Stars join BBC Asian Network line-up

Digital station BBC Asian Network has announced details of a summer of programmes featuring Asian celebrities.

From May to September special programming will include ‘meet the stars’ events, comedy, drama and dedicated programmes, hearing from voices including the king of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan, comedy actress Meera Syal and screen legend Madhuri Dixit.

Bob Shennan, Controller, BBC Asian Network, says: “For some years now the BBC Asian Network has been working with the biggest South Asian and British Asian musicians and actors. However, our Stars on BBC Asian Network season over the coming months is our most ambitious, varied and exciting programming yet.”

Bollywood’s biggest star Shah Rukh Khan will present his own radio shows for a week from 28th June. Shah Rukh Khan’s Heroes will see him explore his five heroes and play some of his favourite songs. He will also do a one-off show with Breakfast presenter Tommy Sandhu on 20th June.

Husain Husaini, Head of Programmes, BBC Asian Network, adds: “Shah Rukh Khan is the centrepiece, the biggest star in Indian cinema has made five very personal recorded programmes for us and is also presenting a live show on the network. Listeners will get the amazing opportunity to appear with him.

“But we have far more than the King of Bollywood: we’ve a series where we talk to the legends of Indian cinema including Dharmendra and Manoj Kumar; four original dramas featuring some of Britain’s best actors including Nina Wadia; a series celebrating our favourite British Asian comedians presented by Meera Syal; plus a special event with Pakistani cricketer, Shahid Afridi and a chance to hear our special In Conversation with… Madhuri Dixit.

“Then we go into our now traditional Summer of Melas, where we will be bringing listeners some of the biggest British Asian music stars performing live on-air. This season of programmes makes the BBC Asian Network unmissable for anyone who has an interest in Asian music, entertainment and culture.”

Meera Syal’s four-part Asian Comedy Story (9-12 July), will look at the history and future of the genre, reflecting on her own experiences and career. The final two parts of the series will feature highlights from Meera Syal’s Asian Comedy Night (30 April), which will showcase and celebrate the best in British Asian comedy.