Celebrating 100 Episodes of Chai with Rai with a very special episode co-hosted with Two Chickpeas in a Podcast, Zoha Rahman and featuring special guests Jay Jay Revlon, Sanjay Lago and Meghna Bhalla.
Now this is part 1 of part 2 so keep an eye out for Part 2!
And as we celebrate 100 episodes- HERE is the link for the Giveaways!
HERE is the link to the Instagram unfiltered LIVE!
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/twochickpeasinapodcast/ , https://www.instagram.com/zoharahman_/ , https://www.instagram.com/jayjayrevlon/ , https://www.instagram.com/sanjaylago/ & https://www.instagram.com/meghnabhalla/
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://linktr.ee/twochickpeasinapodcast , https://app.spotlight.com/5018-7863-0759 , https://www.justjayjay.com/ , https://www.sanjaylago.co.uk/ & https://www.meghnabhalla.com/
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
This is the last story from our storytelling series Symphonies of beaded threads. I have loved working on this project, bringing you something more than just an interview or a chat on the podcast and also just flexing that producing/ directing skill in the audio world. I have also appreciated your messages, you sharing each episode, tagging chai with rai and the artists involved. Now If you haven’t done so make sure to check out the previous 7 stories- comment, share and subscribe.
P.s this is also the 99th episode of Chai with Rai and I am going to be celebrating the 100th episode on IG LIVe on 28th Dec,23 7PM UK TIME co-hosted by some special guests. Make sure to check that out and you can also send through a question you would like myself or the guests to answer.
But without further adieu, lets warm up that delicious cuppa and let’s dive into today’s story titled "Chemo in the Summer" written and voiced by Gayathiri Kamalakanthan.
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The Transcript of the piece can be found HERE.
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If you would like to Donate to this project and a live event which I will be holding soon for the public in a very well known space in Central London CLICK HERE.
About Gayathiri:
Gayathiri is a Tamil poet and sex education facilitator. They’re interested in how language shapes childhood and how we use it to queer the future. Gayathiri won the Faber & Andlyn Publisher’s Prize 2022, the Primadonna Fiction Prize 2021 and they were shortlisted for the Bridport Poetry Prize 2022. Gayathiri runs the poetry workshop series WORD-BENDERS at The Common Press bookshop in East London. Gayathiri is currently a member of the Southbank New Poets Collective. Their debut novel in verse is forthcoming with Faber.
To subscribe to Patreon (listen to the audio version of without ads or intro/outro ) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/unembarrassable/
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://linktr.ee/gayathirikamalakanthan
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Continuing on with the series Symphonies of Beaded Threads and releasing an episode daily. This is the seventh episode/ story titled "Professional Daydreamer" written and voiced by Afriya-Jasmine Nylander.
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The Transcript of the piece can be found HERE.
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If you would like to Donate to this project and a live event which I will be holding soon for the public in a very well known space in Central London CLICK HERE.
About Afriya:
Afriya Nylander is a west London based actor, writer and creative facilitator. She studied at the Brit School and was apart of the Bridge Company. She has work with theatre such as Old Vic, Kiln Theatre and NYT. She has worked on productions such as Rise at the Kiln, NYT silent Statues and been a part of the NSDF festival. This year she had her professional debut in Charlie Josephine play “Flies”.
To subscribe to Patreon (listen to the audio version of without ads or intro/outro ) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/afriya.j/
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Today's melodic story from the series Symphonies of Beaded Threads is by Riana Howarth and is called "She'd Sit".
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The Transcript of the piece can be found HERE.
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If you would like to Donate to this project and a live event which I will be holding soon for the public in a very well known space in Central London CLICK HERE.
About Riana:
Riana is an aspiring writer and illustrator with a curiosity for all/most things weird and wonderful. With a background in acting and experience in assisting in youth theatre classes at the Questors Theatre, she uses this knowledge to inspire her creative writing. Between writing theatre reviews for North West End UK, she is trying to develop a consistent writing practice, exploring various themes, topics and styles. She is currently part of the Fresh Direction Program at The Young Vic Theatre (2022/2023).
To subscribe to Patreon (listen to the audio version of without ads or intro/outro ) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/art.riiii/ & https://creatorsprogram.youngvic.org/member/10091
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
We are in the second half of the storytelling series Symphonies of Beaded Threads and today's story is called "Take My Picture" by Soria Hamidi and voiced by Leila McQuaid .
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The Transcript of the piece can be found HERE.
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If you would like to Donate to this project and a live event which I will be holding soon for the public in a very well known space in Central London CLICK HERE.
About Soria:
Soria Hamidi is an Afghan playwright, prose fiction writer and dramaturg. Her work focuses on silenced histories, communities and people by exploring the stories through a class-based, racial and feminist perspective.
She has completed the Kiln Theatre’s Listen Local Writers Programme where she developed and staged her short play on Afghan feminism. She has been selected for the London Library’s Emerging Writers Programme to research and write a play on the commercialisation of war and trauma. She completed the Writerz and Scribez and the Vineyard Theatre Literary Programme.
To subscribe to Patreon (listen to the audio version of without ads or intro/outro ) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/soriahh/ & https://twitter.com/leilamcquaid
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Halfway there and today’s story from the series Symphonies of Beaded of Threads is titled "38%" by Ra’eesah.
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The Transcript of the piece can be found HERE.
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If you would like to Donate to this project and a live event which I will be holding soon for the public in a very well known space in Central London CLICK HERE.
About Ra'eesah:
Ra’eesah is a multifaceted creative using the mediums of theatre, film, music and spoken word to tell stories, bring people together and effect positive change. She has performed on stage as an actor and singer at the Bush Theatre as well as with The Old Vic/Neon Arts.
She has produced projects such as The Self-Expression Sessions, a series of spoken word poetry workshops open to people of all ages and abilities, to increase accessibility to the arts and build community through creativity and culture.
Further projects Ra’eesah has produced on include Licence to DV8 at the Royal Albert Hall and arts festivals at Almeida Theatre and London Bubble, focusing on outreach. She is a trustee of the Roundhouse and WEST Youth Zone and has contributed to several other organisations including Old Vic Theatre and A New Direction through youth advisory.
To subscribe to Patreon (listen to the audio version of without ads or intro/outro ) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/ra.eesahh/ , https://twitter.com/Ra_eesahh & https://app.spotlight.com/3812-7862-7993
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Happy Third Day!
Today's story from the series Symphonies of Beaded Threads is by Bethany Gemmell and is called "Catherine". Fun fact: it actually features Bethany's mum Catherine.
- The Transcript of the piece can be found HERE.
- If you would like to Donate to this project and a live event which I will be holding soon for the public in a very well known space in Central London CLICK HERE.
About Bethany:
Bethany Henry Gemmell LLM (he/him) is a Northern non-binary artist in London, working as Production Coordinator for a multi-award-winning company. In 2022, he quit working as a teacher and dove into theatre and television full-time. Career highlights so far include: producing, directing and writing for Neurospace Theatre's showcase presenting autistic work at Barons Court in February 2022; stage-managing for Black British Theatre-nominated Saturn Returns at Brixton House/Southbank Centre/Northern School of Contemporary Dance; and being assistant director for the LGBT+ play Welcome Home at Soho Theatre in January 2023. His biggest creative passion is writing. Currently, he is a part of Young Vic's selective Creators Program and he has a television show in development that is based on his play M. E. Trout, which is about an autistic woman dealing with grief and broken relationships. When he is not working, he is building a trans theatre company (Twitter: @transgrtheatre) and reading about sociopolitical issues, so much so that he has recently graduated with a Masters in Human Rights Law - as such, he gets quite nerdy about that sort of thing. His staged short play Wolf (2023), which was his first ever submission to Theatre503's Rapid Write Response scheme, is the latest achievement in Bethany's emerging writing career.
To subscribe to Patreon (listen to the audio version of without ads or intro/outro ) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/hgemmellian/ & https://twitter.com/hengemmell
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://creatorsprogram.youngvic.org/member/11946
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Continuing on with the series Symphonies of Beaded Threads and releasing an episode daily. This is the second episode titled "An Epic: as told by my grandma’s photo album" written and performed by Yasmine Dankwah.
About Yasmine:
Yasmine Dankwah is a British-Ghanaian spoken word artist and writer based in South London. She is interested in exploring how resistance in the form of identity-based discrimination can act as a springboard for joy in live performance by using music, spoken word poetry and lyricism. She is currently an artist on Boundless Theatre’s Accelerator programme and is working with Chronic Insanity Theatre to develop new writing for theatre. She is an alumnus of the Soho Writers’ Lab 2021/2, VAULT New Writers Programme in 2020, a Roundhouse Poetry Slam Finalist '22 and was a recent recipient of the Francis Chagrin Award this year.
- The Transcript of the piece can be found HERE.
- If you would like to Donate to this project and a live event which I will be holding soon for the public in a very well known space in Central London CLICK HERE.
To subscribe to Patreon (listen to the audio version of without ads or intro/outro ) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/yasminedankwah/ & https://twitter.com/yasmined77?lang=en
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Today's episode marks the launch of a NEW series I am doing on Chai with Rai called Symphonies of Beaded Threads.
This 8 episode short audio series, which I will dropping daily for the next 8 days ! Takes shape in different formats from poetry to spoken word to theatrical pieces, monologues and more by 8 different writers/ creatives. I will also be releasing interviews with each writer of the pieces soon so keep an eye out for that.
However! Without further Adieu let's dive into the first story called "Brainfreeze" by Carmina Bernhardt.
- The Transcript of the piece can be found HERE.
- If you would like to Donate to this project and a live event which I will be holding soon for the public in a very well known space in Central London CLICK HERE.
To subscribe to Patreon (listen to the audio version of without ads or intro/outro ) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/carminabernhardt/ & https://twitter.com/dasbernhardt?lang=en
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6486835/ & https://app.spotlight.com/9179-0197-9303
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
The title says it all- I'm just saying 👀☕️.
Part 2 with Facilitator, Choreographer, Speaker, Cabaret Artist and Founder of Bollyqueer (Bollywood dance space celebrating the LGBTQ+ community) Vinay Jobanputra.
From discussing Queerness- in specific within the South Asian Community to art influencing life to milky tea and more.
In the episode we talk about:
- Dance Journey- Thoughts on the South Asian dance scene in the UK? How did they get involved ? Bollywood dancing at large?
- Queerness, Identity & Sexuality- Biggest Hurdles and joy? Dating? Identity- where or when were those big conversations for you and what did you learn from having them ?
- South Asian Culture- The most difficult and joyful things about Queerness within those spaces?
- 3 tips on monetising and starting a queer business?
- Words to your mirror self?
- 3 things the LGBTQ scene could do with or without?
- A thing South asians or the culture could do with or without ?
- A great thing about being brown and queer and a challenging thing about it?
- A thing you would like someone to take away with them having met you for a brief second or known you for a long time?
- Your Favourite thing about yourself either as a creative or person and something you feel is a challenge and are working on?
- A thing you would like to impart somebody but you never got told?
- 3 artists in dance you really admire their journey or would suggest in checking out their work ?
To subscribe to Patreon (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/vinayjobanputraa/ , https://www.instagram.com/bollyqueer/ & https://www.tiktok.com/@gayavaneesh_?lang=en
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: http://www.bollyqueer.com/about & https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001k4mw
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
This had to be a 2-parter because we couldn't stop the gup shup. So, grab a cuppa as we discuss things such as; gender identity, social norms around sexuality, Bollywood and how it's impacted the South Asian experience, Bollywood Dance (in specific UK) and it's constructs on gender/ sexuality, how choreography can be challenged with stereotyping, their BBC documentary and so much more!
Joined in the chai room by Facilitator, Choreographer, Speaker, Cabaret Artist and Founder of Bollyqueer (Bollywood dance space celebrating the LGBTQ+ community) Vinay Jobanputra.
In the episode we talk about:
- Documentary- Bend it Like Bollywood. How was the experience? How did it come about? How has it been after- been a while now. Things that didn’t make the cut and what would ya want to add if you did a part 2 today?
- Bollyqueer- First class to now ( what has changed the most), What would you like for people to understand about Bollyqueer? Biggest Challenge and joy about it you have come across? What have you learn about yourself through all of this? What would you like to happen in the future?
To subscribe to Patreon (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/vinayjobanputraa/ , https://www.instagram.com/bollyqueer/ & https://www.tiktok.com/@gayavaneesh_?lang=en
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: http://www.bollyqueer.com/about & https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001k4mw
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Firstly, I am so flabbergasted to have Elias Jahshan on here. I remember reading his articles in Gaytimes and then his book This Arab is Queer . Then for him to say YES to coming on the podcast and discuss journalism, today's climate around politics, sensitivity, identity and then querrness, the book and so much more.
I am as the video goes "VOW"!
So ermmm thank you Elias!
In the episode we talk about:
- His relationship with his husband- who said I Love you first? How did they meet? Who is the better cook? Who is the better singer? Their wedding day?
- How he got into Journalism?
- Tips for upcoming journalists.
- How do you balance the stories you are writing about that might spark on a conscious or unconscious bias?
- How did the pitch happen for This Arab is Queer? Did you know the distributers? Did you just write a couple of emails with the idea and some of the names? Technical process?
- Since the book has come out and through the process, what conversations perhaps sparked your own journey or outlook on identity, religion and sexuality ?
- Is being Queer political / activism ? And should people of LGBTQ + community educate ourselves on the politics surrounding our being?
- Pinkwashing.
- How do we celebrate Queerness?
Notes:
The Journalists mentioned in the podcast are:
Bison Owda , Plestia alAqad , Motaz Azaiza & Mohammed el Kurd
To subscribe to Patreon (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/elias_jahshan/?hl=en-gb , https://twitter.com/Elias_Jahshan & https://www.tiktok.com/@eliasjahshan2
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://saqibooks.com/books/saqi/this-arab-is-queer/
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
From discussing negotiating skills with a zombie during a zombiepocalypse to creating a South Asian Theatre company in the UK to Fringe culture. A banterful episode with the cast and crew of Nalini Theatre's show Woman. Life. Freedom.
A Massive thank you to Alicia Fernandes, Dhanush Giridhar, Bushra Baig, Adi Roy Bhattacharya and T’arah Inam-McDermott.
In the episode we talk about:
- The need to launch a theatre company that is South Asian Led.
- Woman. Life. Freedon- The process of getting involved in it, a challenge/ joy about it and if you did the show today, what would you bring to it today?
- Why that specific story and why now?
- Sensitivity around political/ social charged work.
- The boxing of South Asian creatives and work.
To subscribe to Patreon (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/nalinitheatreco/ , https://www.instagram.com/adi.one/ , https://www.instagram.com/aliciafernandes_actor/ , https://www.instagram.com/bushra_baig_/ , https://www.instagram.com/dhan_vg/ & https://www.instagram.com/tarahimc/
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
From Love to finding yourself and your alignment to comedy and writing. This episode is jam packed with writer/ poet Aamir Hassan and Cabaret/ Drag Artist Amir Dean (Lady Bushra). Was so lovely to welcome them into the chai room and talking about their podcast "You Don't Love Me Boys" and certain things like what they have learn about themselves through finding love and each other and how that has transferred into their being/ work.
