New chat show for BBC Asian Network among schedule changes
BBC Asian Network is launching a new chat show in a podcast format, One More Chai airing on Wednesday evenings at 10pm.
The show, which launches on 17th April, will be hosted by SMASHBengali and Guranisha Randhawa, who will feature various trending topics each week from the Asian Network Birmingham hub.
Birmingham-born SMASHBengali currently hosts Asian Network’s Weekend Breakfast shows and Asian Network Certified, which he will continue to present alongside the new show.
Guranisha Randhawa joined the station last year and has spent time deputising across various shows.
SMASHBengali says: “Mate, I’ve always wanted to have a show that sits on a platform with the ability to reach people just like me.
“Me and Gura are over the moon to know we’re going to be able to create a space for much needed conversations within our communities. It’s going to be a laugh, it might get emotional, and we might even get an earful from our parents for some of the boundaries we push…but we’re excited for the ride. This is going to be iconic, and we hope you’ll join us on our journey with your own cup of chai.”
Guranisha Randhawa adds: “I am over the moon that I’ve landed myself a show with Asian Network. I can’t wait to get into all the juicy topics with Smash. I’m super grateful for the opportunity and I promise to be unapologetically my authentic self, hopefully it doesn’t offend anyone too much…!”
Ahmed Hussain, Head of Asian Network says: “I can’t wait for listeners to hear what SMASHBengali and Gura have in store for One More Chai. It’s been a while in the making and these two are the perfect pair to bring those belly laughs.
“Imagine the conversations you have from your living room to the chicken shop, from the shisha lounge to the dessert bars, to those long journeys on the motorways – this is the show where it all lives, and of course – there’s always time for One More Chai!”
Winner of The Apprentice 2022, Harpreet Kaur, is joining to host The Everyday Hustle on Mondays, 6am – 7am from 15th April as current host Sonya Barlow is leaving the show which will be produced in Birmingham and continue its on-demand scheduling.
Sonya will now focus on hosting her YouTube talk show, The Sonya Barlow Show, generating over 40,000 subscribers in 12 months, with interviews coming up with sports professionals, tech entrepreneurs and royal celebrities including Gilberto Silva, Sol Campbell and The Royal Princess of Saudi. She is also launching an ai enabled tech app to support the professional networking and mentorship of women.
Ahmed Hussain says: “I want to welcome Harpreet to Asian Network – she’s the perfect fit to take on the role and pick up the reins from Sonya. I also want to thank Sonya for her time on The Everyday Hustle, she’s been incredible since taking on the show.”
In other changes, West London’s DJ Kizzi, who has deputised and presented a number of Asian Network shows, will be presenting Saturdays 6pm – 9pm from 13th April. Panjabi Hit Squad, who currently have the Saturday slot will step down from 30th March but will continue to host their Friday show.
DJ Kizzi says: “I am so excited to be the new host for Saturday Nights on BBC Asian Network. It feels so surreal as it’s always been a dream of mine and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I’ll be bringing the Kizzi flavour to your Saturdays with a whole lot of energy and of course, the best music!”
Ahmed Hussain, says: “DJ Kizzi always brings the energy, she’s been a part of the family for a long time, whether that’s presenting or DJ’ing at one of our events and I’m thrilled that she can continue to do so every Saturday night on a permanent basis!”