PRESS PACK

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CONTENTS

3 INTRODUCTION4 INTERVIEW:

GURINDA CHADHA5 INTERVIEW:

TONY WOOD6 CAST BIOGRAPHIES

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From award-winning director Gurinder Chadha (Bend it Like Beckham) and the creator of TOWIE, Tony Wood, comes Sky Living’s first real-life drama series. Chronicling the lives of a multi-generational cast within the British-Asian community, the series will be filmed in West London in suburbs such as Southall, Harrow and Gerrards Cross, which are home to rich and diverse populations.

Shot just days before transmission, Desi Rascals tells the stories of a modern, dynamic and aspirational group of characters across a range of ages as they navigate their social, professional and family lives in a fast changing community. And, with the series rooted in social media, the cast will interact with Sky Living customers as their lives unfold on screen.

For more information, please contact:

Rachel Osbornerachel.osborne@bskyb.com020 7032 6481

Emily Trantemily.trant@bskyb.com020 7032 1505

INTRODUCTION

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Can you just describe the premise of the series?Desi Rascals is a fantastic show about British-Asians living in West London. It’s unscripted, so different to what I normally do. I haven’t written these characters - in Desi Rascals we have real people who have brilliant spontaneous exchanges that I could never write. What Desi Rascals offers is a massive burst of energy, storytelling and characters that would take me years to put together if I was making a movie.

Where does the term Desi Rascals come from?Desi actually means of the land, of your homeland, but the right equivalent here is homeboy, it’s a term that we all use among ourselves. It’s mainly used in North America among kids of Indian origin, and now it has become a sort of social media word to reflect anybody who is Indian or South Asian, but not from South Asia itself. So we had desi, then someone in the office came up with Desi Rascals, as in Dizzee Rascal, and it was perfect. It’s cheeky and it’s very London.

Why is now the right time to showcase the British-Asian community in a show like this?I did Bend it Like Beckham in 2002, that’s 12 years ago, and there has been very little since about that sort of West London community that’s been really big or mainstream. It was brilliant that I was able to pitch a show that really reflects the community now, 12 years on, because when I go to big family occasions and parties, it’s brilliant and different to when I was young. With scripted drama, or documentary, you’re often stuck with a particular vision of what the Asian community is like, whereas in Desi Rascals you get drama, issues, larger than life characters all showcased in a three-dimensional way. Desi Rascals shows you how English we are as well as how British Asian we are.

So what sort of characters were you looking for?The most important thing when we were casting was that it had to be authentic, real people who are going through real issues that affect our community, and I also wanted to show the fun elements of our community. It’s a very inclusive show. I think people are going to be really surprised by it, much in the way they were at how successful Bend it Like Beckham was.

Is it important that it’s a multi-generational show?It’s completely important to me that it’s multi-generational and I think that in some ways that’s what sets it apart from other reality shows. It’s very important to me that the parents and grandparents are present as much as the kids.

Having older generations in our show allows us to show how the pressures on that generation are as important as those of the younger people. Parents sometimes put pressure on their kids, but there’s also pressure on them because they want to do the best for their kids as well as upholding certain traditions and values, which is where the tension and drama really comes from.

And how important is social media going to be to the show? That’s going to be a fourth element of the storytelling. Social media is going to be critical because there are so many Asians around the world who will want to see this and be a part of it.

What are you most looking forward to bringing into the mainstream sphere?I think it’s what I always do which is show our lives as British Asians in a multifaceted way and show how similar we all are, and that the differences are there to be enjoyed and celebrated. That’s a very important message.

So will we see that vibrant world that we saw in Bend it Like Beckham and Bride & Prejudice?That’s our aim. We specifically chose to have a Bollywood element to the show because it’s such an important part of the Asian community. It gives us a fantastic scale and scope for entertainment as well as colour and music, and I hope that, like Bend it Like Beckham, this really becomes a must-see because you’re genuinely interested in how the lives of these people unfold.

GURINDER CHADHA

Gurinder Chadha OBE is a British film director, producer and writer. She is most well-known for hits Bend it Like Beckham, Bride & Prejudice and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging.

WE SPECIFICALLY CHOSE

TO HAVE A BOLLYWOOD

ELEMENT TO THE SHOW

BECAUSE IT’S SUCH AN

IMPORTANT PART OF THE

ASIAN COMMUNITY. IT

GIVES US A FANTASTIC

SCALE AND SCOPE FOR

ENTERTAINMENT AS WELL

AS COLOUR AND MUSIC.

“

“

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Why did you want to be involved with Desi Rascals?I have long been interested, I might say obsessed, with the idea of dramatising reality and wanting to create programmes that connect with an audience in the way that social networks do. That was one of the driving forces behind the creation of The Only Way Is Essex. I feel like it’s important to look at multi-cultural Britain and to highlight different communities through entertainment. Using the genre that we created with TOWIE to shed light on a multi-generational and family-oriented society like the British-Asian community just seemed a perfect opportunity.

