Excited to be releasing an interview series with the the writers from the short audio storytelling series on Chai with Rai "Symphonies of Beaded Threads". Let's warm up that delicious cuppa and dive into it with Soria Hamidi who wrote "Take my Picture" About Soria: Soria Hamidi is an Afghan playwright, prose fiction writer and dramaturg. Her work f…

Getting into more deep chatter and games with the one and only Vidya Patel. Enjoy part 2 and you can also now listen to Part 1 HERE. In the episode we discuss: Culture of Dance commissioning. A tip on being financial savvy. A tip on funding, application how to get things done . A tip on dance artists transitioning into facilitation or choreographin…

Each surgical subspecialty has unique sets of challenges when performing their specific procedures. In plastic surgery, procedures for complex burns, hand injuries, and congenital deformities can require tissue/skin graft preparation and microscopic reapproximation. These challenges are only exacerbated when resources are limited - both in terms of…

This is going to be a two-parted episode BECAUSE I just had to dive into this brilliant human's mind. Got to speak with the incredible Choreographer, Movement artist and wonderful human that is Vidya Patel. From connecting on Gujarati sayings to discussing decoding Classical Indian dance, it's access, Uday Shankar and so much more! This is a jam pa…

Part 2 aka the final part with actor Tibu Fortes. From discussing reverence of Shakespeare to co-op's ( not the retail store). In the episode we discuss: Co-Op's - 3 tools you learnt from on being on the agency side and now to switching to a complete overall management. Lessons you have learnt from the craft about yourself and the craft? If you cou…

Finally managed to sit down with the incredible mind that is Tibu Fortes. Warm up your cuppas as we dive into a 2-parted episode with the actor discussing his morning routines, acting tools/tricks and playing Martin Bashir in his recent work at The Park Theatre. In the episode we discuss: Since this is Tibu's first ever interview in podcasting I ha…

This is PART 2 (Final part of the 100 episode Celebration) Massive Thank you to all the guests Two Chickpeas in a Podcast, Zoha Rahman , Jay Jay Revlon, Sanjay Lago and Meghna Bhalla. 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/…

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 dawn of a new year brings new resolutions, new perspectives, and new hope. And what better way to kick off 2024 than with our latest episode – one that explores global surgical topics as well as life lessons. We are proud to present our guest, Dr Myron Rolle, a former American football (NFL) player turned neurosurgeon. In this episode, we wil…

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 wi…

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. 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…

Today's melodic story from the series Symphonies of Beaded Threads is by Riana Howarth and is called "She'd Sit". 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 Riana: Riana is an as…

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 . 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 spa…

Halfway there and today’s story from the series Symphonies of Beaded of Threads is titled "38%" by Ra’eesah. 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 Ra'eesah: Ra’eesah is a mu…

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 kn…

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…

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…

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…

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, t…

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"! …

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-McDerm…

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 th…

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 sensitiv…

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 …

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 rel…

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 …

Leaving behind everything to escape war, persecution, or even natural disaster poses its own unique challenges. Forced relocation is difficult, creating a unique set of problems including housing, food, finances, and importantly, healthcare. Accessing these resources as a refugee is extremely difficult and uniquely convoluted. Refugee camps seek to…

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 an…

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 Patro…

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 …

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…

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 m…

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 duri…

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…

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 wo…

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 tha…

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…

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 f…

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 …

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…

As professionals working on a global scale, even the simplest of things must be challenged. Surgeons, lawyers, administrators, and many others, must adapt to become multifaceted individuals in this space. Surgery doesn’t just start and stop with the drapes. It involves supply chain, personnel management, legislation, advocacy, and so much more. In …

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 h…

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 anyb…

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 o…

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 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 b…

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 …

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 Kal…

Delivery of surgical services in low-resource settings is extremely difficult. Supply chain issues, funding, shortages of supplies, and even lack of healthcare professionals are each enormous hurdles in and of themselves. What about when civil conflict arises and a war begins? Increases in different types of injuries start to plague the already fra…

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 Howe…