Episode 20- In conversation with Nikkita Chadha
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 name a few. But also acting credits with projects such as Mubarakan, The Long Goodbye, Cornershops, Turn up Charlie, Bring on the Bollywood, The Eternals, Cinderella and Never Kiss your best friend.
Episode 19- In Conversation with Jess Baddie
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.
Episode 18- In Conversation with Aishwarya Raut
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 or even Movement Directors that are of South Asian decent leading some of the biggest brand campaigns.
Episode 17- In conversation with Sunil Gupta
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.
Episode 16- In Conversation with Raymond Chai
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.
Episode 15- In Conversation with Ridaa Husain
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 under one umbrella that is Bollywood.
Episode 14- In Conversation with Eden Pereira
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.
Episode 13- In Conversation with Georgie Bloy
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 from your appearance. Especially being a female.
Episode 12- In Conversation with Gairik Dutta Paul
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 dancer in India. How unions and agencies have an unconventional method and to survive a lot of dancers predominantly end up teaching. How Bollywood can be blessing and a curse.
Episode 11- In Conversation with Sophia Rabinovitz
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.
Episode 10- In Conversation with Chloe Laureyns (Bodies By Chloe)
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.
Episode 9- In Conversation with Saran Kohli
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.
Episode 8- In Conversation with Mandeep Virk Randhawa (Dance with MVR)
Chai with Rai (Ep.8)- In Conversation with Mandeep Virk Randhawa where we sat and discussed all things Dance with MVR. How she created a platform out of pure love and missing out on the opportunity to share the love of Bhangra and Giddha.
Episode 7- In Conversation with Tobin Thomas
Chai with Rai (Ep.7)- In conversation with Tobin Thomas Where we sat and discussed the Indian Classical space, specifically in Canada. We also dove into what it means to be a South Asian dancer and choreographer.
Episode 6- In Conversation with Simone Damberg Würtz
Chai with Rai (Ep.6)- In conversation with Simone Damberg Würtz. Where we sat and talked contemporary dance in Europe and especially in the UK. We discussed how it feels to be a principle dancer in a rep company (Rambert Dance).
Episode 5- In Conversation with Guleraana Mir
Chai with Rai (Ep.5)- In conversation with Guleraana Mir where we sat and discussed her work with the Thelma's and of course her play Coconut (which brought me such joy). We dove into the high's and low's of being a playwright. Her process and advice for upcoming writers.
Episode 4- In conversation with Emma Farnell Watson
Chai with Rai (Ep.4)- In conversation with Emma Farnell Watson where we sat and discussed her work with companies such as Hofesch Schecter, Jasmin Vardimon and Shahar Binyamini. Being the face of brands such as Garnier, Vodafone and more. We discussed in the lengths the differentiation and specificity of Contemporary Dance vs Contemporary lyrical. We also discussed how to safeguard our mental health whilst being in this industry and what life lessons she has specifically learnt from.
Episode 3- In Conversation with Sashin Kandhai
Chai with Rai (Ep.3)- In conversation with Sashin Kandhai where we discussed his amazing career as a multidimensional artists in South Africa . From his love of Bollywood cinema to being an actor, dancer, choreographer and director. We talked about his meeting of course with Madhuri Dixit on the hit Indian TV Show Dance Deewane.
Episode 2- In Conversation with Sonia Benito
Chai with Rai (Ep.2)- In conversation with Sonia Benito where we sat and discussed her work for brands such as Rimmel London. Her dance journey from Street Dance to Commercial work.
Episode 1- In Conversation with Sonia Tharani
Episode 1- In conversation with Sonia Tharani of BollyDanz. We sat and talked all things Bollywood, from her favourite films, to dancers and choreographers she adores. What got her into dance, how she continues to keep the passion for it. What her journey has been like in the industry-- from spirituality to career, her thoughts on the politics of the industry, the digital space.