Chai with Rai

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 nothin...

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...

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 medi...

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 a...

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 t...

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 t...

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...

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...

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 d...

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...

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 s...

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 i...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 u...

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....

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 u...

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 appr...

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...

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...

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...

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 he...

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 a...