Desi DNA

Anita Rani with Sikh Gatka expert
Programme 8

We debate whether Asian authors need to be authentic in their work… question if the Bhangra music scene is dead or alive…. find out why Madrid is dancing to Bollywood beats thanks to one British performer… and try our hand at Gatka, the ancient martial art form developed by the Sikh gurus.

    Anita Rani practicing gtaka move
    Gatka

    Anita Rani crosses swords with some young warriors as she learns the 17th century Sikh martial art of Gatka, a form of fighting which combines strength, spirituality and selflessness.

    Asian Literature
    Brit Asian Lit

    Nikki Bedi meets three British Asian authors whose books have caused a storm in the world of publishing and asks them if it’s essential their work be authentic.


    Bollywood dancer Sneha Mistry
    Bollywood Steps

    Adil Ray hot foots it to Madrid to meet a dance choreographer from the UK who has been showing the Spanish how to shake their booty in true Bollywood fashion.

    Bhangra Artist
    Who Killed Bhangra?

    Nihal turns detective and examines why the buzz has gone out of bhangra. Are piracy and poor quality music videos to blame or is it a case of the industry evolving in new directions?

    Adil Ray

    Adil Ray
    Weekdays, 15.00 - 19.00, BBC Asian Network
    News, music and entertainment

      Nihal

      Nihal
      Weekdays, 09.00 - 12.00, BBC Asian Network
      Daily discussion and interviews

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