We are British Asians. We have a weird sort of identity. I think anyone who's kind of from a different continent, moved over here and born here you have like a dual personality.
I think being British means the old notion cause I'm old school, it's about having manners. I think Britain is very different to how it used to be its very louty. It's difficult though because I'm kind of a mixture, I'm kind of Muslim, Pakistani British. It's a strange mix but a good one.Which are your favourite TV channels?
I like C4 for its controversial documentaries and historical adaptations, BBC for its classic dramas and wildlife, Ch5 for its movies but ch4 is the best!
Which are your favourite TV programmes?
I liked Lost when it started but its gone a little bit weird now. Stargate, Life on Mars, Teachers... currently haven't had time to watch though. Friends and Simpsons are never unwelcome in my home!
Which programmes and channels do you watch specifically to do with your ethnicity?
I don't really watch Zee TV or b4u (Bollywood movie channel) for movies, more for the music. I watch gtv and ARY digital for all sorts of cookery programmes, dramas. DM digital has my support because it's a local channel. Well done.
qtv is good because it has a range of different programmes in different languages, aimed at different generations.
Who are the best characters on TV?
Ooh hard one to answer... news journalists? Jonathan Ross is great and I love Paul O'Grady.
Who do you consider role models on TV and outside of TV?
Dawn French and Lenny Henry are amazing and I remember their setting up of Comic Relief years ago. Also they are great entertainers.
I think Angelina Jolie, although a bit weird she has shown great substance in her support of UN/IDC.
Outside of TV I think all those 'nobodies' who inspire acceptance of diversity and change should be applauded.
I really admire the guy who set of Mumtaz food. He was the first guy to come up with Halal baby food, which is really important.
My dad, who has always told us to be pleasant and kind to everybody.What are your favourite/most used websites?
www.shadi.com cos I need to find a nice hubby ha ha ha. I use www.asianfaces.co.uk for small time media work, www.starnow.co.uk and the British Medical Journal online. I know boring.
Google is heaven for finding stuff. Hooray for Google!
Which sites do you use for networking?
MSN Messenger, www.naseeb.com and recently www.hi5.com . But I think I'm too old for that. Otherwise www.shadi.com and www.asianfaces.co.uk
What role do those sites play in your life?
You get to chat to people you wouldn't normally meet, discuss topics and see how the rest of the world think. It's truly an amazing concept. I can't live without the internet but it can be annoying when it doesn't work!
How has your use of the internet changed over time?
Well when I did my undergrad degree the internet wasn't that well utilised and I used books a lot more. But now on my new course everything is web based, including lectures!!! Weird. Communication via tutors is via web mail and it's a good way to keep in touch with mates all around the world. Email is wicked.
I like the internet for finding interesting facts that bug u in middle of the night.
What are you favourite radio channels?
I listen to Galaxy, and BBC Asian network because in Norfolk there is a serious lack of ethnic-ness! When I'm in Manchester at weekends I listen to Asian Sound radio and currently because it's Ramadan I listen to Radio Ramadan.
Who is your favourite DJ/radio presenter?
Adil Ray!!! Asian network
Which ethnic radio stations do you listen to and why?
I listen to Radio Ramadan, in English and Urdu so I get to improve my mother tongue and also because it gives hints and help for the month of spirituality.
Asian network is more for the British Asian youthfulness so it is what I class myself more as, keeps up to date with the music and arts scene.
Asian Sound radio for its corny Asian-ness that we all love so much. Plus it's a family radio station so we discuss comments and opinions after we've all listened.
What are your favourite magazines?
Glamour, Elle when I do buy them but it's v rarely. But more Asiana, Asian Woman...
British Medical Journal
Which brands do you value most and why?
Well it would have to be Microsoft for bringing us the internet and Apple for the lovely iPod. But BBC for the first news coverage via the radio waves, well I think it was BBC...?
Which brand is a truly multicultural British brand?
I think I would have to say cosmetics companies first, as we now see their use of varied models of all ethnicities used i.e. Maybelline campaign, L'Oreal with Aishwarya Rai and so on. These are internationally acclaimed wealthy companies with products used throughout the world. But then that's not British brands is it...
HSBC as they offer Halal mortgages, which for us is a big deal because our belief is we're not supposed to pay 'Interest' on something. Therefore, they seem to take a more ethnically sensitive view.
.....does the NHS count as a brand? They employ all ethnicities without discrimination because we simply do not have enough medical health professionals to discriminate against.