In the episode we talk about:
- Inclination of becoming public personas and the boundaries of how much to share?
- Joyfulness, comfort in self, this passion for thriving and being your best comes from?
- Lessons learnt from being in love/ most challenging moments and how they have transferred into your worlds of creativity.
- Cabaret/ Drag style for Lady Bushra- where that comes from? What is something you haven't explored but would like to?
- Writing- Works in the future.
- 3 things the LGBTQ scene could do with or without.
- 3 things the South Asian community could do with or without.
- Your Favourite thing about yourself either as a creative or person and something you feel is a challenge and are working on.
- A thing you would like someone to take away with them having met you for a brief second or known you for a long time.
- Words to your mirror self.
Notes:
Books mentioned in this podcast are Aamir's new book " Can I escape my Mind" and "Toxic Parents, Overcoming their hurtful legacy and reclaiming your life by Dr. Susan Forward"
To subscribe to Patreon (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/youdontlovemeboys/ , https://www.instagram.com/___shehzada_aamir_/ & https://www.instagram.com/lady.bushra/
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://linktr.ee/ladybushra & https://linktr.ee/shehzada_aamir_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Sat down with the cast and creatives of Asian Girls in Therapy to talk all things playwriting, food and how trauma bonding can lead to creative juices flowing.
Thank you to Gurjot Dhaliwal, Megan Soho and Racks Nieto.
In the episode we talk about:
- Process of playwriting for fringe.
- Marketing, Culture and fundraising surrounding fringe.
- How sensitivity or care was handled in the room and in the playwriting process when discussing topics such as "Therapy".
- Dramaturgy support.
- Diving into characters and the world of the play.
- Tips on self-taping and diving into the world of a project.
- 3 things the industry could do with or without.
- A thing that you have experienced that is a pro and con from leaving Drama School or being in it.
- Strength and challenge as a creative.
- The future of Asian Girls in Therapy.
To subscribe to Patreon (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/megxxsoh/ , https://www.instagram.com/racksnb/ & https://www.instagram.com/_gurjottt/
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://www.thehopetheatre.com/productions/asian-girls-in-theray/ & https://www.gofundme.com/f/asian-girls-in-therapy-play?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer&utm_term=undefined
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
I have looked at Dhruv's profile at least a hundred times and have gotten so much inspiration about not only embracing and diving into fashion but also how to live my life more authentically.
Super excited for you all to listen to this episode as we talk ethics on tech, identity through saree's and what would one do if you were stuck in a Rickshaw with Rekha and Pretty Zinta?
A massive thank you to the talent that is Dhruv Dhody.
In the episode we talk about:
- Dhruv's feature in the Offbeat Sari Exhibition at The Design Museum in London.
- Their growth and understanding of identity and sexuality- how that came to be and where they are with it today?
- Their upbringing and how that led to a path in the tech world as a Principal Engineer at Huawei.
- Ethics and the future of Tech.
- Expression and voice as an artist through fashion and how does that define you?
- Finding your path.
- Social Media- the balance of it with their work. Their tagline " I don't mind straight people as long as they act gay" where that came from? And will they change it for the future.
P.S the film mention in this podcast is: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15416106/
To subscribe to Patreon (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/curryngin/
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://dhruvdhody.com/
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
The artwork alone of this episode should be sellable is all I am saying.
I had such a wonderful time carrying on my chat with Muz & Alia Founders of Asianpurrsuasion, members of The Iconic Royal House of Milan and Welsh Ballroom Community. We get into it from dating to dipping.
p.s- we did have a dance section to the games which I will edit and release soon on YouTube so keep an eye out for that.
In the episode we talk about:
- Queer Trauma it shaping the outlook we have.
- Being connected to culture and heritage.
- Relationship to identity and sexuality.
- Pivotal points in life that shaped our future.
- Sexuality and Relationships.
- Gender Politics.
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/suprememilandarling/ , https://www.instagram.com/alia_aila_milan/ , https://www.instagram.com/houseofmilanuk/ , https://www.instagram.com/welshballroomcommunity/ & https://www.instagram.com/asianpurrrrrsuasion/
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Back with Banter, Chai and Deep Chats.
Kicking off the new batch of episodes I sat down with The dynamic Duo: Muz & Alia Founders of Asianpurrsuasion, members of The Iconic Royal House of Milan and Welsh Ballroom Community.
This is part 1 and part 2 will be out next week.
In the episode we discuss:
- Hair and Hair Tips.
- How did Muz & Alia find their path to Ballroom?
- The highs and lows of personal lived experience in Ballroom and how to reflect on that.
- Finding yourself through the world of Ballroom.
- Viability as Artists.
- Growth as individuals and as creative artists.
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/suprememilandarling/ , https://www.instagram.com/alia_aila_milan/ , https://www.instagram.com/houseofmilanuk/ , https://www.instagram.com/welshballroomcommunity/ & https://www.instagram.com/asianpurrrrrsuasion/
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Through several hair and beard styles, 80 plus episodes, close to 100 guests, a digital South Asian Arts Archive, Collaborations, Series, A residency at WeWork, self produced and self funded ! Chai with Rai is my baby...My business I have built over the last 3 years and I am so grateful for all the guests and this community. Thank you for it all and to 3 years, a sip to you all and to more that is to come :).
Highlight Reel: https://youtu.be/OF401vzTM0Q
South Asian Archive: https://www.raimuitfum.com/its-about-chai-time
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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5 or 5 from the Creative Series.
Have really enjoyed making this series and reflecting on the mindset and culture of being a creative.
I hope you enjoy this week's episode as I share my reflections on practicing Joy and Gratitude as a Creative and ask how you practice it? What your relationship with it is?
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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4 or 5 from the Creative Series. Again really enjoying these short episodes and this specific series.
This week diving into the topic "Core of being a Creative". I will say this is a personal one, where there is no snippet but rather just pure reflection of my experiences and thoughts recently.
So, enjoy it with your cuppa and let me know what you thought of it in the comments.
p.s next week we discuss the joy and gratification as creatives!
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Continuing with the shorter episodes and making this "Creative Series".
This specific snippet and episode is touching on my conversation with actor and coach Daniel O’Meara. In which we discuss doing the work as a creative and though Daniel talks about it from an acting and coaching perspective- I really think if you break or direct his message and put it into your own practice you’ll be able to relate to somethings.
I often go back to this specific episode with Daniel because he really talks about the EGO and vanity we have as artists at point, to what drove us into the industry or him and how his values and life shifted when he created a business that was of service to others.
In the episode what really stands out to me is this moment where he talks about and paraphrasing this- how we can fall off the bandwagon and you doubt a lot of things- which p.s I will do a self reflection episode soon about - going back to the core of you. But what always gets me through this- is Daniel saying Do the work. And that is what I go back to. Doing the work on self and my practice.
You can listen/watch the full episode HERE.
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://instagram.com/actorscrib & https://www.instagram.com/daniel_omeara_/
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://www.actorscrib.co.uk
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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As we take a break from our full length episode I wanted to bring some snippets from previous episodes I enjoy.
And also this is becoming a bit of "Creative" tagged series hmmm. Maybe next week I will do a third part "as a creative Series"
This specific snippet is from my conversation with filmmaker and actor Dr.Parvinder Shergill diving into the mindset of being a creative. Especially if you are someone who like me creates work, beyond their role as a performer and in the process questions, how do we deal with the mindset of rejection, collaboration, our ego/vanity, this metric of success and perfection we have set. Comparison to our peers, privilege and our creative voice.
You can listen to the full episode HERE.
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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As we take a break from our full length episode, I wanted to bring some snippets from previous episodes on the mentality around success as a creative.
What our versions of success should be, look and feel like?
I have been really questioning what success means recently; what is the viability of being a creative? How do we navigate our mindsets during the times where we are super busy and feel wanted but then also what to work with when we are not auditioning as much or producing work?
I also have been navigating thoughts around this digital space we live in and how to use social media as an effective tool to spread the message of this podcast, my work and even who I am as an artist so I get more work for myself and my community.
Listed below are the full episodes for each snippets in order:
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Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Sitting down with 3 brilliant writers Ruth D'Silva, Ruby Kitching and Jaswinder Blackwell-Pal to dive into Theatre form writing, how to write nuanced stories and the scope of South Asian Theatre.
In the episode we talk about:
- The recent passing of Tara Theatre's Artistic Director Abdul Shayek and discuss how his impact on the theatre world at large but also our personal experiences with him.
- Țara Theatre and its impact.
- How to write smarter and nuanced stories.
- As writers how do we set the bar for our storytelling- does everyone involved in the project need to have elements of the world we have created or simply be good at their job to tell the story?
- How do you balance the unconscious conscious biases when working and safeguard yourself and should you safeguard?
- What makes or is good theatre for you?
- What interest you the moment you watch something?
- Should form matter when writing?
- What interests you In writing and how do you go on about creating the world, the full script and then to pitch to production.
- The viability of being a creative.
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. To support Brown Girls Noise.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://twitter.com/RuthDSilva2 , https://twitter.com/rubykitching & https://twitter.com/JasiBP
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Welcoming into the Chai room the cast & Team of the Sold out show Brown Girls Noise.
Joined by Neetu Singh, Kaya Uppal, Kerena Jagpal, Misha Domadia and Amber Zarya.
In the episode we talk about:
- Fringe Culture.
- Being Sold out and the pro’s con’s of that.
- Being conscious as a South Asian Creative and having a conversation about doing South Asian work or doing just work you want to do as an artist.
- Approaching the world of the story as a director, writer and actor- What tools and tricks you use when being in that world.
- When writing a story how much do you research on topics vs going on gut or where the text is leading you?
- How as actors or storytellers we sometimes unconsciously or consciously will gatekeeper ourselves from letting us go on the journey the role we are playing on might require.
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. To support Brown Girls Noise.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/brown_girlnoise/
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://www.thehopetheatre.com/productions/brown-girl-noise/ & https://www.gofundme.com/f/get-brown-girl-noise-to-camden-fringe
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Part 2 with Natasha Beghi & Nikkita Beghi from Two Chickpeas in a Podcast.
In the episode we talk about:
- Insecurities and finding resolutions through mindset and actions
- The business behind creating a podcast in specific Two Chickpeas in a podcast
- Growth in self through the podcast- A perception that has been challenged and changed or something that was proven right and now has remained.
- Playing a Rapid round of Games "Sippa Chai or Play with Rai"
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/twochickpeasinapodcast/ , https://www.instagram.com/nikkitab/ & https://www.instagram.com/natashabeghi/
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://linktr.ee/twochickpeasinapodcast
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Alright, So.... This was not meant to be a 2 parted episode but it is NOW!
So sip up and let's dive into Part 1 of talking about all things from Spy Kids to Periods to being HANGRY!
Sitting down in the Chai room with Natasha Beghi & Nikkita Beghi from Two Chickpeas in a Podcast.
In the episode we talk about:
- Nikkita's experience in Facilitation and working with Domestic Violence People and what lessons she has learnt about safeguarding. sensitivity and creating a safe space that has poured over into the podcast when interviewing people or storytelling.
- Similar to that- Natasha's experience in Media and Broadcasting and what skillsets have poured into the podcast and their storytelling/ interviewing.
- Personal Growth and having a kinder relationship and what lessons time has taught us.
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/twochickpeasinapodcast/ , https://www.instagram.com/nikkitab/ & https://www.instagram.com/natashabeghi/
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://linktr.ee/twochickpeasinapodcast
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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PAR 2 KIDS :)!!!
Continuing the cuppa filled chat with Actor and Writer Subika Anwar-Khan.
In the episode we talk about:
- Wanting to work on Shakespeare text,.
- Scale/ Scope of work we want as actors.
- The Mindset and dedication to the craft required as an artist.
- What success means as an actor and where the drive of it comes from?
- What does success feel and look like to you overall?
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/subika_anwar_khan/ & https://twitter.com/SubikaAnwar
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://subikaanwarkhan.com/
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
This week welcoming to the chai room actor and writer Subika Anwar-Khan. And we GET INTO IT !!!! Slurp Slurp kids.
Also, this is part 1 of a 2 parted chat so keep an eye for part 2 Incoming.
In the episode we talk about:
- Fashion in the UK growing up in the naughties and early 200’s
- Beauty products and their effect on us
- Standards of Beauty growing up in South Asian households
- Fitness and health from a south Asian lens and being body goal driven such as six packs and toned bodies
- Beauty perceptions and the new Barbie Movie
- The work Salma Hayek and Jennifer Lopez are doing in terms of acting and producing as women of colour and older
- Unrealistic expectations of romance
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/subika_anwar_khan/ & https://twitter.com/SubikaAnwar
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://subikaanwarkhan.com/
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Part 2 of my chat with actress Zoha Rahman.
In the episode we talk about:
- Intrigued to know your perspective on the pro’s and con\s of a conversation which you and I have had and the action of it that is taking place from- more representation of storylines out there for South Asian people of all walks of life to more faces being scene but then also there is still a pushed narrative about Islamaphobia or exorcising of being South Asian or lets say disabilities or sexuality or gender. To the question about authenticity or representation of playing role such as the film Polite society how the two leads are not muslim but playing muslim roles. To us fighting for roles and wanting to play those roles but then also not being limited to that and finally the support within the community and this game of networking/support we showcase.
- Vast amount of projects you have done and if either your outlook on the industry has changed from when you entered it or your measure for success has?
- A role you have done you would no longer like to touch again and something you haven’t done you would like to do?
- A role you cherished to date and if gone back to it today, what you would add more to it or change?
- A tip on self-taping or auditioning in person
- A tip on how to handle the audition room
- A tip on working on character- so that is whether you have had slides for a first initial self tape or booked for the job and are now on set
- Streotyping and the boxing of the industry. How to deal with that and the politics
- One note on survivability/ viability as a freelancer in the arts and an investment financial too/ advice to give someone
- Is it imperative to learn the business of the industry? Networking tools, names of Casting Directors, Filmmakers, Research on the industry and etc.
- Remove everything- 3 pillars of conviction for your path (Spirituality, Grit and Support)
- Peak and Valleys and what lessons you learnt from them.
- Words to your mirror self.
- A thing you would like to impart somebody but you never got told.
- Favourite part of the job.
- One thing you would like for people to take with them either having worked with you or just met you for brief second.
- Strength as an actor and something you feel like is a challenge you are working on.
- Thoughts on digital space structure and its role in the artists life. Pro’s and con’s of it and any tips on how to use it to benefit/ safeguard yourself.
- 3 things the industry could do with and without.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/zoharahman_/?hl=en-gb & https://www.tiktok.com/@zoharahman_
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10522693/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_7_q_zoha%2520rahman
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Part 1 kids! of part 2.
Talking boundaries, pooing infront of your partner and having a healthy outlook on your craft as an actor.
Such a joyful and juicy chat with actor Zoha Rahman.
In the episode we talk about:
- Vast amount of projects Zoha has done and if their outlook on the industry has changed from when you entered it or measure for success has?
- Relationship and boundaries,
- How to balance and have a healthy mindset with acting.
- What fuels their desire to continue as an artist and what was it at an early age.
- Filling your empty phases with projects and how to have a healthy outlook on that.