What makes this series different from TOWIE?What I wanted to do with TOWIE was something up-to-the-minute but we didn’t actually end up doing that, so TOWIE was a different type of experiment. What sets this series apart is that we want it to constantly be in touch with its audience so, when we are filming, we’ll be issuing Instagrams and hopefully some short pieces of video from the set. We will still be taking reality and post-producing it in such a way that its emotional connection with the audience is deepened, but the essential difference with this series is there is no confusion between reality and fiction. This is absolutely real and we’re not fictionalising the cast in any way, we are just trying to give you an insight into their minds.

How important is social media going to be to this series?Really important. What I’ve always wanted to do is create a daily narrative from a community but you just can’t turn that around quickly enough for TV. The other important aspect is for all the people in the show to have their own voice. They can pretty much say what they think (as long as it’s not defaming anybody), so we are capturing what people do rather than creating an alternative universe in which people interact.

What’s the key to casting something like this?You cast people who have stories in their lives. It’s really important to have people who are actively engaged in a whole host of different things - that’s what the show is, it’s about triumphs and disasters on a small scale and on a daily basis. It helps if people are comfortable on camera and it also really helps if people are likeable and witty. The big difference with this show, compared with a lot of other big reality shows is that it’s all about families, so you can’t just cast one person because you think they’re good, you’ve got to cast mums, dads, brothers, sisters and kids.

What have the cast been like to work with?They’ve been uniformly great. They are really funny and they’re having a ball so consequently they are funnier. They have been remarkably welcoming - our first episode is not a

real-time episode largely because we had the opportunity to film at the wedding of two of our lead characters. Giving us the opportunity to put a complete television shoot into somebody’s wedding was really kind.

Other than the wedding, what can viewers expect to see?There is an insight into a culture that is the same but different. I think they expect to see, especially for the younger generations who may be third or fourth generation British, that these people are entirely British. But there’s a wonderful moment in the wedding where Shreena, the bride, who is spiky and funny and very London, transforms into a Bollywood princess and accesses centuries of tradition of a different culture It’s such an eye-opener. I also think we might learn a bit more about the importance of family and community.

How has the structured reality genre developed?There has become a sense that The Hills-type technique of making reality feel like drama is what it’s all about and I don’t think that at all. I think it’s about how you dramatise emotion. We have a whole array of different film-making techniques and technological advances that allow us to dramatise the emotion of a situation and show not just what happened but how people feel about what happened.

It is perfectly legitimate to create an event to which people respond but the reality of it is that their response has to be truthful. What we’ve come to see now in the genre are shows in which that response is not truthful because it’s shot again and again and again. Untrained actors are enacting a version of their own life that lacks truth on any level so it seems to me that you might as well use trained actors and you might as well write it. I think there is a bit too much of that going on at the moment and so I wanted to do something that wasn’t that.

How are you hoping this series is going to move the genre along?In all the work I do, whether it’s reality or drama or kids’ TV, all I want to do is tell a story well that works for an audience. I think in any analysis of real life, which is what this is, if you can effectively convey how people feel, then you’re doing the job well. If this is moving anything on, it’s the first time in this country that any large-scale, broad-based entertainment show has been about a relatively recently integrated community. It’s a privilege to get an insight into a different community and I would like the audience to feel that and maybe learn something as well. For the cast, the opportunity to be on what they consider mainstream, largely white TV is wonderful for them. They are so excited about it.

TONY WOOD - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

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PROFESSION: Beautician CHARACTER: Amita is a hard-working career girl anddevoted single mum. She’s a romantic at heart and wantsto find ‘the one’. Amita is warm, sexy and sassy and whenshe gets together with best friend Naman they are a forceto be reckoned with.

How would you describe yourself?Funny, loving, caring, really fun and happy-go-lucky. People say I’m quite sarcastic.

What would you say are your worst character traits?I get the hump, I can be a little bit grumpy.

Are there three items that you couldn’t live without?My son, my bed and my tweezers - I’m a beauty therapist and I do eyebrows.

Who are you closest to in the series?I would say Naman - we’ve really gelled. We met on Facebook. He heard I was the best for eyebrows so he

came all the way from where he lives over to me which is a good hour-and-a-half drive. He had his eyebrows done and we just clicked. He’s so funny. We don’t see each other that much because of the distance but I’m always ringing him to tell him what has happened or to ask him what to wear.

Do you have a hectic life?Yes, I’m a single mum and I try to do a lot of things. I think I’m superwoman. I’m very ambitious and if someone puts something in front of me, I’m full-on with it, at the same time as trying to do everything else. I thrive on that.

