This month marks 60 years of South Asian programming on the BBC with a special night of classic shows on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer, celebrating the past six decades of stories, creativity and culture, reflecting the lives of British South Asians across generations.
Since its beginnings in 1965, the BBC has brought British South Asian stories and voices to audiences across the UK. From early landmark shows such as ‘Make Yourself at Home’ and ‘Nai Zindagi Naya Jeevan’, through to iconic programmes in the 1980s and 90s like ‘Desi DNA’ and the trailblazing comedy ‘Goodness Gracious Me’, the BBC has showcased a range of connection, creativity and reflection through British South Asian expression.
This year, the BBC broadcasted Eid Live from Bradford. Recent dramas, comedies and documentaries sharpen the picture of representation, with titles such as ‘Amol Goes to the Ganges’, crime thriller ‘Virdee’, ‘Juice’ series 2, and children’s animation ‘Nikhil & Jay’, which showcases a dual heritage British Tamil family and has resonated with young audiences.
South Asian voices are thriving across the media. BBC Asian Network’s established presenters, Nikita Kanda and Haroon Rashid, continue to entertain audiences and fresh voices, such as ‘The Traitors’’ Jaz Singh bringing new energy to younger listeners.
Rima Ahmed, on BBC Radio Leeds and 5 Live, brings sharp interviews and a deep connection to communities, while Anita Rani on Woman’s Hour and Romesh Ranganathan on Radio 2 highlight South Asian talent on flagship shows.
Image: BBC
More recently, the podcast ‘Radical’ with Amol Rajan on BBC Sounds and Radio 4 has explored themes of innovation and identity, while the ‘Proms’ showcased a celebrated performance by Anoushka Shankar – a reminder of how South Asian creativity continues to resonate powerfully with the audience.
These creative strands converge to reflect modern Britain. People from South Asian backgrounds make up approximately 7.5% of the UK population (2021 Census) so it’s important that South Asian voices are represented across news, entertainment, drama, comedy, film, children’s content, music and podcasts – and crucially, behind the camera, in editorial decisions, commissioning and leadership roles.
The BBC’s anniversary celebrations will be a journey through the archives, with Meera Syal taking an affectionate look back at the Asian programming she grew up watching in Network East, and Asian Network DJ Bobby Friction sharing his love and knowledge of South Asian music while celebrating some of the genre’s most important, enduring and spectacular acts from across the decades.
Jessica Schibli, BBC Head of Creative Diversity, said: “60 years of South Asian programming across the BBC is a significant moment — celebrating pioneering shows that launched trailblazing talent, to today’s bold storytelling woven across our content. This anniversary is a celebration of the journey so far, and a reaffirmation of the BBC’s mission to serve all audiences and reflect modern Britain, including South Asian voices on air and in shaping our creative output.”
Looking ahead, South Asian storytelling remains at the heart of the BBC’s creative plans. The upcoming new drama series ‘Film Club’ launching on 7 October stars Nabhaan Rizwan, and explores love, family and friendship.
Later this year, Guz Khan will star in a new Christmas comedy ‘Stuffed’. ‘The Split Up’ introduces fresh British South Asian voices to drama, and the upcoming BBC film ‘Hamlet’ features Riz Ahmed and Anjana Vasan and presents a contemporary take on Shakespeare’s story through a South Asian lens.