- Certain boundaries for work, relationships and how to navigate cultural conversations around arts.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/zoharahman_/?hl=en-gb & https://www.tiktok.com/@zoharahman_
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10522693/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_7_q_zoha%2520rahman
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
It's back and its GARAAAAM (Hot)!!!
Also Announcement! Chai with Rai is officially on Patreon :) Slurp slurp kids
Celebrating all things Theatre, Film, Series, Books and Podcast. This was genuinely so much fun to curate and really think about things such as- what is something fun, serious, period, conversation starter, catered to the artist or anybody.
I hope you enjoy and do let me know which one was your favourite and what I should experience too.
The Projects in the episode are as Follows:
Films:
- Legend of Maula Jutt by Bilal Lasharu
- Spotlight by Josh Singer & Tom McCarthy
- Pride by Stephen Beresford
- Triangle of Sadness by Ruben Östlund
- Sitara: Let Girls Dream by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
Theatre:
- Reasons you shouldn't love me by Amy Trigg
- Accidental death of an Anarchist by Dario Fo
- Tammy Faye- A New Musical by James Graham
Podcasts:
- FOC it up! Comedy Club by Keemah Bob
- Shut Up Evan by Evan Ross Katz
- Creative Sauce by Andi Osho
Books:
- My sister the serial killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
- How to stop time by Matt Haig
- The Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez
- The Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Series:
- The Morning Show by Jay Carson and Kerry Ehrin
- The goes wrong show by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Links: Myself: https://www.patreon.com/ChaiwithRai & https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum & https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithrai
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
From talking about Star Wars to discussing ableism and gender identity to talking about their show on Netflix Obsession and the business of career trajectories. Thank you to actor Sonera Angel for joining me in the Chai room for a banterful chat with some deep meaningful points of discussions... let's say.
In the episode we talk about:
- Experience of working on big budgets vs shorts and your approach as an actor when it comes to prepping- how you get into the world of for screen vs theatre.
- The mental mindset of being on set.
- Authenticity vs Representation of storytelling.
- Sonera's Artwork .
- Discussing being Non-Binary and queerness through the lens of self-journey but also the industry.
- Ambulatory Wheelchair user: their diagnosis, self-care and demystifying notions surrounding ablism.
- Thoughts on if you are having business strategy conversations with PR and Agent on boosting profile for work? Or discussing to push conversation about representation through self about Gender identity and ablism.
- Thoughts on digital space/ it's structure and its role in the artists life today. Pro’s and con’s of it and any tips on how to use it to benefit/ safeguard yourself.
- 3 things the industry could do with and or without.
- Your measure for success.
- One thing you would like for people to take with them from either having worked with you or been around you.
- Favourite part of the job.
- A thing you would like to impart somebody but you never got told.
- Tips on picking a good monologue for audition.
- Tips on handing the audition room.
- Thoughts on- Is it imperative to learn the business of the industry? Networking tools, names of Casting Directors, Filmmakers, Research on the industry and etc.
- One note on survivability/ viability as a freelancer in the arts and an investment financial too/ advice to give someone
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/soneraangel/?hl=en
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://linktr.ee/soneraangel
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
This has to be one of the most packed chat in the shortest time. From getting straight into discussing Authenticity vs representation of a story to discussing the "Hustle Culture" artists constantly are fed.
Welcoming into the Chai room Maker, Director, Actor and an overall Multidisciplinary artist Victoria Chen. This is a sipful and some more.
In the episode we talk about:
- What drives you emotionally when creating work and how do you balance Theatre making and directing work for yourself vs others?
- Discussing the following: Bhumi Collective, Bahri &Co and work with Wild Rice Productions.
- Authenticity vs Representation within a project.
- Dysmorhpia: a personal piece about body dysmorphic disorder- What to explore not to and what were your reflections on the final product.
- Thoughts on digital space structure and its role in the artists life. Pro’s and con’s of it and any tips on how to use it to benefit/ safeguard yourself.
- 3 things the industry could do with and without
- Your strength as a theatre maker and something you feel like is a challenge you are working on.
- Your measure for success
- One thing you would like for people to take with them after having met or worked with you.
- A thing you would like to impart somebody but you never got told.
- Favourite part of the job
- A tip on picking a good monologue for auditions or on auditioning.
- A tip on how to pitch your projects.
- Thoughts on: Is it imperative to learn the business of the industry? Networking tools, names of Casting Directors, Filmmakers, Research on the industry and etc.
- One note on survivability/ viability as a freelancer in the arts and an investment financial too/ advice to give someone.
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/vhickles/ & https://twitter.com/vhickles
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://vhickles.wixsite.com/home
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
The business of Comedy is no joke - No pun intended. It was so insightful to dive into a 10 + year career in writing and comedy with the one and only Bas Rahman.
In the episode we talk about:
- Style and voice as a writer and comic. How has it evolved over the years and your memory of the first gig to the last. Did you always know this was going to be styling of your voice as a creative?
- Billing of comedy. The tier system, business of.
- Drive for comedy now vs at the beginning of your career
- Discussing ERA 50:50 (Equal Representation for Actresses) is a movement of actresses in the UK set up in 2015 by actresses Lizzie Berrington and Polly Kemp.
- How long you circuit a “comedy bit” for before you move on from it or bank it? And what constitutes as good?
- Thoughts on Comedians recycling bits.
- Boxing as an artist. Challenge and a joy.
- Separation of comedy. Scripted vs Standup. Then Cultural vs Mainstream. Conscious decision or not a decision to market yourself as South Asian Comedian and do the route that people like Mo- The comedian or Zarna Garg or Sindhu See.
- What is the line when writing comedy? Personal stories or just bits that you include.
- Intro into comedy?
- Monetising the Digital space into “real life” work.
- Approach to writing comedy. How jokes come or comedic styling?
- Sustainability of Comedy/ Standup vs Scripted. The Space of comedy currently.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://twitter.com/BasRahman1987 & https://www.instagram.com/basrahman1/?hl=en
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
This is a special episode in which I am sharing a Sneak Peak and Sip Sip into a new series I am launching on Chai with Rai. The 8 Episode Series titled "Symphonies of Beaded Threads" features 8 Female Identifying, Non-Binary and Global Majority- Multidisciplinary artist.
This episode gives an insight into what is to come- why and how I am creating this, what each episode is called and who it is by and lastly a sneak peak/trailer soundbite.
For more information on the project visit the website.
8 Artists mentioned in the Project are:
- Carmina Bernhardt
- Yasmine Dankwah
- Bethany Gemmell
- Ra'eesah
- Soria Hamidi
- Riana Howarth
- Afriya- Jasmine Nylander
- Gayathiri Kamalakanthan
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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From Gifs of Kajol to discussing the business of theatre. We finally MADE IT! This has been a year or something in making. Sat down during Ramadan so no Chai but lots to spill and discuss with the one and only Sameena Hussain who is a Theatre maker, an Associate Director at Leeds Playhouse, and Trustee for Dark Horse Theatre, Octagon Bolton and Kala Sangam.
In the episode we talk about:
- The balance of directing rep pieces vs new work.
- Relevancy of story telling through contemporary lens.
- An approach to Safe Space, Game Playing and Community Theatre.
- Approach to directing and theatre making.
- Approaching Workshops, Auditions vs Rehearsals , Tech Week and Performances.
- The business of programming.
- A tool on How do you balance the room between your artistic voice and those around you. Or what have you found about yourself through being in spaces.
- Authenticity vs Representation of storytelling.
- Challenges and Joy of work you have done at Leeds Playhouse and what the next chapter holds?
- Thoughts on the future of Theatre.
- Being a freelancer theatre maker vs contracted to an organisation.
- Thoughts on the Theatre space that is often regional defined and London.
- Background on Performance to Directing . When did that happen because you studied Drama at Uni of Huddersfield. Thoughts on the term "Emerging Artist" vs "Established".
- The journey of RTYDS.
- 3 things the industry could do with and without.
- Sameena's strength as a theatre maker and something you feel like is a challenge you are working on.
- One thing you would like for people to take with them.
- A thing you would like to impart somebody but you never got told.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://twitter.com/SameenaHX1
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://creatorsprogram.youngvic.org/member/7416
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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I have been reflecting on my highest and lowest, personal and professional moments and how they impact my way of being and thinking. I wanted to start with the No's first and having a healthier relationship with them and share the "work" I have been doing in that. I hope you enjoy as I touch up on some of my outlooks.
Podcasts Mentioned:
Lewis Howes- School of Greatness
To listen to Jay Jay Revlon's full episode from the soundbite:
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
From calling people out who don't like puddings to a deep dive into acting and discussing skincare routine, vegan lifestyle, and of course discussing writing their new upcoming series Beige . This is a juicy episode with Actor & Writer Olivia D'Lima.
In the episode we talk about:
- Challenges and Joys of the following projects: Standup Sketch show, Casuality, Van Der Valk and Death in Paradise
- On writing Beige (The Series). How that came to be? Where is it going? What do you hope to get out of it?
- Process to Casuality and the un breaking of that; the aftermath of character work, adjusting to life without being contracted for a year and would you take a series regular again?
- Pro's and Con's of discussing being a series regular vs Freelancing or guest starring.
- Financial Survivability of an actor and the production of creating own work.
- Taking the role home and safeguarding. Some tools you use to dig in the role and how you safeguard?
- Favourite part of the job.
- 3 things the Industry could do with or without.
- 3 things you wish somebody would have told you but didn’t and you would like to impart on others today.
- Handling the room for self tape, audition, picking a monologues vs handling the job when you’re on it- crew or character
- How do you approach text as an actor vs a Writer- Method to it
- Thoughts on digital space and it’s pro and cons as an artists in the industry.
- Authenticity vs representation.
- Relationship with agent and or getting an agent.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/olivia_dlima/ , https://twitter.com/olivia_dlima & https://www.instagram.com/beigetheseries/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm9745153/
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
All jokes aside and I keep thinking of what tagline to write but this was such an insightful episode. I have been wanting to discuss the industry with a casting agent and also discuss the business/ wellbeing of Acting Schools. So, I will just say this- Warm up your cups kids and welcome into your lubricated earlobes Coach, Mentor, Author of "A Life Coaching Approach to Screen Acting", Actor and Comedian Daniel Dresner and his business partner/ co-founder of Actors Coaching international- Actor,Coach, CEO and Lead Agent at Union Management Danny Clifton.
In the episode we talk about:
- Actors Coaching International- How it came to be, the business of it (Where it is and Where it is going), Mentoring/ Coaching Styles and What sets Actors Coaching apart from competitors like Go Hub Workshops, Identity, MN Talent or organisations such as NYT, Sylvia Plath, Lamda or RADA or Central.
- Demystifying the role of an actor and agent or a business owner.
- You approaches to Life coaching and has it developed through the years do you feel? Or has the need of it developed do you feel?
- 3 things the industry could do with and without
- 3 things you wish somebody would have told you starting out that you would like to impart on talent in the industry.
- One thing you would like for people to take with them after experiencing you.
- Thoughts on Authenticity vs representation of a role vs story and should specifity be reflect beind the scenes. i.e A story about a Trans Italian Activist- Should the role be played by someone of that community and should the crew represent aspects of that?
- Thoughts on POC Actors on books.
- Advice on writing a cover letter to agents, being in the room for an audition, the practicality of attaining a job and working on the role.
- Thoughts on digital space structure and its role in the artists life. Pro’s and con’s of it and any tips on how to use it to benefit/ safeguard yourself.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/danieldresnercoaching/ & https://www.instagram.com/dannysteeleactor/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest:https://actorscoachinginternational.com/#home, https://www.unionmanagement.co.uk/ & https://www.danieldresner.com/
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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From discussing the architecture of language to scents such as frankincense, this is a juicy and dare I say such an eloquent episode. Had such a wonderful time discussing all things entertainment, life and culture with Writer and Actor Kamal Kaan.
In the episode we discuss:
- Creating work for different mediums from Radio to stage to TV/ Film and how you play with form?
- What continues to be this inspiration for your work or has it changed?
- Thought on what the Industry could do with and without?
- Approach to writing?
- Authenticity vs representation of the story.
- How do you balance your artistic voice with lets say the world of play or an conscious unconscious bias, safeguarding, challenging your practice?
- Darjeeling Express- Asma Khan
- Favourite part of the job.
- Thoughts on South Asian Entertainment sector and the industry at large.
- Thoughts on being boxed or stereotyped. And do you now feel that there is enough representation?
- Thoughts on digital space structure and its role in the artists life.
- How do you approach the script and the handling of the job? Uniting, Practitioner work, experience.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ , https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://twitter.com/kamal_kaan
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithrai
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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From Rude Gal Tings to Jalebi's and discussing Life in East London. It was so much fun to talk with Actor and Writer Saher Shah.
We highlight her UK tour of the play Vitamin D, which she has written and stars as Larki.
In the episode we discuss:
- Thoughts on the audition process, Audition Monologues- challenges and joys of it. Takes on how to deal within the room and also with the casting hear backs when you’re in the unknown.
- The joys and challenges of being a creator of opportunity.
- View point on being labelled South Asian artist or actor or writer often and the South Asian Arts community at large in the UK and in mainstream projects.
- What was the point of leaving the NHS work behind and what aspects of the jobs do you miss, don’t miss/ brought with you into the industry.
- Ace Process and 3 things somebody would have shared with ya that you would like to impart on people
- Acting from stage to tv. What do you feel light has been a standing moment not a credit but in experience and what is challenging?
- Writing process: How do you create. And how have been the writers labs for you from Mfest to Rosemary Branch Theatre's writers in residency programme Shrill Voices. Rifco Theatre’s Associates
- Being a Trustee for Stepladder foundation. Intrigued to know how you got involved and tell us about the foundation
- Seed commission by Kahani Arts. Intrigued to know that process
- Vitamin D: R&D and then now returning for a tour this year. And it explores Larki moving back home after a divorce.
- Personal or surrounding experience narrative how do you safeguard and balance conscious and unconscious bias in order to tell the story and explore the themes surrounding.
- Do you remember the first point of memory where you were like this is what I am going to do and is it the thing that still fuels you or has it evolved?
- Islamaphobia/ Representation of the community
- Thoughts on the entrainment at large and then the South Asian pocket?
- Thoughts on social media and the new age influencer creatives.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ , https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/thesahershah/ & https://twitter.com/TheSaherShah
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithrai
Guest: https://linktr.ee/sahershah
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Warm up your cuppa's kids as we dive into banter and deep conversations with stars of the film "What's Love Got To Do With It?"- Broadcaster, Writer and Actor Mim Shaikh and Writer/ Actor Iman Boujelouah.
In the episode we discuss:
- The process of self taping/ auditioning for What's Love Got To Do With It? and also intrigued to know your process- when it comes to a self tape or an audition where you are given sides or have a monologue vs your process to when you have booked a job and are working on the character.
- Writing process and how you create the world of your project; from pitching it, to producing it to post.
- A tip in regards to the industry you wish somebody shared with you at the beginning of your career.
- What is something you have taken from one creative craft into the other. i.e- Mim of broadcasting you have taken into writing and Iman of acting into writing.
- Safeguarding/ balancing the internal and external biases be they conscious or unconscious in your writing experience whilst challenging your artistic practice.
- Education vs experience. Thoughts on an entry point into the industry.
- 3 things about What’s Love- Challenging part of it and Joyful part. And a bonus something that didn’t make the cut or happened behind the scenes no one knows during filming or after i.e public.
- Authenticity vs the subject. As writers and actors- Representation of the role vs the story, which takes precedence?
- Favourite part of the job.
- Thoughts on South Asian Entertainment sector and the industry at large. 3 things could do with and without.
- Thoughts on being boxed or stereotyped. And do you now feel that there is enough representation?
- Thoughts on digital space structure and its role in the artists life. Pro’s and con’s of it.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ , https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/mim_shaikh/ & https://www.instagram.com/imanboujelouah/
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithrai
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
From reconstructing Britney Spear's "Every time" in a Scottish accent to talking about Maru's Bhajia. Had such a fun time talking to actress and founder of the channel South Asian Artists with Aarti Shah.
In the episode we discuss:
- Scope of South Asian Entertainment in the UK, thoughts on it and have they change recently from when you began working in the industry.
- Time at National Youth Theatre and University of Central Lancalnshire
- 3 projects, brown girl magic at octagon, Tour de moon experience, the wonders of the looking glass and Happy Birthday
- Uncertainty of auditions and castings.
- Channel that is South Asian Artist, how and what and where
- How has the move to Manchester been for you and the market of acting?
- Opportunities, Challenges and Joys of being a South Asian Artist.
- Identity of being British and south asian and a woman and what conversation we should be having around that
- Process to approaching scripts and auditions
- Digital age and it’s point for creatives today
- Balancing fame and passion/talent
- Favourite part of the job and most challenging
- Then of course Games
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ , https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest:https://www.instagram.com/aartishahx/ , https://www.instagram.com/southasian_artists/ & https://twitter.com/aartishahx , https://twitter.com/SouthAsianA
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithrai
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
From our love of Dr.Who and being a Whovian to talking about Scottish sausages. It was so nice to finally connect with actor, writer and multi-disciplinary artist Sanjay Lago.
In the episode we discuss:
- What are the joys and hurdles of creating your own lane. Being a creator of opportunity right-- if no one gives you work, you create your own.
- Reflections on; I don’t give a fuck, Can’t live without it, Main Kaun Hoo, and fringe
- Do you feel boxed? Often no just as a South Asian actor but also as a Queer South Asian writer/ artist.
- The Arts Space in Scotland as a creative.
- Experience on Royal Conservative of Scotland and Soho Writers Lab.
- Discussing Queer experience and being South Asian. The community at large and the South Asian LGBTQIA+ community.
- Things the industry could do with and without.
- Favourite part of the job?
- Obsession with DR.WHO and how that has influenced Sanjay's writing?
- Love me Like a Chai Tea Latte at the Vaults- how has it been and what are you looking forward to the most and least.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ , https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/sanjaylago/ & https://twitter.com/sanjaylago
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.sanjaylago.co.uk
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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First episode of 2023 !!!
From talking about poo stories at the dinner table to discussing South Asian female leads in western films. This is juicy one that combines the world of NHS and the entertainment.
With filmmaker, actor, writer and host Dr. Parvinder Shergill from The Secret Psychiatrist
In the episode we discuss:
- Process to filmmaking
- Producing and Directing 20 + films in span of 2 years
- 3 words of wisdom for an emerging producer
- Things this industry could do with and without
- Favourite and challenging parts to working in the NHS and being a creative
- Education vs industry experience as an entry point or succession as an actor
- Mental Health within South Asian Community and 3 advice points on how to start a conversation around that
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ , https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/dr_parvindershergill/ & https://twitter.com/thesecretpsych
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.thesecretpsychiatrist.com
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
The final part with filmmaker, writer, actor & model Justice Jamal Jones. Talking all things from New York's Grungy scene to cruising being a rite of passage and more.
In the episode we discuss:
- Activism and if there are any backlashes of being vocal about the "system".
- Construct of beauty and attraction in Queer spaces.
- Queerbaiting in pop culture such as Timothee Chalamet and Harry Styles.
- If you remove the pillars- would you be who you are?
- Who do you share the highs and lows with?
- Rites of passage for a queer person from cruising to dogging to stream room sex.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/justicejamaljones/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://collab.sundance.org/people/Justice-Jamal-Jones-1614723424
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
As we reflect on 2022 and enter 2023, the word that has been coming in my head a lot is Success- my relationship with it, where I stand on the highs and lows of it and what I will do with it in the next chapter (especially since in the last year feeling a bit down and like a failure almost).
This Wisdomist Chai clip comes from my conversation with Acting and Life Coach Daniel Dresner. It touches on the word "success" from a creative perspective. How it's not an Oscar, or a job but much more precious and individual. p.s I also feel, that if you really break the messaging down you can transfer it to any aspect of your life. I hope you enjoy this one, Happy 2022 and see you in 2023.
To listen the full interview:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Audible/ Amazon music, Podbean, Playerfm, Podcasher, iheart radio
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/danieldresnercoaching/
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.danieldresner.com/
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
From romance & tenderness to skincare routines-- this is definitely a special one. Warm up your cuppas and let me know you're sipping as you listen to this episode. I hope you enjoy part 1 of 2 with filmmaker, writer, actor & model Justice Jamal Jones.
In the episode we discuss:
- Thoughts on gender and sexuality today?
- The performance of sex and sexuality.
- Discussing upcoming projects and looking into themes surrounding blackness, queerness and criminalisation.
- Exploring and researching kink for black and brown people.
- How do you deal with the by-standards of sexuality and gender?
- Where does the passion for Black Tender experience in their projects stem from and how they stylistically have come to be where they are at in their artistic practice for what they what they want to make and project to the audience.
- Viability of an Art indie projects vs one of commercial/ mainstream.
- Hidden gems of “How To Raise A Black Boy” that no one knows or has seen.
- Breaking down two passages of “How to raise a Black Boy”.
- The process of creating a film (ref: Calvin Klien x Dazed Pearls in Spotlight, MTV's My Black Alchemy)
- The challenges and joys of creating projects.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/justicejamaljones/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://collab.sundance.org/people/Justice-Jamal-Jones-1614723424
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
This week Wisdomist Chai Clip comes from my chat with author and creative director Shweta Agarwal from Episode 22 of Chai with Rai. In the episode we discuss shortly Shweta's thoughts on why colourism exists not only in the South Asian community but other cultures as well and gender rules surrounding colourism.
To purchase Shweta's Book "The Black Rose": https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0993232876?th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Uk_xs5R6nwE
To listen to the full interview:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible/ Amazon music, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Playerfm, Podcasher, iheart radio
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/theblackroseway/
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithrai
Guest: https://linktr.ee/theblackrosewriter & http://devandollie.com
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Part 2 with the one and only Mahatma Khandi
From talking about how drag holds a mirror to society to talking about fisting. This is a hot and juicy episode-- dare I cornfully say "Chai Spilling" episode.
In the episode we discuss:
- The narratives surrounding drag and cabaret culture
- South Asian or Asian Culture representation in Drag Race or mainstream Drag culture
- Sustainability of Drag
- Global Majority Queer representation
- Dating
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/mahatmakhandi/
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithrai
Guest: https://linktr.ee/Mahatmakhandi
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
The final part of my chat with the one and only Jay Jay Revlon. From talking about Dirty Chai's to how a No, is not a No forever. This is a slightly motivational yet risky one. Hope you enjoy kids. But as a breakdown--
In the episode we discuss
- How Queens and Young Kids entering the Ballroom scene are not immersed or educated on the culture but are already making statements.
- The difference a Kiki and Ballroom scene and a highlight / Challenge of them.
- Advice for someone coming to a ball as an attendee vs a new organiser.
- What category Jay Jay started with and wants to do but hasn't yet.
- Something in the Ballroom culture Jay Jay has not done and would like to accomplish.
- Did he choose this path or he was chosen.
- What makes Jay Jay happy and who does he share his vulnerable moments with?
- His relationships and outlook on life. How to deal with support or lack thereof.
Games Section Link:
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/jayjayrevlon/
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.justjayjay.com
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Part 2 and final one with the cast of Sundown Kiki from Taking Part Productions at The Young Vic Theatre - Asa Haynes, Amani Revlon (Afi Hussen), Sarah-Angel Sharma, Jasper Ryan Cater, Tatenda Shami, Jay Lafayette Valentine and special guest Emanuel Vuso
Things we discussed:
- Queer relationships and romance
- Perspective of queer culture on mid sexuality spectrum such as A-sexuality, pansexual or bisexual
- The pro’s and con’s of being multi disciplinary creatives
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/amanicosmo/ , https://www.instagram.com/angelx19/ , https://www.instagram.com/asa_haynes/ , https://www.instagram.com/jasper.ryancater/ , https://www.instagram.com/laffytaffyette/ , https://www.instagram.com/tatendashamiso/ & https://www.instagram.com/emanuelvo/
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.youngvic.org/taking-part/participation/sundown-kiki-project , https://linktr.ee/jasperryancater & https://linktr.ee/tatendashamiso
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
W/ Ridaa Husain from Dance Bhangra and Mandeep Virk Randhawa from Dance with MVR. This is an acknowledgment episode of including and researching the origins of Bhangra and how often Pakistan is left out of that narrative. "
To watch the full interview video:
Ridaa: https://youtu.be/K_89rYMM4mY
Mandeep: https://youtu.be/gywOQiCgn-g
To listen to the full interview:
Ridaa: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible/ Amazon music, Podbean, Playerfm, Podcasher, iheart radio
Mandeep: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible/ Amazon music, Podbean, Playerfm, Podcasher, iheart radio
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest- https://www.instagram.com/dancebhangra/ & https://www.instagram.com/dancewith_mvr/
Websites: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwitrai_ Guest: https://www.dance-bhangra.com/
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe and share follow my page and everything above.
From talking about feminist sons to digitising theatre to the structure of the world that needs to be broken. This cuppa filled episode with Natasha Kathi- Chandra spills it all!
In the episode we discuss:
- Highlights and challenges of projects and experiences such as: Om Shanti Fuck, Ingenium/ Namashkar, Tara Theatre, In a nutshell, Lion King and East is East.
- Feminism and culture.
- Thoughts on South Asian Theatre and theatre in large in the UK.
- Digitising, playing with form and experimenting with programming in theatres.
- Things the industry could do with and without.
- Mental health and confidence.
- Directing and thoughts on being a female POC creative.
A bit about Natasha:
Natasha is an international theatre director, writer, dramaturg and facilitator based in London, UK and Hyderabad, India.
She most recently worked as the Associate Director on East is East at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, National and Chichester Festival Theatre.
In 2008 she founded a youth theatre company Ingenium Dramatics in Hyderabad to encourage young people to explore West End style theatre leading the company as Artistic Director for five years. In London, she founded an arts company Namashkar with the aim of challenging and changing roles for South Asian women both on and off stage and with her company wrote and directed The Infinite Line between Dating & Dying (White Bear & Etcetera Theatre) and Om Shanti F*ck ( Arcola, Battersea Arts Center, Camden People’s Theatre). She has also had her writing feature in Titola Dawudu x Tamasha Theatre’s Hear Me Now Monologues.
Alongside this, Natasha loves engaging with emerging artists, young people and the community. She has facilitated the Creative Learning Program at Park Theatre (2014-2021) and has worked with London College of Music, UAL and Fourth Monkey drama schools.
She is an Associate Director for Kali Theatre and has assistant directing credits from Stratford East, Royal Court and National.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://twitter.com/KNatashaChandra
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://creatorsprogram.youngvic.org/member/3756
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
From discussions on Tiger Balms to South Asian Theatre, this was a funny and educational episode. The Double Bill that is THE SC SAGA. We need a night of that please Theatres!
With the incredibly talented peeps Dr. Sharmila Chauhan and Satinder Chohan.
In the episode we discuss:
- Safeguarding yourself from topics when researching or diving into the world of your play/script as a writer
- Who do you share the vulnerability of you as a creative with? What outlet do you use to de zone or connect?
- The idea of success and progression as a creative
- Thoughts on South Asian Theatre- it’s past, present and future.
- South Asian Theatre companies such as Tara, Kali, Tamasha and Rifco and new organisations such as Hungama, Diet Paratha and Daytimers
- Digital Footprint and brand building.
- The Authenticity and representation of your play to be reflected in the cast and the creative team
- POC Dramaturgy and support for writers
- 3 things this industry could do with and without
- What do you feel like you lack or can work on in your storytelling and what is your Beacon of light. Something you know you do extremely well and no one ever will come close to that.
- If you know what you know now about the industry would you have entered it or worked the way you did up until now.
- What was your biggest expectation from your career. That you have accomplished and also let go of
A bit about Sharmila:
Sharmila is a screenwriter, playwright and prose writer: Her work is often a transgressive meditation on love, sex and an exploration of the diasporic experience. She is particularly interested in the intersection of sex, power and gender.
She has had two short films produced and written two features: Most recently, her short film Oysters – an exploration of desire in the face of grief – was commissioned by Film London (2016) and her feature Mother Land – is currently being developed by Cinestan International and has been long-listed for the Sundance Writers’ Lab.
Her plays include: The Husbands (an exploration of polyandry and matriarchy in India) which toured nationally and completed its run at London’s Soho theatre (Kali and Pentabus Theatre), Born Again/Purnajanam (Southwark Playhouse (exploring class, religion and female power), Kali Theatre, Jan 2012) and well as 10 Women (body image and women with Bethan Dear, Avignon Festival, France, 2014)).
Shortlisted for the Asian New Writer award (2009 and 2012), Sharmila’s short stories have been published widely in print and online. She is also currently working on her novel Seven Mirrors.
Sharmila also has a degree in pharmacy and a PhD in clinical pharmacology from University College London. She lives in London with her husband, children and cat Tashi.
A bit about Satinder:
Satinder is a journalist turned playwright who grew up in Southall and graduated with an MA in English from Yale University. Her plays have been produced across the UK including UK tours of ZAMEEN with Kalí Theatre and KABADDI-KABADDI-KABADDI with Pursued By A Bear. She won the 2013 Adopt A Playwright Award to develop her play MADE IN INDIA, which completed a UK tour in 2017 with Tamasha and Belgrade Theatre in association with Pilot Theatre, directed by Katie Posner. The tour received great acclaim including an OffWestEnd award nomination and the Best Production Award at the Eastern Eye Awards. Tamasha also commissioned HALF OF ME, a large cast youth theatre piece, to tour in concert with MADE IN INDIA, which premiered at the Lyric Hammersmith in July 2016. In 2018 she co-adapted GULLIVER’S TRAVELS for the Bolton Octagon with Mike Kenny and the following year she wrote an adaptation of the novel GIRL OF INK AND STARS for Spark Arts which toured libraries and continues to be utilised in school’s content. Satinder has previously had work presented by The Finborough and Paines Plough for the Vibrant Festival and Come To Where I’m From respectively and she has completed the Emerging Writer’s Residency at the Traverse Theatre, won the Kalí Futures Writer Award, took part in the Kudos-Court scheme 2016 and was on attachment at the Hampstead Theatre. Satinder is one of 15 writers chosen to take part in Sphinx 30, a landmark programme for female playwrights launched to mark Sphinx’s 30th anniversary, in partnership with Kalí. She is developing further plays, audio content and working on her first novel.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://twitter.com/sharmilawrites
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://sharmilathewriter.com & https://www.berlinassociates.com/clients/satinder-chohan/
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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From Beyoncé's fashion sense to Charlie's Angels to Selling Sunset to drag culture. This is a cuppa filled episode with LOTS of banter, deep chats and fun games.
Now this is part 1 of 2 with the one and only Mahatma Khandi. Part 2 will be out later this month, keep an eye out for that.
In the episode we discuss:
- Where their humour and joy of life comes from?
- Met Gala 2022
- Their thoughts on projects they have been a part of such as: Sync the pink, The Bitten Peach, Khandi Shop, Karaoke Club, MTV’s True love or true lies, Queer Parivaar.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/mahatmakhandi/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://linktr.ee/Mahatmakhandi
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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From conversations on religion, sexuality, random filth and ethical questions. This is a juicy episode of randomness that will go down with a nice hot chai. Enjoy our DMC with a pitta TLC-- with the one and only author, poet and writer Amani Saeed.
Amani Saeed is an international writer whose work brings the big issues to your kitchen table. She explores the crisis cultivated by living between sometimes (but not always) contradictory cultures, treading the line between masjid and mini skirt.
In addition to being a former member of the Roundhouse Collective, the Yoniverse Collective, and the Barbican Young Poets programme, Amani is the curator and host of of the interdisciplinary sell-out nights Golden Tongue and the hen-nah party.
Amani has worked with Richmix, the Roundhouse, the BBC, and the Huffington Post, among others. Her debut collection, Split, was published with Burning Eye Books in 2018. Amani is currently working on the film Queer Parivaar.
You can purchase a copy of Amani's collection, Split, by contacting her directly via e-mail, or via Burning Eye's website.
In the episode we talk about:
- What you say to yourself after taking a number 2?
- Difference between Poetry and Spoken Word?
- Project highlights and challenges such as Pick N Mix (Rich Mix),Jesus at the Night Club (Art UK), Barbican Poet Alumni, Split The Hen-Nah Party, The Yoniverse Collective.
- Spirituality, Culture and Religion and Sexuality. In specific it’s stamp with one’s queerness.
- Performative style and growth. Evolution as a writer-- going from Open Mic work to being a Headliner.
- Response to the boldness of her voice and work.
- Receiving Tit Pics instead of Dick Pics.
- Performing similar pieces and how to relay that. I.e rep pieces and pulling on emotion experience.
- Writing and performing new work.
- Digital Poets such as influencer or insta poetry. Popularity vs ethics.
- The ultimate give for her for her as an artist.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/amanithepoet/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://amanisaeed.com
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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From Magic Mike to comparing his coaching styles between Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton. This episode is spilling the most-- with the one and only Daniel Dresner.
Daniel has been in the industry for over 20 years, starting off as a stand-up comedian, actor and theatre director in Tokyo, Japan. He then studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in New York and worked as an actor there for six years, returning to London in 2001 to act, coach and teach.
He coaches actors, directors, writers, producers, singers, and production companies as well as the odd publisher and yoga instructor. He also, teaches privately in venerable institutions around the globe and here in London at the Actors Centre, the Guildhall, London Actors Workshop and Drama Studio London. I also run presentation skills, assertiveness and personal impact training workshops for corporates.
Before entering a career in the entertainment industry, he was a divisional manager for a large office automation multinational with responsibility for sales, marketing and operations. Since leaving this corporate world, in around 20 or so years he has acted in well over one hundred films, TV shows, plays, commercials and various voice roles in London, New York City, Tokyo and all around the world.
He is a former board member of Player Playwrights and founder member of the Actors Screen Collective, London as well as being an associate director of Spoken Word Ltd. This is on top of running his own coaching business, teaching and running corporate workshops.
In the episode we talk about:
- About his book- “A Life Coaching Approach to Screen Acting” (https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/lifecoaching-approach-to-screen-acting-9781350039438/)
- His experience in the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute.
- If actors need an education and institution to enter the industry.
- Becoming a Coach and finding a niche. In Specific, the entertainment industry.
- His style as a coach.
- What the community of Coaches is like. Is their support or competitiveness?
- His experience on working with organisations such as player player playwrights, Actors Screen Collective and Spoken word ltd.
- The Facebook Community he set up during Covid 1- Daniel Dresner Coaching Actors. Which facilitated actors out of work and in a dark space— a place to connect and learn (https://www.facebook.com/groups/danieldresnercoachingactors)
- His work at the Actors Centre to now creating Actors Coaching International.
- Advice for Actors on success and the rabbit hole of complications.
- Discuss the art of networking, marketing and business of the industry.
- Discuss a chapter of his book on the “Saboteur” the voice that says You Cannot.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/danieldresnercoaching/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_
Guest: https://www.danieldresner.com/
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Warm up your kettles and grab a cuppa as we discuss all things theatre and more (wink wink) with Mr. Kash Arshad. From his thoughts on Cats- The Musical to the Kardashians and accessibility at the Olivier Awards. We got you covered.
Kash is a Scottish/Pakistani director and theatre maker based in Yorkshire, and trained on the National Theatre Studio Directors Course 2019. He is currently Associate Director at Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough. He spent 15 years working as an actor for companies such as Freedom Studios, Citizens Theatre, GW Theatre and Channel 4. In 2015 he made the leap into directing professionally, participating in an RTYDS 3 Month Placement at Freedom Studios, acting as assistant director to Ben Occhipinti on ChipShop The Musical by Emma Hill. Since then he has assisted at Leeds Playhouse, Theatre by the Lake and Bolton Octagon. He was Trainee Artistic Director at Freedom Studios from 2017 - 2019. He is an Associate Artist of National Youth Theatre and Mentor Director for National Theatre Connections.
In the episode we talk about:
- First Directing project to most recent work.
- The conversation around the topic of diversity, accessability and inclusion in theatre. Where that sits in todays word and the future.
- The Olivier Awards and do accolades matter?
- Programming plays for Theatres and the mechanics of that.
- Funding and Money in Theatre.
- Approach to text.
- Approach new writing vs produced work and reworked.
- The advantages and disadvantages of privilege.
- Thoughts on digital space and its effect on theatre.
- If you remove the pillars of a strong creative (faith, support and grit)— would you continue to do what you’re doing today?
- How do you balance work and relationships?
- Peaks and Valleys of life.
- Words to mirror self
- And of course some games :).
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://twitter.com/kasharshad
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://www.kasharshad.co.uk
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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With the one and only Bolly Illusion aka Anthony Pius. Everything from Topping Masculine Men to how Shahid Kapoor is a waste man?
Miss Bolly is a Perfomance artist, Host, Dancer, Choreographer, Curator, Drag queen and full on SEX.
Their credits include: The Glory, The Hoxton, Glastonbury, London Queer Fashion show, Manchester Pride 2019, The Chateau, The Roundhouse. Pussy palace, , Birmingham Pride 2021, Daytimers x Somerset House, Won the lip-sync 1000 in 2019. Working for artists such as Mic Jagger, Joy Crookes, Priya Ragu, Mawaan Rizwan. And featured in campaigns for Levis, Rimmel London, Vogue Italia-- to name a FEW!
In the episode we talk about:
- Yaha Waha--their film/ documentary which premiered at BFI Flare
- The world of Bharatnatyam and its impact whilst being non-binary and Catholic. The learning unlearning and influence on gender, sexuality and self creative work.
- The world of Bollywood.
- Advice and tips on curating shows.
- Their personal journey on having Sex and their gender.
- The Cabaret and Performative space. Thoughts on the South Asian Queer scene. And on organisations/ communities such as the Bitten Peach.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/bolly_illusion/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://linktr.ee/bolly_illusion
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Jay Jay has many hats. His focus is curating events, DJing, Ballroom (voguing) and mentoring. Listed as Time Out’s ‘One to Watch’, Jay Jay is a committed community activist and dedicated to creating safe spaces and conversations for QPOC and LGBTQ+.
He does this through his own club night ‘Let’s Have a Kiki #theparty’ and as a volunteer peer to peer mentor at Stonewall Housing. Throughout his career, his events have raised money for many charity organisations with whom he continues to work and support.
Jay Jay has been an early and devoted influence on the London Ballroom scene for the past five years and has been instrumental in defining how Ballroom in the UK is run. As Father of the ‘UK House of Revlon’ and founder of the ‘Kiki House of Tea’, Jay Jay is a leading authority of Ballroom in the UK.
From leading workshops at Tate Britain and SouthBank Centre, to bringing his inclusive flare to The Marlborough for Brighton Pride, he is a frequent collaborator with LGBTQ+ artists such as Honey Dijon and Years & Years. Jay Jay’s love for dance, voguing and DJing has taken him around the UK and Europe as a major force in the dance and music world.
A hugely in demand DJ, Jay Jay’s talent behind the decks has seen him play up and down the UK, on the festival circuit and internationally, bringing his signature mix of House, Afro House, Classics and Ballroom beats. As well as having his own BoilerRoom Set, his credits include playing for Rinse FM, Fabric, The Royal Academy, National Portrait Gallery, Bussey Building, as well as playing for brands such as Levi’s, G-Star, JW Anderson’s LFW Afterparty and many more.
In the episode we discuss
- Ballroom culture- where it's been and where it's going?
- Music- How Jay Jay got into Dj'ing and what does the future hold?
- Theatre and what made Sundown Kiki at The Young Vic Theatre in London special for the culture and him?
- How to uphold values of culture and support each other in the community when it can turn into a monetisation scheme.
- How Drag and ballroom culture have become a pop/ soundbite moment often. And what separates that from the experience of-- vs it's visibility. Can certain things be problematic?
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/jayjayrevlon/
Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.justjayjay.com
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Sitting down with the beaut Amrita Mudan to talk about Mental Health— and how our worth, confidence and self-love is connected to our work as creatives and what happens to us at the lowest of the lows and how to get out of it.
Looking at representation in the prosthetics, hair and make up world. What routes to take in order to get successful in the industry, such as; going to university to learn vs apprenticeships or shadowing people until you get jobs. Talking about the influencer route. when it comes to marketing yourself vs working in the industry behind the scenes through an agency or connecting yourself to a brand or a celebrity.
Working as a freelancer, barriers one faces being South Asian and a woman through the lens of culture or the industry. Also, our connectivity on Korean skin care our shared passion love for Francis McDormand, Adrian Lima and Nikesh Patel. And an eternal question Gandalf the grey or Gandalf the white?
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/amritamudan/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://www.amritamudan.com
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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We are diving into the big brown world of Sacs in the city. That is SACS as in SACS not SEX. Bringing on the talented Tarek Khwiss to discuss all things fetishes, blowjobs and the A-Z's of SACS as Brown Boys who grew up in religious households and are finding this world of sexual empowerment as 2 queer boys.
From Grindr Lingo, to sex positions, to our first wet dreams and to advice on Blowjobs or Douching. We got you covered-- so, warm up your beverages or cuppa's and let's dive into this weeks Chai.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/tarekkhwiss/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://linktr.ee/tarekkhwiss
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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I had to make a special Wisdomist Chai clip from my chat with Fashion Designer, Creative Director and Choreographer Saran Kohli. He speaks with such passion about Vitiligo and how people should perceive it, be knowledgeable it and embrace it. This is an emotional one!
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/on1PGOzHUi8
To listen to the entire episode:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-9-in-conversation-with-saran-kohli/id1602305867?i=1000546286699
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1JakzWrHIcXwQ6tSXXG7vQ?si=FXWNL09VSXagVZglTNchRg
Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-t4mh8-115da06
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/sarankohli/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum Guest: https://www.sarankohli.com
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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This is a mega one! I am joined by the cast of Sundown Kiki from Taking Part Production at The Young Vic Theatre- Asa Haynes, Amani Revlon (Afi Hussen), Sarah-Angel Sharma, Jasper Ryan Cater, Tatenda Shami, Jay Lafayette Valentine and special guest Emanuel Vuso (in part 2) for a chai spilling chat on Queer Naratives.
We get into discussing Gender, Pronouns, Sexuality, Privellage. Narratives you would change/ embrace about queer culture and how it is being POC & queer in the space? Your experience than of that someone who comes from a white or Privileged background? What would you embrace and change about the LGBTQ+ community ? And of course we touch up on sexual/ porn experiences and randomly Janelle Monae, Anime, Nando's and opinions on Iggy Azalea.
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/amanicosmo/ , https://www.instagram.com/angelx19/ , https://www.instagram.com/asa_haynes/ , https://www.instagram.com/jasper.ryancater/ , https://www.instagram.com/laffytaffyette/ , https://www.instagram.com/tatendashamiso/ & https://www.instagram.com/emanuelvo/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://www.youngvic.org/taking-part/participation/sundown-kiki-project , https://linktr.ee/jasperryancater & https://linktr.ee/tatendashamiso
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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PRIDE special- Today's Wisdomist Chai comes from my chat with Sunil Gupta - who is a Photographer, Curator, Author and Activist. This is from Episode 17 of Chai with Rai. I wanted to put out something for pride and what better than some sections from my chat with Sunil. Now in the clips Sunil discuss lack of representation of Gay Asians in UK, how we have Black Pride and other movements but nothing for Asian or other communities. He got into how organisations such as Shakti were set up as a space of safe haven for young Asian men from a concept of chai and samosa’s in it’s early days.
He talks how often you can be fetishised to being the poster child for Gay Asians at times because of his work. He also discusses activism and being queer in the 80’s— from section 28 and how today as a community of LGBTQ+ you have to continue the work and not be complacent.
He also discussed being Asian in 80’s, being identified as Black and how the community felt about that. To recently the work of Indian Youths for Section 377. This is a good one, I hope you enjoy and lets dive into this wise cuppa chai.
To watch the full interview video:
To listen to the entire episode:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-17-in-conversation-with-sunil-gupta/id1602305867?i=1000546286641
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5XjttwOO4fSzE7UYUChOgm?si=42d2b4aa64a143ac
Amazon/ Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d99d5499-92f5-49eb-a66b-6b3525a82c0b/episodes/8e72f306-8404-4d36-9959-26c4bbb09ef2/chai-with-rai-episode-17--in-conversation-with-sunil-gupta Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL3JhaW11aXRmdW0vZmVlZC54bWw/episode/cmFpbXVpdGZ1bS5wb2RiZWFuLmNvbS9mMzIzOTIxNC0zYWFmLTM3N2UtOGNlMS1kN2NmMjMzZmJhZmM?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjomeHT9Jv3AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-np46w-1164cd0
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/sunilgupta7402/
Websites
Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://www.sunilgupta.net
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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With Mitali Dargani from the podcast Brown Game Strong and her illustration business Aunty Doodles.
This was such a vulnerable episode because we really dove deep into conversations surrounding mental health, anxiety. How the digital space can affect our perspective on life. By chasing this version of perfection at times.
We get into how brands are built and the behind the scenes that no one ever gets to see. How to grow your brand and an intro into illustration/ podcasting.