Who would your dream date be?Bradley Cooper, the one from The Hangover. Put me on a date with him and I’ll be fine.

What’s the most interesting thing about you?Everyone says I’ve got a glint in my eyes and that in photos, you can always see it. I keep flicking through my pictures to try to find out what they mean. Every person I’ve met, especially men, pick up on it.

AMITA PATEL

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ANJ BAIGPROFESSION: Owner of Pure Muscles Gym and Anjees Dessert Lounge CHARACTER: With his envious physique and fiercely ambitious nature, cheeky Anj is the proud owner of two businesses, which he built from scratch with his role model Uncle Nuss. Outwardly strong and confident, Anj also has a sensitive side – he’s incredibly loyal and utterly protective when it comes to his younger brother Moses.

NUSRAT BEGPROFESSION: Bodybuilder and gym ownerCHARACTER: Known affectionately by everyone as ‘Uncle Nuss’, Nuss is the Godfather of Pure Muscles Gym and was the first British Asian bodybuilder to compete in the UK. Uncle Nuss is a role model to many young Asians in the community and a father figure to his nephews Anj and Moses, firmly keeping them in line while also supporting their ambitions.

How would you describe yourselves?Anj: I’m very loud, vain and a bit outspoken. I’m always moaning to people to do well in the gym and be positive.Nuss: I’m very easy to get on with. It’s as simple as that.

And what would you say are the most interesting things about each other?A: Nuss is our role model. He’s our uncle, a father figure and our best friend.N: We are like best friends. The best and the most interesting thing about me is my muscles.A: Mine are getting there.

Do either of you have a party trick?A: This is mine… [makes his pecs dance]N: Mine is wearing my T-shirt so everyone can see my armsA: Uncle Nuss’s party trick is definitely flexing his arms.

And what three things couldn’t you live without?N: I couldn’t live without training, that would be impossible.

A: My gym and my phone.N: Gym, phone, family.A: Yes, family. Or my mum, she’s great.

What are your greatest achievements?N: Receiving an invitation to the House of Lords.A: Earlier in the year we got an award at the House of Lords for inspiring the younger generation to get into training and fitness. It was presented by Lord Nazir and there were other Asian athletes there as well. It was an honour. N: And I was the first Asian to compete in bodybuilding competitions. I’ve won loads. That’s an achievement.

Is there any rivalry between you?A: Slightly, a friendly one.N: We do compete with each other but we have more of a laugh, so long as he listens to me.

And if you could change anything about each other what would it be?N: If you changed me I wouldn’t be Uncle Nuss. I wouldn’t change anything about Anj.A: I’d give him his hair back. N: Then I’d be too handsome.

What songs get you on the dance floor?N: Anything gets him on there.A: There’s no particular song to get me on the dance floor. N: I can’t dance. A: I’ve tried to teach him a few times, that was fun. You need to see Nuss trying to dance.

If you could have a skill you don’t currently have what would it be?N: There are two things I’ve secretly always wanted to do: one is to draw something nice and the other is dancing, but we’ve already established I can’t do that.A: I always wanted to be able to juggle. And I used to want to be an F1 driver.

ANJ BAIG & NUSRAT BEG

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ANITA VARAPROFESSION: Hospital workerCHARACTER: Although short in stature, Anita is the matriarch of the Vara household, keeping her husband Jay and two sons Prakash and Sunjay in line. Fiercely protective of her beloved boys there’s nothing she wouldn’t do for them – including their laundry and regular home-cooked meals. Youngest son Prakash got married to long-term girlfriend Shreena recently and Anita now awaits the arrival of a new woman in her household.

JAY VARAPROFESSION: Builder / property developerCHARACTER: Mischievous joker of the pack Jay enjoys nothing more than playfully winding up his loved ones, who all give as good as they get. Jay and Anita have been married for 36 years and despite his cheeky ways it’s obvious that his family are his life. In the past Jay owned a garage and son Sunjay has followed in his father’s footsteps running the successful Vara Technik garage – though Jay is happy to point out where the business could be improved.

How did you meet?Anita: We were 13 or 14 years old so we’ve basically grown up together. He was walking down my street on the way to school and I was coming out my door and we bumped into each other. Then we kept seeing each other every morning. One day we were just sitting like kids do on the wall on Jay’s

road and he said to his friend, you go and tell that girl I like her and that’s how it started.Jay: The funny thing about it is we found out afterwards that Anita grew up with my aunty Imla. Back in Africa she grew up in my uncle’s house - it’s a small world.

How would you describe each other in a tweet?A: Larger than life, he’s kind of big headed, he’s got his stubbornness but I’ve learnt how to break that! His heart’s in the right place.J: Like my credit card. A: I was going to say your wallet actually. His wallet is in a good place as well… it’s right there in my handbag. J: What do I say about her?A: That I’m perfect.

What is the secret to a successful relationship?J: There is no secret. You know they say, ‘you can’t live with each other and you can’t live without each other’ - I understand that. And, if she says let’s do it, we do it and that’s it. A: What I say goes.J: Because we knew each other at a young age, we have kind of moulded into each other. We’d learnt a lot before we got married. In the Asian community there wasn’t really such a thing as girlfriend and boyfriend so we had to hide and meet each other. We had to be careful about it.

What is the most romantic thing you have ever done?A: This is funny! Can you think of anything?J: Yes, I can. We were only kids but she still holds me to the things I said. Like she would say, you promised me that you would take me on the biggest ship in the world. And I did. I took her on one of the biggest cruise ships in the world a couple of years ago so I did make her dream come true. A: I said for my 50th birthday that rather than having a party, I’d like to go on the ultimate holiday. So I wouldn’t say he was on his own there, he got a lot of hints from me. Every Valentine’s day he will take me out for a meal and he will buy me a bunch of flowers. Even if they are from the petrol station, he will buy me flowers.

What’s been your greatest achievement?A: Our children. J: Children, our grandchildren and also my knowledge.A: Our greatest achievement is us because when we started out there were discussions in the family in terms of caste. But, against all odds, we got married. We had nothing and everything we’ve got today including family is built up from nothing.

What three things couldn’t you possibly live without?A: Food, drink and happiness.J: I think it’s her really. A: That’s the most romantic thing he’s said for a long time!J: And I suppose the car.

ANITA & JAY VARA

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PROFESSION: Property developer/personal trainer/modelCHARACTER: Despite his chiselled good looks and warm nature, life hasn’t always been plain sailing for Owais. At the age of three he developed a stutter, making his school years difficult but also formative. Coming into his own in his 20s, Owais discovered modelling and enjoyed whirlwind years of glamorous travel and wild parties. Now 35, he feels ready to settle down and start a family, he just needs to find ‘the one’ first.

How would you describe yourself?Confident, charming, caring.

You certainly seem a confident chap.I wasn’t always, it took me a while to get here because I had a stutter as a kid. I sort of still do, but now I’m more in control of it rather than it being in control of me.

Was it quite debilitating when you were younger?Yes, I couldn’t string together two words. When I was a teenager, 15 or 16, school was hard - kids are mean. But I thank every person who made fun of me and every girl who rejected me, that’s what made me who I am.

How did you overcome your stutter? I had speech therapy courses. I went on the same course as Gareth Gates but that wasn’t that great for me because I found that a lot of people that have speech problems let it rule their life. I’ve learnt to control it now and, at the end of the day, I’m still healthy and things could be worse. There are certain words I avoid, like if anything starts with

the letter W I really struggle. The first time I asked out a girl I was 16, it took me a while to pluck up the courage and I went w-w-w-w-w and she swore at me, a very rude word, and just walked off. But they say all geniuses have speech problems, so I say I’m like Albert Einstein!

What’s the dream? Where would you like to be in five to 10 years’ time? My dream has always been to make my family, particularly my dad, proud of me. I’ve got ambitions in maybe five years to have my own TV show or whatever so my dad can turn around and say that’s my boy.

Which celebrities do you admire? David Beckham is a big influence on me. He’s amazing, from where he was to the way he is now, the way he carries himself. When I have a family I’m going to be like that because you can see he loves his family.

Did you like him during the sarong phase?Yeah, I wore a sarong with trousers out one night. And so many girls said it looked amazing.

Would you consider it a fashion highlight?I do a lot of different things. I hate my hair, I’ve had cornrows, I’ve spiked my hair, I’ve bleached it…

Have you ever shaved your head?Yes and I’ll never shave it again. My head’s flat at the back and I looked really weird.

OWAIS KHAN

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PROFESSION: Make-up ArtistCHARACTER: Although perfectly groomed and sweet natured, Yasmin is not to be underestimated. She is fiercely ambitious, sharp and savvy, with a multitude of business concepts in development. Her stunning looks get plenty of attention, but it takes a lot to impress an independent woman like Yasmin.

How would you describe yourself?I like to think I’m intelligent and funny. I think I can be a bit difficult too.

In what sense?I just like things done in a certain way and I’ll do anything to get them. I am very determined.

What would surprise us to know about you?I think it would be how much I have changed looks-wise in the last ten years and dress-wise. I used to dress in tracksuit bottoms and trainers. I wore Kappa bottoms and hooped earrings because I thought they were really cool. I was really popular because of my dress sense back then. Sometimes I just wish I could buy another pair of Kappa bottoms! But I don’t know where you can get them.

And you’re a make-up artist, aren’t you?Yes, I have done so much stuff! I studied business management and then I went on to do law and I worked for a law firm but it wasn’t for me. I didn’t want to work for anyone and be in the corporate world so I quit two years ago and decided to follow my dream. I started

doing more make-up work and launched my own beauty brand.

How do you feel about cosmetic surgery?This is a huge dilemma for me because I do want to get Botox. Do you know what the problem is? At the moment it is really easy for nurses or doctors to get a certificate to be trained in cosmetic surgery, it’s only actually a one-day course. Just because you have qualified on a one-day course, it does not mean you know how to change someone’s lip shape or the way someone looks.

What would you say are your best and worst personality traits?I am really understanding. Even if you were to tell me the most ridiculous or crazy thing I could always put myself in your shoes and understand why you would do something and your reasons. As for my worst quality, I get a bit stressed out sometimes and a bit overwhelmed when I have too much to do.

Do you throw tantrums?No. I don’t ever get angry. If I’m annoyed at something I’d rather stay quiet and calm myself down.

What motto do you live by?I think my motto is always carry yourself with respect. In everything you do in life, you should remember your family because, regardless of how good or bad or caring or uncaring your parents are, they’re still your parents and you never want to do anything to disrespect them.

YASMIN KARIMI

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RAVI GURTATAPROFESSION: Works for family business CHARACTER: Straight-talking Ravi has a captivating personality but beware: he’s not afraid to tell you what he really thinks. His vibrant dress sense and outspoken personality means he always stands out from the crowd. A director for his family’s hotel business, Ravi likes to work hard and play hard, but always finds time to enjoy a family meal at home.

BLAKE GOODMANPROFESSION: Financial consultant CHARACTER: American-born Blake moved to England to pursue a career in football, but was forced to give up his dreams when he suffered an injury on the pitch. Starting

afresh he managed to set up and sell his own business before carving out a new career in the city. Blake met Ravi on a night out a few years ago and the two quickly became close friends. Blake now considers the Gurtatas his surrogate family in the UK.

How would you describe each other? Ravi: He’s competitive, caring, honest and loyal.Blake: And good looking?Ravi: He’s a faithful friend.Blake: Ravi’s reliable, fun to go out with and a joy to be around.Ravi: We don’t want to be too nice.

How did you become friends?Ravi: We met through a friend a couple of years ago and we quickly became like brothers.

What are the best and worst aspects of each other’s personalities?Blake: Ravi is pretty choosy. It’s all about smart choices with him. Ravi: Is that good or bad? Blake: I’d say it’s a good thing. He’s also a lightweight, he can’t really drink very much.Ravi: Blake is loyal to me, which is nice. A negative thing? He wants to be with me everywhere I go, and if he’s not invited to something he always nags for an invitation.

What’s the most mischief you’ve ever got up to together?Ravi: We had a boys’ holiday to Spain and I think from the minute we left my house the behaviour was pretty bad. It was a messy week.Blake: A lot of the details can’t be discussed.

Have you two ever fallen out?Ravi: No.Blake: Not properly, anyway. We’ve had a couple of arguments maybe, but nothing major.

If you could change one thing about each other what would it be and why?Ravi: On a night out he can just keep going and going and I’m desperate to go home, I need to sleep. He’s just like a robot, he doesn’t stop. He needs to learn how to go to bed, he doesn’t sleep much.Blake: I’d change Ravi’s fashion sense. He has a great sense of style which pisses me off, he always seems to buy the clothes I’m about to get.Ravi: I always get there first.

What songs get you on the dance floor?Ravi: Hip hop, R&B. When the right song comes on in the club we know what time it is.Blake: It’s time to drop.

RAVI GURTATA & BLAKE GOODMAN

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MANOJ SHAHPROFESSION: Senior bank manager CHARACTER: Manoj is a doting father to daughters Jo and Natalie and devoted husband to delightful Celia. Down-to-earth Manoj is a family man and enjoys getting the family together for fun activities – anything from bingo to crazy golf. To put it simply, when his family are happy, he’s happy… but he’d be even happier to see both of his daughters married.

CELIA SHAHPROFESSION: Healthcare assistant and phlebotomistCHARACTER: Devoted mum Celia is the lynchpin of her extremely close-knit family. Softly spoken but certainly no walkover, Celia keeps the family in line and acts as a confidante for her headstrong daughters. Celia is a keen gardener, enjoys singing in her local church choir and is a fervent supporter of Arsenal FC

You’ve been married for 32 years. What do you think is the secret to a successful marriage?Celia: Well we don’t live in each other’s pockets, we give each other space. We do our own thing and we do things as a family.Manoj: If we have any problems, we work on them, it’s verysimple. When we first met, it was quite hard for us because,in the early 80s, ours was deemed to be an Asian-whiterelationship. It’s a cosmopolitan world now but, back then,that was a barrier to overcome.

Would you say you were a romantic couple?C: Not particularly, not after 32 years!M: Probably not. Celia raised the children and we put our lives on hold because I was working long hours. It’s only now that we have…C: …Time for each other

You’re the only man in your house. Would you say you are more in touch with your feminine side because of that? Do you borrow the moisturising cream?C: No, and he won’t watch Strictly Come Dancing either!M: I’m a sportsman, I watch golf and love my football. I support Arsenal football team, I’ve supported them since I was ten years old. C: I love football, I love the Arsenal.

If you had to single out your best and worst personality traits, what would they be?C: Manoj is a worrier and I’m calmer but he’s really easy going and very friendly. He’s a good mixer whereas I’m a bit more shy. We’re comfortable with how things are but this has put us out of our comfort zone. It’s exciting.

Are you proud parents?C: Definitely, our children are our whole life. M: The whole dynamic of our family was to make sure that the kids were well educated. I had to leave school and go to work. Because we’d come from Africa, we needed the money to pay the mortgage.

MANOJ & CELIA SHAH

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NATALIE SHAHPROFESSION: Assistant supermarket manager/supervisorCHARACTER: Natalie is the attractive, vivacious eldest daughter of the Shah family. Opinionated Natalie is protective of her younger sister Jo and they love spending time together, despite the fact that Natalie isn’t a big fan of Jo’s career choices. She has recently come out of a serious relationship and gained a new lease of life.

JO SHAH PROFESSION: Performer/Bollywood dancerCHARACTER: Gorgeous girl-next-door Jo is happiest when surrounded by her loveable family. Ambitious and full of life, she is determined to make it in the competitive performing arts world. Her dad, however, has other ideas - he would love his youngest daughter to secure a more stable job and to settle down with ‘a nice Indian boy’.

What are each other’s best and worst qualities?Jo: Why are you thinking for so long?Natalie: Jo’s best quality is that she has a heart of gold and her worst quality is that she takes so long to get ready. J: Can I just say about getting ready, it’s not that I need to take ages but I like taking my time and I get up early to do it. I hate rushing.

Are you quite similar or are you chalk and cheese?N: I wouldn’t say chalk and cheese but I wouldn’t say we’re similar. We have lots of similar interests like music and dancing. J: We like to go out and do different types of activities.N: We’re not shopping and having coffee kind of girls. J: I’ve done lots of performing and things, whereas Nat

does more serious work, so that’s how we’re different.

Were you nightmare teenagers for your parents?Both: No! N: They’d probably say I was.

Who are you closest to, your mum or dad?J: Oh mum. N: Yeah, well mum brought us up really. J: Dad’s always been at work.N: We do different things to support dad so when we were younger we would go to the cricket and the park with him. J: And golf.

What’s the nicest thing you’ve ever done for each other?N: For Jo’s last birthday, I made her one of those paper things you had at school that you open and close.J: And I got to pick what I wanted to do for my birthday.N: So I wrote loads of things inside, ideas of things for us to do which I knew she’d like.J: And we went to Benihana. Oh my God, I really, really wanted to go there.N: We went to Harrods as well. One Christmas Jo went to Singapore and her Christmas present to all of us was a home video she’d made.

If you could walk in someone else’s shoes for one day who would it be?N: I think we’re going to say the same person. I was going to say Kate Middleton.J: I was going to say J-Lo. N: Oh okay.

NATALIE & JO SHAH

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PROFESSION: RetiredCHARACTER: Father to Shreena, Shreekant often jokes that she is his favourite daughter. Most certainly the apple of his eye, he will find it difficult to adapt to life without her at home. Endearing and loving, Shreekant is a family man who will always be there for his three daughters.

So how would you describe yourself in a tweet?Quite ordinary, happy, always joking and easy going.Who are you closest to in the series?Probably Shreena, being the youngest daughter, but they have all been close to me. Girls are closer to their dads, my sons are closer to their mum.

Who do you most admire?I admire my guru who is my role model. He is everything. I always pray before I leave home and so does my family. He is the main inspiration in our lives.

And what is your idea of a good time? What do you like to do?

Spending two days of the week in the temple. That’s the best time of the whole week, I look forward to going there on Saturday and Sunday.

What has been your greatest achievement?Just being a dad, looking after kids, growing up with them and getting rid of one.

Also, qualifying as an engineer. I stayed with one company for 40 years, people wouldn’t do that in this day and age.

If you could go back and relive any moment again what would that moment be?Having my first child or getting married. My wedding was 40 years ago and it was fantastic although it can’t be compared to Shreena’s wedding.

If you could change places with anyone for a day, who would it be?I can’t think of anyone special really. I don’t want to be too rich. I’m content with who I am.

SHREEKANT PATEL

15

PROFESSION: Retail sales assistant CHARACTER: Naman loves to be the centre of attention and has never been one to keep his opinions to himself. Out and proud and Muslim, he is forthright in his views on life and comfortable with his. Naman is not one to shy away from controversy and is quick off the mark with his sharp sense of humour.

How would you describe yourself? I’m quite an outspoken person, I’m very opinionated and very nosy, I like to know about people.

What makes you stand out from the rest of the cast?I’m Muslim, Pakistani and gay. There aren’t a lot of people out there like me, so I think I’m going to open people’s eyes a bit. Maybe some people can look up to me and feel like it’s okay to be who you are. I want to bring something positive to the show and break stereotypes.

Who would your dream date be?Zayn Malik from One Direction. He’s so good looking, but I had my quiff before him.

What’s your greatest achievement?It’s probably coming out. I came out to my friends at 15, but I came out to my family two years ago and that was a big weight off my shoulders because it’s a very big taboo subject when you’re Muslim and Pakistani.

And how have you coped with any prejudices you may have experienced?I’ve formed a strong backbone. At school people were actually telling me I was gay before I even knew I was. I’m not going to say things are easy because sometimes I do get the odd prejudiced comment, but I overcome it by blocking it out and letting it go over my head. At the end of the day it’s my life, I’m happy and that’s the main thing.

Who are you closest to in the series?Anita and I are really good friends. She’s a lovely person and my beauty therapist as well.

What song gets you on the dance floor?Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, I love MJ.

Do you have any distinguishing features?I’ve got loads of tattoos. This is my tribute to the Spice Girls [shows Viva Forever tattoo], I’ve got birds, another one says ‘a beautiful life’ in Italian and in the future I’d like get a sleeve.

You work in fashion retail. What would be your ultimate fashion tip?Always wear a good aftershave, make sure your shoes are clean and your hair is always done.

NAMAN PARVAIZ

PROFESSION: Estate AgentCHARACTER: Stunning, full-of-energy Rita loves to live life to the full. Capable of lifting anyone’s mood, Rita enjoys spending time with her family and friends, particularly younger sister Nunzia. With an Italian mother and Pakistani father, and one of seven children, the Siddiqui household was never a place to blend into the background! Sometimes labelled as a serial dater, flirtatious Rita is on the lookout for a boyfriend but admits to a history of consistently dating the ‘wrong ones’.

How would you describe yourself?Bubbly and energetic. I love to meet people - maybe I give people a headache because I’m so curious but I love talking to people.

What would you say was your greatest achievement?There are so many things. I guess getting a first-class degree, I got to make the folks proud.

Who are you closest to in the series?My younger sister, we still live together and share a room. The family is everything to us. I think that because we’re from a big family, it makes it easier to bring people into our

hearts. We’re used to being around lots of people, so I think developing friendships is easier for us.

Who is your dream date?There are so many to choose from. There are so many actors that I’m in love with. Brad Pitt, everyone goes for him. Would you say no to him? I generally go for tall men, blonde with blue eyes. I think of it as the opposite to me so it’s always like ooh, hello.

Is there anything in particular that you couldn’t live without?I try to live as simply as I can, but maybe eyeliner. I literally can’t leave the house without eyeliner because I feel really naked. And mascara.

If you could change places with anybody who would it be?I would love to have a day in the life of Angelina Jolie. She is a hardworking inspirational woman and, at the same time, she’s a mother. She’s got such a big brood and I’ve always loved big families. It would be nice to see how she juggles it all. It’s real girl power, I love that.

RITA SIDDIQUI

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PROFESSION: Pop-up art gallery ownerCHARACTER: With his boyish good looks and natural charm Shmoyel isn’t short of female attention, though his down-to-earth personality means it never goes to his head. An entrepreneur, Shmoyel has recently set up his own art business - Milk and Cookies Gallery – with ambitious plans to open his first pop-up gallery in the next few months.

How would you describe yourself?I’m quite fun, light-hearted, and I always enjoy being in the company of other people. I’m also a hard worker.

What’s your greatest achievement?I’ve recently completed my masters in modern and contemporary art, which my parents would see as the greatest achievement. And when I was a kid I was in the Guinness Book of World Records for being youngest person to ride a two-wheeler bike without stabilisers - I was two years and three months or something.

What three items couldn’t you live without?Definitely a football. I like to kick a football around and I’m always breaking stuff in the house, even at this age. I probably couldn’t live without my phone, my mum’s always telling me to put it down, and probably my laptop as well. I’m into any electronics that have access to social media.

Which football team do you support?I’m a Manchester United fan. I’m one of those London-based United fans.

What would you say are your best and worst character traits?I get over things very quickly, I don’t dwell, which I find to be a good way to live. I can also be quite lazy. I’m a terrible procrastinator. A swirling chair will occupy me all night if I can’t be bothered to write an essay.

If you could trade places with anybody in the world, who would it be and why?There’s an artist I really like called James Turrell. He’s an old American guy and he’s fascinating with theories about life and space. I’d love to be in his mind, he’s produced some of the most amazing installations - they’re literally mind boggling.

Who were you closest to in the series?I’ve become good friends with Owais. It has been really cool to get to know him.

Who would your dream date be?I quite like Queen Rania of Jordan or Emma Watson. They’re very different people but I like a lady who stands up for what they believe in. For Queen Rania it’s all about children’s rights and with Emma Watson, her speech about feminism was fantastic. She’s pretty cool and could teach me a spell or two as well.

What are your tactics to impress the ladies?I am awful at chat-up lines, I have no game. I try to be myself, be a little bit funny and keep it light-hearted.

PROFESSION: Gym worker and aspiring DJCHARACTER: Moses is Anj’s mischievous and wilder younger brother. Unpredictable and with an infectious sense of fun, you never know what’s going to happen next when you’re in his company. Most days you will find Moses in the gym, winding up his brother and getting competitive on the weights, except when he’s late for work having enjoyed a night out with his friends.

SHMOYEL SIDDIQUI

MOSES BAIG

17

PRAKASH VARAPROFESSION: Head of business intelligenceCHARACTER: Quick-witted and charming, newly-wed Prakash is loved by everyone around him. A diplomat by nature, he’ll have to put these skills into practice when new wife Shreena moves into his family home. Whether it’s garage banter with the boys or being the loved-up family man at home, popular Prakash is the glue that keeps everyone together.

SHREENA VARAPROFESSION: Online digital managerCHARACTER: Feisty, assertive and not afraid to say what she thinks, Shreena’s petite stature is no reflection of her confident manner and quick wit. With a softer side around those she loves, especially new husband Prakash, Shreena is also endearing and fun to be around. Due to move out of her family home post-honeymoon, Shreena’s new challenge is to adapt to living with her in-laws.

SUNJAY VARAPROFESSION: Garage owner and mechanic CHARACTER: Sunjay Vara is the older brother of newly-wed Prakash. Lovable and funny, he has a heart of gold. A mechanic by trade, Sunjay owns and runs his own garage but can’t escape the watchful eye of dad Jay who has his own opinions on how things should be done. As his little brother Prakash begins married life with his new wife Shreena, it’s time for divorced Sunjay to adapt to a new woman in the house and ultimately try to find true love of his own.

PURNIMA PATELPROFESSION: Supermarket stock control administratorCHARACTER: Married to Shreekant for over 40 years, Purnima is a doting mother and wife. Successfully combining tradition with an appreciation for changing times, she is aware of the generation gap between her and her children. She knows it will be difficult when youngest daughter Shreena leaves the family home but also understands the need for Shreena to fulfill her new role as the respectful daughter-in-law.

ANU PATELPROFESSION: Travel agentCHARACTER: The eldest of the Patel sisters, Anu is both agony aunt and protector to youngest sister Shreena although she’s never afraid to tell her how it is. Divorced and a single mum, Anu is happily independent but open to finding love once more.

VANEETA CHAPANERIPROFESSION: HR consultant CHARACTER: One of Shreena’s best friends, Vaneeta is both feisty and fun. With a great sense of humour, she is often making those around her laugh. Not afraid to speak her mind, Vaneeta will always stand up for herself and those closest to her. Engaged to doting fiancé Ren, she is soon to start planning her own wedding.

RENNICK BROWNPROFESSION: Personal banker CHARACTER: Much to fiancé Vaneeta’s annoyance Ren is a hopeless romantic who loves whispering sweet nothings in her ear. It might make Vaneeta cringe on the outside but the couple are very much in love. Kind-hearted Ren has recently moved into Vaneeta’s family home and is looking forward to marrying her once they have saved enough money.

VIRAJ SINGHPROFESSION: Clothing designer CHARACTER: Viraj is wise beyond his years and very proud of both his heritage and his British upbringing. Merging the two, he is currently launching his own clothing line drawing inspiration from his royal connections in India. Like his younger brother Krishan, Viraj loves country pursuits and is never happier than when out on a Sunday shoot.

KRISHAN SINGHPROFESSION: Personalised tailoring business ownerCHARACTER: Krish, like elder brother Viraj, is the epitome of the impeccable London gentleman: polite, sophisticated and always wearing a finely tailored suit. When he’s not dedicating his time to his own clothing business, you can usually find him at the stables. He is passionate about horse riding and owns his own horse, Quincy. His dream is to compete for his country nationally in dressage next year.

SANGEETA BIRDIPROFESSION: BoxerCHARACTER: Sangeeta has always been determined to stand out from the crowd and prides herself in not doing anything the traditional way. She’s dedicated to meeting her goal of becoming a world champion boxer and doesn’t doubt her ability to achieve it. