Chai with Rai

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 T he 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ar...

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 wa...

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.  Ța...

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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 healt...

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 Islam...

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 bal...

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...

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 app...

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 emo...

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...

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...

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:   T...

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 Dare to Lead with Brené Br...

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 Para...

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...

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...