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 nothing for Asian or other communities. He got into how organisations such as Shakti were set up as a space of safe haven for young Asian men from a concept of chai and samosa’s in it’s early days.

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 as online media presence. Do Views and numbers matter? How she manages to gain work without having an official website. And the challenges she faces being a female in a male dominated industry.

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.

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 digital space and its progression, what that has done to the arts industry. Her vocabulary and voice as an artist.

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.

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 a great director to be around.