We also discussed the South Asian dance space in UK is really like, in specific Bollywood dance industry. The good and the bad, what is lacking and what works. We also discussed performative activism and how to own up to your wrong doings.
Mitali also works for Deloitte as a tech consultant-- So we get into how she balances that life with her businesses and dancing but also just being creative. My obsession with the Sindhi community is something that is slightly explained in the episode! So, it's quite a lot.
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/tB9p0ylsw-k
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/mitalidargani/ & https://www.instagram.com/browngamestrong/ & https://www.instagram.com/auntydoodles/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://mdarg.co
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
A Wisdomist Chai- A New segment for Chai with Rai. Taking small sips of Wisdom from an episode and popping it into a new cuppa.
This clip is from my chat with Guleraana Mir- Writer, Theatre practitioner and Educator. Who discusses ways to grow your community as a writer, advice for new writers and how to turn your hobby into work. I also feel, a lot of what she says can be transferred to any medium of life or any practice you are based in.
To watch the full interview video: https://youtu.be/3XxSzBmwv-M
To listen to the entire episode:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-5-in-conversation-with-guleraana-mir/id1602305867?i=1000546286672 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0iVUOlUiHAiJw795TkkbpZ?si=E4qV-yg8SkSNBzxD6bp-3Q Amazon/ Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d99d5499-92f5-49eb-a66b-6b3525a82c0b/episodes/a82c6080-9b44-4f4e-9e82-ff5054247fae/chai-with-rai-episode-5--in-conversation-with-guleraana-mir Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL3JhaW11aXRmdW0vZmVlZC54bWw/episode/cmFpbXVpdGZ1bS5wb2RiZWFuLmNvbS9jMmQyNmM0OC04ZjMzLTM3YmEtYjkyZC0zYTcwMDNkNzQyNjE?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjY0dzzypP3AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xcxhf-115d878
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://twitter.com/g_ting
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum Guest: https://linktr.ee/guleraana
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe and share follow my page and everything above.
Chai with Rai (Ep. 29)- In conversation with Meghna Bhalla where we sat and discussed the space of being a freelancer photographer in India. Her approach and passion to movement photography, how she found a speciality in dance. How her passion in life and approach to creativity as an artist has come to be?
We also discussed her content creation work and videography and dove into questions such as online media presence. Do Views and numbers matter? How she manages to gain work without having an official website. And the challenges she faces being a female in a male dominated industry.
We also got into her upbeat attitude and the lessons she has learnt from the industry. Where she sees herself in the future, her family and so much more. P.s we also got into discussing Bollywood and Marvel so... get your cuppas ready for that chat too.
A bit about Meghna
Megan is a photographer, videographer and content creator based in India. She has worked with the likes of Mohan Shakti, Rajat BAkshi, Melvin Louis, Lady Lolita, Svetna Kanwar, Yuko Harada, Jhanavi Shariff, Ayushi Amrute, marta szlach, Latonya Style, Famous Crew, Rohit Singh, Pia Sutaria, Gairik Dutta Paul , Eden Dolreich Pereira and Brinda Guha to name a few.
She has photographed over 100 dancers, produced thousands of videos that have generated millions of views Online. She also does her own dance calendars featuring some of the most talented dancers India has to offer.
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/dQ7rViPRTfI
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/meghnabhalla/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Chai with Rai (Ep.28)- In Conversation with Ramita Ravi and Vikas Arun from Project Convergence. We sat and discussed the creative space in US from a South Asian perspective, being a female and being queer. We also dove into conversations about South Asian Dance-- how the space can often be divided and separated. How South Asian dancers are only bought together for South Asian projects as oppose to our counterparts in the community. How Ramita and Vikas are creating heritage work but meshing it with other forms. Mentorship and sharing the South Asian dance space with other companies and uplifting each other.
We also discussed their passions for balancing careers outside of the arts industry and how that functions with all of their business ventures. We obviously talked about the work they both create for Project Convergence and dance competitions. Their credits, dance journeys, their views on digital space and actualising that into work and so much more.
A bit about Ramita:
Ramita Ravi is a professional dancer, choreographer, educator, entrepreneur, and consultant:
As an Artist, she is signed bi-coastally with Bloc Talent Agency. She was the first South Asian to be featured on So You Think You Can Dance which launched a career of credits including SAG Feature Film Spinning Gold, John Oliver, TNT, Viceland, Hermès NYFW, Mystic India: The World Tour. I’ve choreographed for Lincoln Center, Raveena, KSHMR, Buzzfeed, Spotify; and taught at Broadway Dance Center, Columbia, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Alvin Ailey. I’m also on faculty with Groove Dance, Headliners, and Imagine Dance Challenge.
As a consultant, she has worked in UX Design, Product Strategy, Marketing, Program / Portfolio Management at companies like TEDMED, Tomorrow Health, Advice Coach, and Stage Door Connections.
As an Entrepreneur, Ramita is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Artswrk: a professional network for artists and creatives. She also co-founded Project Convergence, a dance company incubated at the American Tap Dance Foundation.
A bit about Vikas:
Vikas is a sought-after dancer specializing in tap, contemporary, and Bollywood dance. He has had the pleasure of working with numerous prestigious choreographers including Emmy nominees Chloe Arnold and Anthony Morigerato, Jeff Award winner Jared Grimes, MacArthur Genius grant winner Michelle Dorrance, and many others. His performance credits include TV (Good Morning America, So You Think You Can Dance, Univsion), film (Breaking Brooklyn), commercials (J.Crew, Vogue), and musicals (42nd Street). He has performed for esteemed guests such as the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of India.
Vikas’ company Project Convergence, co-founded with Ramita Ravi, is the first company in residence at the American Tap Dance Foundation dedicated to blending tap dance with Bharatanatyam, a classical from of Indian percussive dance. The company’s performance credits include Spotify, Buzzfeed, and Lincoln Center, with media coverage from WNYC (New York Public Radio), Dance Magazine, Columbia Magazine, and The Hindu. You can catch him in print as the first South Asian Ambassador for Capezio or as a teacher at Broadway Dance Center and Columbia University.
In addition to his dance work, Vikas’ is also an award winning engineer and a Robert Gartland Fellow at Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School for Engineering and Applied Science. He travels the world teaching dance technique, dance pedagogy, financing for dancers, and personal growth coaching. He is a guest lecturer at Columbia University, a substitute faculty member at Broadway Dance Center, a regular guest on numerous podcasts, and a cited source for articles in major publications including The Guardian, The New York Times, and more.
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/G-aIVNHxenY
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/ramita.ravi/ , https://www.instagram.com/vikas_arun_/ & https://www.instagram.com/project.convergence/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guests: https://www.ramitaravi.com , https://www.vikasarun.com https://www.projectconvergence.org
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Chai with Rai (Ep.27). In conversation with teacher, choreographer, dancer and dance/well being practitioner Priyanka Chauhan. Where we sat and discussed her work with marginalised groups including women in domestic violence refuges, autistic young people, older people living with dementia, people living with Parkinson’s and more. We discussed the importance of safeguarding and how that skill is transferrable in her goal which is to create an international program that utilises the benefits of dance for community and individual well-being.
We also dove deep into her classical work from dancing with Pagrav Dance to what Kathak means to her. How she identifies as a creative and where she fits into the space. Her evolution as a dance artist and more. We also discussed the pro's and con's of teaching and facilitation. And of course we dipped our toes into the world that is Bollywood dance in the UK.
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/esJIHfayHuA
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/priyankachauhan.x/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://www.priyankachauhan.co.uk
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Karak Chai| Batch no.1
Celebrating all things Theatre, Film, Series and Podcast. I have curated a collection of hidden gems to watch and listen to-- all whilst sipping on your first or fifth Karak Chai. This is batch No.1 of many more to come. I hope you enjoy and do let me know which one was your favourite and also, this is the the first time I am putting this type of episode out. So, please do give me some feedback innit.
The Projects in the episode are as Follows:
Theatre
An Adventure by Vinay Patel & Kash Arshad at Octagon Theatre
An Adventure follows three decades tale of a couple who meet in post-partition India in 1954, marry and move first to Nairobi then 1970s England.
Cast: Esh Alladi, Saba Shiraz, Daon Broni & Jessica Kaur.
Period Party by Gayathiri Kamalakanthan at Hampstead Theatre with Kali Theatre
Period party tells a story of a South Asian non-binary Queer teen. Who through this journey and celebration of a period party is going on a journey of discovering who they are.
Concha by Carly Fernandez & Manisha Sondhi at Brixton House
Concha is a semi-autobiographical show following our lead who is queer and trans, on discovering they have chlamydia, and how they must now inform their recent sexual partners.
Cast: Carly Fernandez.
10 Nights by Shahid Iqbal Khan & Kash Arshad at Bush Theatre with Tamasha Theatre
10 Nights about our lead character Yasser who decides to take part in itikaf, which is sleeping and fasting in the mosque for the last ten nights of Ramadan. And how that experiences pushes him to deal with certain things in the past.
Cast: Zaqi Ismail, Safyan Iqbal & Sumayya Si- Tayaeb.
After The End by Dennis Kelly and Lyndsey Turner at Theatre Royal Stratford East
After The End tells a tale about a city under attack from a nuclear blast. As the dust settles, Louise wakes to find herself in a fallout shelter with Mark, the colleague who has saved her life. They have enough water and food to last two weeks. Now they just need to find a way of surviving each other.
Cast: Nick Blood & Amaka Okafor.
Our Streets by Beth Kapalia & co at Tara Theatre
Our Streets explores through film and live performance, a group of 14-18-year-old women and non-binary people of Wandsworth will take the audience on an adventure through the city, all while never leaving the theatre. Delving into a variety of themes, including recent events and discussions around women’s safety in London, Our Streets will open up the conversation of what Wandsworth could and should look like if we all played a part in designing and imagining our local urban landscapes.
Cast: Hania, Leona, Issy, Charly, Shania, Anousha, Violet, Daniella & Blu.
The Hen-nah Party by Amani Saeed at Richmix
The Hen-Nah Party is all of the joy of a henna night without the stress, gender norms, and aunties at the wedding.
Featured Artists: Amrit Kaur, Amani Saeed, Sanah Ahsan and Meral Alizada.
Rouge by Marion Motin by Rambert Dance
Rouge is about finding our real selves: our instinct and nature, rather than our culture. It’s about leaving the artificial world to just live, to connect with real bodies and real people
Cast: Daniel Davidson, Juan Gil, Liam Francis, Miguel Altunaga, Aishwarya Raut, Simone Damberg Würtz &Guillaume Quéau.
Film
Stalling it by Jemma Moore & Caroline Ward
Stalling It follows five toilet stalls, three bridesmaids, one pregnancy test, one nosey neighbour - zero ideas of what to do next. The 1980's an era of female independence, sexual freedom, experimentation, self expression and style. Sometimes. It's 1988, Sammy, Bethan and Jo are bridesmaids at their best friend's wedding. Their outfits are fabulous, their hair do's are huge, the nuptials have been made and the drinks are now flowing. We join our bridesmaids in the midst of the time honoured female tradition...the joint bathroom break.
Cast: Sophie Hopkin, Jemma Moore, Caroline Ward & Sacharissa Claxton.
Little Sky by Jess X Snow
Little Sky follows the journey of SKY, a Chinese-American pop star who returns to the city they were raised in to find their estranged immigrant father. Haunted by their childhood memories, SKY risks their non-binary identity to end the cycle of violence in their family. In the confrontation, SKY discovers something that changes how they feel about the people they love.
Cast: Wo Chan, Kyoko Takenaka, Fenton Li, Yiging Zhao, Austin Deng, Bruce Liu & Tao Qiu.
How To Raise a Black Boy by Justice Jamal Jones
How To Raise a Black Boy follows four boys as they journey through a fantastical world of black boyhood, queer identity, and fraternity in a modern reimagining of the fairy tale genre.
Cast: Maiya Blaney, Rodney Chrome, Christian Coston-Payne, Emperor Kaioyus, Eric Payne, Rayceen Pendarvis, Justin Smith, Nicklaus Vallie & Cory Walkers.
Yaha Waha by Sarah Li
Yaha Waha follows a South Asian DJ and a performance artist use their platforms to celebrate their heritage.
Cast: Almas Badat, Anthony Pius (Bolly Illusion).
Shams by Pauline Beugnies
Shams follows Eden, a 30-year-old Belgian woman, works in a cultural center a few thousand kilometers away from her home, in the bustling capital of Cairo. She makes a life-changing encounter with a young woman named Shams. One day, Shams brutally disappears. With the support and friendship of two valiant young Egyptians, Eden starts a fight against her own fears, denials and bias to find Shams.
Cast: Claire Beugnies, Amina El Banna, Reem El Maghraby, Zainab Magdy & Alaa Taha.
Baba by Adam Ali & Sam Arbor
Baba is about an unexpected discovery forces Britannia, a gay Libyan teenager, to question whether to stay or flee his beloved homeland.
Cast: Adam Ali, Mudar Abbar, Ahmed Elmusrati, Ali Gadema, Samar Abu Kaf, Elysia Kazinos, Colette Dala Tchantcho & Usaim Younnis.
Beirut Dreams in Color by Michael Collins
Beirut Dreams in Color tells the stories of Masrou’ Leila, a Lebanese rock band with an outspoken gay singer, and Sarah Hegazy, an Egyptian activist. Both parties have experienced oppression because of their sexual orientation and beliefs. The short documentary shows what it’s like for the LGBTQIA+ community to be oppressed and threatened by the governments in the Middle East.
The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night by Fawzia Mirza & Kausar Mohammad
The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night is about Pakistani Muslim woman brings her Puerto Rican girlfriend home for the first time on the family's annual game night.
Cast: Kausar Mohammad, Vico Ortiz, Meera Rohit Kumbhani, Pia Shah & D'Lo.
Meenakhsi Sundareshwar by Vivek Soni & Aarsh Vora
Meenakhsi Sundareshwar is about a couple who are forced to live apart due to a unique job prospect. Follow along as the two newlyweds face the hassles, hiccups - and hilarity - that arise from their long distance marriage.
Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Abhimanyu Dasani , Shivkumar Subramaniam, Nivedita Bhargava, Purnendu Bhattacharya, Komal Chhabria, Manoj Mani Mathew, Archana Iyer, Ritika Shrotri, Kalp Shah, Mahesh Pillai, Sonali Sachdev, Varun Shashi Rao, Sukhesh Arora, Khuman Nongyai, Danish Sood & Guneet Wahan
Muhafiz by Pradipta Ray & Ashutosh Pathak
Muhafiz is set against a backdrop of sectarian violence, can a gay Hindu man find the courage to help a Muslim?
Cast: Jaydeep Ashra, Deepak Chunara, Rishabh Dhangra, Prerna Gandhi, Pradeep Kumar, Arfi Lamba, Prince Mahajan, Angel Modi, Kamiesh Rajendra Patil, Rohan Pujari, Sushant Sharma, Mukesh Shukla, Akash Sinha, Shiv Tandan & Neha Vyas.
Series
Delhi Crime by Richie Mehta.
Delhi Crime is based on the Nirbhaya case, Delhi Crime follows the Delhi Police investigation into the finding of the men who perpetrated this crime.
Cast: Shefali Shetty, Adil Hussain, Denzil Smith, Rasika Dugal, Rajesh Tailang · Yashaswini Dayama, Aaron Kaplan, Jeff Sagansky, Anurag Arora, Jaya Bhattacharya, Vinod, Sharawat, Gopal Datt, Sidharth Bhardwaj, Swati Bhatia, Gaurav Rana, Amitabh Acharya, Sanjay Bishnoi, Shobhna Bharadwaj, Mridul Sharma & Abhilasha Singh.
A Black Lady Sketch Show by Robin Thede.
A Black Lady Sketch Show is A half-hour sketch comedy written by and starring Robin Thede.
Cast: by Robin Thede, Gabrielle Dennis, Ashley Nicole Black, Quinta Brunson and Skye Townsend.
Yearly Departed by Linda Medoza & Amazon Prime
Yearly Departed is a comedy special that tackles some of the end of year highlights that people probably want to forget about. There is a 2020 show as well a 2021 instalment.
Cast: (2020) Phoebe Robinson featuring Rachel Brosnahan, Tiffany Haddish, Patti Harrison, Natasha Leggero, Sarah Silverman, Christina Aguilera, Natasha Rothwell, and Ziwe. (2021) Yvonne Orji featuring Chelsea Peretti, Jane Fonda, Aparna Nancherla, Alessia Cara, Dulcé Sloan, Megan Stalter & X Mayo.
Special by Ryan O’Connel
Special follows A young gay man with cerebral palsy branches out from his insular existence in hopes of finally going after the life he wants.
Cast: Ryan O'Connell, Jessica Hecht, Punam Patel. Marla Mindelle, Augustus Prew, Patrick Fabian & Max Jenkins.
Sort Of by Bilal Baig & Fab Filippo
Sort Of follows a gender-fluid millennial who straddles various identities, exposing the identities and labels that are no longer applicable.
Cast: Bilal Baig , Gray Powell, Amanda Cordner, Ellora Patnaik, Grace Lynn Kung, Supinder Wraich, Alanna Bale & Kaya Kanashiro.
Chernobyl by Craig Mazin
Chernobyl is based on a true story where in April 1986, an explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics becomes one of the world's worst man-made catastrophes.
Cast: Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Paul Ritter, Jessie Buckley, Adam Nagaitis, Con O'Neill, Adrian Rawlins, Sam Troughton, Robert Emms, David Dencik, Nadia Clifford, Douggie McMeekin, Alan Williams, Emily Watson, Paul Ritter, Karl Davues, Michael Socha, Laura Elphinstone & Jan Riccia.
Q-Force by Gabe Liedman
Q- Force follows handsome secret agent and his team of LGBTQ superspies embark on extraordinary adventures.
Cast: Sean Hayes, Matt Rogers, Wanda Sykes, Patti Harrison, Gary Cole, David Harbour & Laurie Metcalf.
Honourable Mentions
- Made in Heaven on Amazon Prime.
- Four More Shots Please! On Amazon Prime.
Podcasts
Las Culturistas by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers.
Las Culturistas is a pop-culture and comedy podcast co-hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers,
Honourable Mentions
- No Thank You, Please
- Brown People We Know
- Talk Art
- Bitten Peach Pod
- I’m Still Standing
- The Front Room
- Kiki In The Cronx
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Chai with Rai (Ep.26). In conversation with Brinda Guha where we sat and discussed the lineage and history of Classical Indian Dance, from her journey of Kathak to Manipuri to Flamenco. We discussed Brinda's work, the codifying of Classical Dance, Culture Appropriation and her thoughts on Activism.
We had to rush this episode and fit a lot of topics in but I am grateful to have Brinda on here to share her perspective and educate on so many things. I hope you enjoy this Cuppa Filled episode.
A bit about Brinda:
Brinda is a Dancer, Actress, model, Choreographer, Curator (WiseFruit) and Artistic Director ( Kalamandir School of Dance) based in America. Her Background in Dance began from the North Indian Classical Dance style Kathak under the tutelage of her mother Smt. Malabika Guha. Alongside that Learning Flamenco from Dionisia Garcia of Flamenco NYC. She also studied other forms of Classical Indian dance, including Manipuri East Indian Classical dance from Smt. Kalavati Devi and her daughter, Bimbavati Devi.
Brinda currently dances with Soles of Duende, a multicultural percussive trio rooted in the rhythms of Tap (Amanda Castro), Flamenco (Arielle Rosales), and Kathak (Guha). She is also the artistic director of Kalamandir Dance Company, main faculty of Kalamandir School of Dance Inc., curator at Wise Fruit NYC, which has had over 10 showcases and raised money for Plant Parenthood and Action fund. And is also an administrator at Dance/NYC.
Her choreographic works have been showcased at Brooklyn Dance Festival, NYCDA Dance Festival, Young Choreographer's Festival, Broadway Dance Center Professional Semester Showcase, Gowanus Arts Center, Secret Theater, Dixon Place, Grounds for Sculpture, George St. Playhouse, NJ State Theater, Funktion Dance Complex, The Knockdown Center, Hammerstein Ballroom, Madison Square Garden, and much more. he has set work with Andy Blankenbuehler, Justin Conte, Phil Orsano, Derek Mitchell, Neil Schwartz, Ashle Dawson, Kumari Suraj, Lauren Cox, Carlos Neto, Omari Mizrahi, Myriam Gadri, Ginger Cox & Subhasis Das.
Brinda's acting credits include “Pagla Ghora”, directed by celebrated Bollywood filmmaker, Amol Palekar. She later debuted a lead role at the South Asian Theater Festival’s staging of “Red Oleanders” and “The Little Clay Cart” (2009, 2010). Brinda has performed in small theater productions since, including the lead in Gargi Mukherjee's "Our Voices", as well as in a segment directed by Subhasis Das for 2015's South Asian Theater Festival's Theater In Break installment of "Ami Chitragada", which ultimately traveled to five venues over the course of 2017.
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/d-xuQGS6_6E
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/brindaguha/ & https://www.instagram.com/kalamandirdanceco/ & https://www.instagram.com/wisefruitnyc/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://www.brindaguha.com/
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Chai with Rai (Ep.25). In conversation with Ishita Mili where we sat and discussed the dance space in the U.S from a South Asian perspective and just as an Artist.
We discussed Ishita's view on the Indian Classical industry, her family and of course her company IMGE Dance. We dived deep into conversations about cultural appropriation, the joys and consequences of creating experimental work. The digital space and its progression, what that has done to the arts industry. Her vocabulary and voice as an artist.
He works from performing at Lincoln Centre to Seattle International Dance Festival. We also discussed DDCON, a question I have been questioning myself -- that should South Asian dancers in the industry have a fundamental knowledge in our culture and our dances? And how we are often boxed as either Classical dancers or Bollywood dancers.
So much we dove into and we talked that I can barely cover. This was a long one but definitely a juicy episode.
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/d-xuQGS6_6E
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/ishitamili/ & https://www.instagram.com/imgedance/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: htthttps://linktr.ee/ishitamili
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Chai with Rai (Ep.24). In conversation with Daniel O'Meara where we sat and discussed his tremendous 25+ career in acting and over 40 movies. For films such as "Here Lies" with Christian McKay, award wining film "Under the Skin" with Samantha Morton, "Deadly famous" with Eric Roberts "Ironclad" starring Brian Cox, Jason Flemync and Paul Giamatti,. Daniel is truly a mesmerising actor to watch and a great director to be around.
Daniel also coaches and directs and focuses his 40 years of experience into Actors Crib. Actors Crib are drop-in workshops. Designed to develop, challenge and inspire actors. These classes will improve an actor to their full potential. To be fighting fit for auditions, and confident in a range of roles. 'To be the best they can be'. PS they are global too. Daniel also works on Zoom with students Internationally and in person for classes and workshops in London. So wherever, you are I would say give Daniel a line.
We discussed all things industry from his credentials, to acting methodologies such as Meisner, Grotowski, Alexander, to the business of the industry, the nepotism that surrounds the industry, our egos, the digital space and so much more.
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/gaIyxvdiViI
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://instagram.com/actorscrib & https://www.instagram.com/daniel_omeara_/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://www.actorscrib.co.uk
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Chai with Rai (Ep.23). In conversation with Mavin Khoo where we sat and discussed stories from his career, life lessons and the world of Classical Dancing. It was beautiful to dive into his rich career and discuss how there isn't still a lot of representation when it comes to the world of Contemporary and Classical Ballet.
A conversation that really stood out in the episode was our discussion on sexuality and gender. How Mavin discusses the word androgynous, a word he has been called often. Mavin also fondly spoke of his training and his relationship to his Guru and his teachers. He also spoke where he fits in today's world of giving back that knowledge as a coach, artist and a choreographer.
At the end of the episode we had a lot of laughter, as we discussed switching off and diving into some reality tv. Real Housewives and Wendy Williams were amongst the top shows of our banter.
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/PT_xpWfINRM
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/mavin_khoo/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://www.akramkhancompany.net/company-profiles/mavin-khoo/
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
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Chai with Rai (Ep.22). In conversation with author Shweta Aggarwal where we sat and discussed her other accolades from writing, such as owning a Bollywood Company- Threebee. Which ran successfully for 10 years and they were the first Bollywood Dance Company to feature and make it to Semi-Finals of Britains Got Talent.
Shweta also has received Asian woman of achievement award for Arts and Culture in 2016 and was invited By her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace For an event in 2017. Also, being an author to the popular kids books Dev and Ollie and we discussed her new novel The Black Rose Book, which focuses her experiences on colourism within the south asian community. We heavily discussed Colourism in South Asian Community. The complexities of being working/ labour class, how its unjust to women vs men and of course beauty standards all around the world.
We had such a good chat talking about UK Dance politics, the Bollywood scene in the UK, how you set up a company and the logistics of it. How it is to be a self published author, her experience with her successful accomplishments. As well how she dealt with the low times in her life and what lessons she learnt from them.
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Uk_xs5R6nwE
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/theblackroseway/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://linktr.ee/theblackrosewriter & http://devandollie.com
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Chai with Rai (Ep.21). In Conversation with Saloni Saraf where we sat and discussed her journey with Kathak, the dance industry in the UK. The South Asian Classical Indian Dance Space vs Experimental work vs Bollywood. The survival toll that one can have whilst being a freelancer and gaining opportunities.
Having a brother that also works in the entertainment industry and creating connections with others in there industry. Her work for productions such as Kattam Katti, Swan Lake and Glastonbury. We also got into discussing politics through her Documentary ‘The Saffron Republic”. Which dives into the caste, media and political space in India. How that was received and why it was created. Then at the end as usual we played some fun games and you have to check out the full video for the Improv dancing alone!
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/2MLo9ocVEAc
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/salonis/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Chai with Rai (Ep. 20)- In conversation with the Nikkita Chadha where we sat and discussed the entire industry basically. From Nikkita's evolution as a dancer into modelling and acting. To discussing what it means to have credits such as: Rimmel London, Asos, Selfridges, Voxi, Tok Tok, Schuh, Master Card, Halifax, Bohoo, River Island, Adidas, Wowcher, Charlotte Tilbury, Google, Cartier & Reebok to name a few. But also acting credits with projects such as Mubarakan, The Long Goodbye, Cornershops, Turn up Charlie, Bring on the Bollywood, The Eternals, Cinderella and Never Kiss your best friend.
Nikkita has such a rich career and a great support circle and we discussed how it feels to have that encouragement as a South Asian woman. How the narrative and opportunities need to change in the industry to being more inclusive. Such as not just having Brown dancers together in a project that is just brown based. Or stereotyping POC to ethnic roles and to progress the narrative.
We also discussed Nikkita's struggle with mental health and anxiety. How she copes with it's triggers and seeks help when needed. How she deals with being a freelancer and feeling like enough isn't enough often. We also discussed that if she didn't have all of the accolades she has, the support of her close group, her physical and mental confidence would she continue to do what she is doing today.
We also dove into being an influencer, the usage of Social platforms and transferring that into opportunities. Her strong connection to her roots as a South Asian person. What the exterior perspective of that is like either being a female or a POC. How she navigates with the politics of the industry and being on set. How the industry treats you and your community. What she would like for her future now and what projects she seeks. And lastly who is a bigger star-- her mother or Nikkita?
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/ZsYR-d4_DN4
Social Media: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/nikkitachadha/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7703116/
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Chai with Rai (Ep.19) - In conversation with Jess Baddie where wwe sat and discussed Jess's accolades from with Nike London, to being featured in Elle, Evening Standard UK. Being in campaigns for Puma and Tesco to choreographing 2018 World Cup video ft Will Smith Nick Jam and Era Istrafi.
We of course discussed all things Dancehall, what it means to be in Dancehall Funk Worldwide, how Jess trains in Dancehall still and travels to Jamaica and internationally to learn from different crews. As well sponsors them to come and teach in the UK.
We also discussed body image issues, confidence, sexuality. An outlook on life, Dance culture, digital space, Being an artist, her business ventures and evolution from a dancer to working on Suns Nature and ambassador for brands such as Agora World.
Since the episode was taped Jess has ventured into Dj'ing and recently DJ'd at a high profile gig in Turkey amongst being booked for some major festivals coming up in 2022. We also discussed Jess's confidence and the kindness she shares with the community and her friends. How she deals with the politics and the High's/ Low's of the entertainment industry.
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/TM2-C6Kxc2Q
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/jessbaddiee/
https://www.instagram.com/sunsnature/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://linktr.ee/JessBaddie
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Chai with Rai (Ep.18)- In conversation with Aishwarya Raut where we sat and discussed all things dance from India to the UK basically. From working with tycoon companies such as Shiamak to now being with Rambert Dance. We also discussed the lack of South Asian representation in the Contemporary community compared to other POC. As well why there aren't a lot of choreographers or creative directors or even Movement Directors that are of South Asian decent leading some of the biggest brand campaigns.
We discussed how it feels to be in a rep company and the pro's and con's of that as a dancer and a creative artist. We discussed Aishwarya's prospective for the future, for the community, the support and love of her family & friends. Being a female POC dancer and how that is viewed by the community and industry- be it stereotyping to racism, sexism and more.
Aishwarya is also signed to a commercial agency, to which we discussed the different pockets of the creative industry and its challenges on where to fit and how to survive. This episode was also recorded during a time where covid measures were being lifted, to which we discussed how that took a toll on your mental health and physically as a dancer. How she returned with Rambert and were creating works in which senses and movements were restricted.
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/9OylW82lPCk
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/aishwarya__raut/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in.
To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Chai with Rai (Ep.17) - In Conversation with Sunil Gupta where we discussed everything from LGBTQ+ rights, being an activist for the community to discussing being so vulnerable and open about himself in his work. From his HIV positive diagnosis and documenting that to his past relationships and more.
We also discussed gay culture everything from cruising to Grindr and the digital way of meeting up. How queer culture exists in such a free form today, how the LGBTQ+ South Asian experience is represented and the lack of voices for it in mainstream or even arts experience.
We also discussed what it means to be a photographer, is art subjective and does it belong in a gallery or an exhibition? How the culture surrounding safe spaces has also changed in the UK? His culture exposure from moving to Canada, US and UK from India. Working with charities such as GLC and what it meant to be around the activism era of the 80's onwards. I was also intrigued to ask that if you are a person of the LGBTQ+ community, do you have a responsibility to be knowledgeable about its history and have an active voice for those who don't?
We also touched up on Sunil's love stories and finding his partner now, known to us as "Husband Ji".
To watch the show
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/sunilgupta7402/
Websites
Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://www.sunilgupta.net
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Chai with Rai (Ep.16)- In conversation with Raymond Chai where we sat and discussed his tremendous résumé- from working with Royal Shakespeare Company to Royal National Theatre, National Ballet and Rambert Dance. Working also with legends such as Matthew Bourne, Richard Alston and Akram Khan to name a few.
I also was intrigued to find out the technicalities of what it means to be a Ballet Master. We also talked about Raymond's acting career from Cats to King and I. His choreographic and teaching works.
We also dove deep into the classical Ballet world, the politics of it and how the word diversity is thrown around but yet the art form still has a long way to progress in it's approach.
To watch the video:
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/raymondochai/
Links:
Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
Guest: https://raychai.wordpress.com
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Chai with Rai (Ep.15)- In conversation with Ridaa Husain from Dance Bhangra. We sat and discussed all things Bhangra, Representation and stereotypes of being a Pakistani dancer and in specific and being a Pakistani Female Bhangra Dancer. The toxic space often created by the competition scene but also having a dance family that supports you. How people still misinterpret folks dances and label it under one umbrella that is Bollywood.
Her passion for the arts, her perspective, coming from a supportive family that encourages her path rather than discourages. What sets Dance Bhangra, Ridaa's Dance brand from others and how she really emphasises the beauty of folk dance. How it felt being the first female Bhangra coach for her team and then win The Bhangra Showdown in 2018. How it feels to work with Desi frenzy and other punjabi artists. To be nominated and also win the Best Dance Group for the UK Bhangra Dance Awards 2020.
The future of Dance Bhangra and of course her travels. I also want to shout out Ridaa for becoming a mummy to a beautiful baby boy since our interview and I cannot wait to see him in all the dance comps as now Ridaa will become a stage mom lol.
To watch the video:
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest- https://www.instagram.com/dancebhangra/
Websites: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum Guest: https://www.dance-bhangra.com/
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Chai With Rai (Ep.14)- In conversation with Eden Pereira . Where we sat and discussed the dance culture in India. How his love for contemporary began and the stereotypes of being a male dancer-- be that from the styles of dances or even just being Asian and expected to dance in Bollywood.
We also discussed training, technique, ballet, Danceworx Performing Academy with Ashley Lobs. How Eden's approach to choreography and teaching changed during Lockdown. Being a faculty member for The Big Dance Centre and the survival of a dancer in India.
I also had to find out Eden's inspiration, whose vocabulary he admires as a creative and his approach to choreography. And of course the variations of contemporary dance practiced and showcased in India.
To watch the video:
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest- https://www.instagram.com/edendpereira/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
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Chai with Rai (Ep.13)- In conversation with Georgie Bloy as we sat and basically just caught up. Georgie is a great friend of mine and we had to discuss the myths and secrets of fitness and PT.
Georgie has a real kind and ethical approach to fitness and it transpires through her. I had to find out where that stems from and how she manages to deal mentally in an industry which constantly judges you from your appearance. Especially being a female.
We also dove deep into the boutique fitness industry and the new age PT's mindset, the instagram and social media Fitness instructors. Why qualifications and and an access to facilitating fitness programs has become so over saturated.
We also discussed Georgie's modelling and acting career. How that passion plays into her life today. If she misses the entertainment industry and will she do more projects in that space. We also discussed anxiety and how to develop tools to recognise the triggers. How to deal with constant exterior marketing campaigns that can trigger us. How also being in lockdown was another trigger and challenged Georgie as a freelancer.
To watch the video:
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest- https://www.instagram.com/georgiebloy/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
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Chai with Rai (Ep.12)- In conversation with Gairik Dutta Paul where we sat and discussed the dance culture in India. How Gairik's career in Dancehall began even though he trained in other styles.
We discussed the IDVP program at Danceworks and the culture of training camps. What privileges you gain from being a faculty member at The Big Dance Centre in India. We also dove deep into survival as a dancer in India. How unions and agencies have an unconventional method and to survive a lot of dancers predominantly end up teaching. How Bollywood can be blessing and a curse.
I had to also find out Gairik's recovery from his injury which prevented his passion to dance. Breaking down sexualisation of dancehall and how that fits into the dance culture in India. How he choreographs and what style/ vocabulary he mostly identifies his artistic voice with.
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/xGXmN2Vc6Is
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/gairikduttapaul/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
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Chai with Rai (Ep.11)- In conversation with Sophia Rabinovitz of Activism Dance Theatre where we discussed how you create art for a dance theatre company that focuses on socialism, historical and political work. How Sophia's vision has evolved since creating the company? The logistics of setting up a company-- the pro's and con's of it.
We also discussed the dance space in New Orleans. How Sophia now owns a dance studio in NOLA and what the focus of the space is. We also discussed how she will be working with detention centres more. And of course the vision for its future. We discussed her stance on feminism and how she her views reflect not only her ethical & political stances but also her as a person... as an artistè.
We also discussed Sophia's fitness and mental health journey. Being in a blended family and an interracial relationship. Lastly, knowing Sophia -- I had to get her take on the digital space and if she feels better about utilising it as a marketing tool for her brand.
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/jaRT5jbnKwc
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/msmindfulmuscles/ & https://www.instagram.com/artivismdance/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum Guest: https://www.artivismdance.com
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Chai with Rai (Ep.10)- In conversation with Chloe Laureyns where we discussed everything Fitness. From working in a fitness boutique studio to the mass gyms out there. We discussed the myths that surround fitness and how that affects our relationship to our bodies.
Chloe also spoke very openly about mental health issues she struggles with. And how she manages that relationship with herself and her spirituality. The anxiety that is triggered and how to recognise that it is time to step away.
We also discussed how the use of Digital media can affect us and how to utilise it but safeguard yourself. To be transparent but motivating. And of course her brand Bodies By Chloe.
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/R9JlWiBBsbk
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/bodiesbychloe/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
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Chai with Rai (Ep.9)- In conversation with Saran Kohli where we sat and discussed everything fashion, his connection dance, music and how his mother Mani Kohli influenced the South Asian arts scene in the UK and him.
We discussed his dance career from Company 68, to Broadway Dance Centre to being in a show, showcased at The Oliver Awards. Saran discussed his main influence being Michael Jackson and how that influenced his own vocabulary. We also discussed the dance industry in the UK being South Asian and how we are usually bought together for only SA based projects as oppose to our POC counterparts. We also dove into wether South Asian talent should have a fundamental knowledge of their culture and their roots, especially when in the arts.
Saran also talked in such passion about Vitiligo and all of the work that he has done for himself and the community. Recently he launched a face mask with artist Mira Abad. And he has got some great projects in the work.
We also touched on Marvels The Eternals and another project for which he danced in and designed the costumes for. His own clothing line Saran Kohli has been worn by Sachin Tendulkar, JLS, Jay Sean, Ashley Walters (Top Boy), Lenny Henry, Juggy D, Mumzy Stranger, Ameet Chana and H Dhami amongst others.
Saran Kohli Label has since been featured in GQ, Esquire and Asian Wealth Magazine. The list of international celebrities, influencers and bloggers wearing SKL and being styled by Saran himself has grown to include Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London), Sachin Tendulkar, Amandeep Singh (Aka Inkquistive), and Big Narstie amongst others with pieces being featured in New York Times, GQ UK, GQ France, GQ America and UK Esquire. SKL has now also branched out to designing uniforms for the hospitality industry; The Bloomsbury Hotel and St James Court (TAJ Hotel) in London being the most recent endeavor in collaboration with Bencivenga Alta Sartoria.
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/on1PGOzHUi8
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/sarankohli/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum Guest: https://www.sarankohli.com
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Chai with Rai (Ep.8)- In Conversation with Mandeep Virk Randhawa where we sat and discussed all things Dance with MVR. How she created a platform out of pure love and missing out on the opportunity to share the love of Bhangra and Giddha.
I also wanted to dive in how often when describing Bhanrgra the community fails to mention that it originates both from India and Pakistan. Rather than just Punjab in India.
We dove into the how Bhangra, Giddha and Boliyan are often boxed as Bollywood and the misrepresentation of it. We talked of the new age way of learning and teaching. What the folk styles mean to her and her close relationship to it.
We also discussed her work with of course PBN, Gary Sandhu and more. Her work with Phulkaria Girls and Tohr PD. Also, you have to check out the freestyle Boliyan and Dancing at the end.
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/gywOQiCgn-g
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/dancewith_mvr/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
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Chai with Rai (Ep.7)- In conversation with Tobin Thomas Where we sat and discussed the Indian Classical space, specifically in Canada. We also dove into what it means to be a South Asian dancer and choreographer.
Creating and owning a company-- the work and financial value going into it. From conceptualising work to finding opportunities to showcase it. I also wanted to dive into the imagery Tobin creates in his work. He has a way of highlighting the Brown skin and in specific, a female perspective in such a breathtaking medium. I also, wanted to ask his process in creating choreography which was so interesting to dive into.
We dove into the popularity scheme that being in this industry you can often feel. Specialising in something but also covering all pockets. Having to be boxed and stereotyped. We also had to discuss Shadow Entertainment (Tobin's Dance Company) performing at TEDX Don Mills.
Tobin has kept busy with his company Shadow Entertainment, recently being in Canada's Got Talent. Tobin truly is an exceptional talent and I look forward to the work he creates not only for the community but how he broadens that vision to a global language.
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/Zfkd6j3Gces
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/tobinthomas/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
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Chai with Rai (Ep.6)- In conversation with Simone Damberg Würtz. Where we sat and talked contemporary dance in Europe and especially in the UK. We discussed how it feels to be a principle dancer in a rep company (Rambert Dance).
Simone alongside Nancy and Julia from Rambert Dance also created a new initiative called "The Playground" at Rambert. Which allows emerging choreographers and artists of all disciplines to come together once a month and create an exchange.
We also dove into Simone's Danish heritage, her career trajectory, her voice as an artist and choreographer. Her thoughts on Lyrical, Commercial and Entertainment in general. Where it is, where it is going and my favourite topic the usage of Digital imprint.
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/_MIfuy2u3yQ
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/ms_stackhouse/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum Guest: https://linktr.ee/SimoneDambergWurtz
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Chai with Rai (Ep.5)- In conversation with Guleraana Mir where we sat and discussed her work with the Thelma's and of course her play Coconut (which brought me such joy). We dove into the high's and low's of being a playwright. Her process and advice for upcoming writers.
Her thoughts on being boxed and stereotyped as POC Female writer and how we need more bold voices in the industry creating programming. We talked about feminism and her views on empowerment/ having a seat at the table.
We also discussed the R&D process of creating a show, why she doesn't direct anymore and prefers in theatre realm to be known as a theatre practitioner.
Since recording the show I have had the honour to meet and call Guleraana for industry related issues. She has been a great supported and just a kind person. She has some great projects in the pipeline from TV to film and of course more theatre work.
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/3XxSzBmwv-M
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://twitter.com/g_ting
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum Guest: https://linktr.ee/guleraana
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Chai with Rai (Ep.4)- In conversation with Emma Farnell Watson where we sat and discussed her work with companies such as Hofesch Schecter, Jasmin Vardimon and Shahar Binyamini. Being the face of brands such as Garnier, Vodafone and more. We discussed in the lengths the differentiation and specificity of Contemporary Dance vs Contemporary lyrical. We also discussed how to safeguard our mental health whilst being in this industry and what life lessons she has specifically learnt from.
We dove into her training and her thoughts into the industry being a trained dancer signed to some of the top agencies vs being a freelancer and not having a "traditional" training background. We also talked about Emma's joy for life, her optimism (knowing her as a friend), her process when she is doing a show or even on set. I also wanted to ask about how she manages her relationship with her partner, being that they are both performers. We also had an in depth conversation about privilege and sharing our opportunities with those around us.
I am so happy to know Emma and of her journey. Since doing the show Emma has continued her work with Hofesch but also has been choreographing work such as Jamie Cullum's music video. Curating a night in London for artists to showcase their work with her partner called Reune. Emma is currently with a high profile brand in creative directing their commercial and has a short film soon coming out. Keep your eyes peeled for this beaut babe.
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/XsTT312sRMU
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/efarnellwatson/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
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Chai with Rai (Ep.3)- In conversation with Sashin Kandhai where we discussed his amazing career as a multidimensional artists in South Africa . From his love of Bollywood cinema to being an actor, dancer, choreographer and director. We talked about his meeting of course with Madhuri Dixit on the hit Indian TV Show Dance Deewane.
To producing and starring in his own theatre show Gateway to Bollywood & Kuch Kuch Happens. We also spoke of his silk and aerial work with Oriental Fire. We dove deep into the entertainment space in South Africa, the digital space and where he is going to.
Since recording Sashin choreographed the movie Trippin' with the Kandasamys and being a judge on Dance Africa Dance.
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/_Gg6IEy3lQA
Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ Guest: https://www.instagram.com/sashinkandhai/
Links: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum
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Chai with Rai (Ep.2)- In conversation with Sonia Benito where we sat and discussed her work for brands such as Rimmel London. Her dance journey from Street Dance to Commercial work.
How she got into magic and developed a beautiful style. Her thoughts on the industry- from the magic industry not having enough female representation to how the dance industry is. We even discussed Sonia's journey into fitness and how she met her partner Hannah.
The beautiful love they share and the life they have built. Sonia also shared her views on the fast paced digital space and more.
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/j2G9rVzaM4Y
Social: Guest: https://www.instagram.com/soniabenito/ Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/
Websites: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum Guest: https://www.soniabenito.com
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Welcome to Chai with Rai (Ep.1)- I call this show my Digital jukebox of Hidden Gems, in which I reach out to people in the Entertainment and Fitness Industry. We discuss all things Industry, life lessons, politics, socialism, culture, history , the Digital space and more. Then at the end we play some fun games and reflect some more. I want the show to feel like we are having a conversation, with some banter involved but at the same time discuss some heavy topics. Agreeing to disagree and having that space to explore.
Episode 1- In conversation with Sonia Tharani of BollyDanz. We sat and talked all things Bollywood, from her favourite films, to favourite actors, songs, to dancers and choreographers she adores. What got her into dance, how she continues to keep the passion for it.
What her journey has been like in the industry-- from spirituality to career, her thoughts on the politics of the industry, the digital space. How she deals with stress and anxiety.
Her recovery from a car accident which left her in a very dark space and how her passion for dance recovered her. I am grateful for Sonia for being my first guest and encouraging me to venture on this new chapter. .
To watch the full video: https://youtu.be/C70f1chtNHw
Social: Guest: https://www.instagram.com/bollydanz/ Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/
Websites: Myself: https://linktr.ee/raimuitfum Guest: https://bollydanz.com
Hope you guys enjoy and Thank you for tuning in.
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