan BEM.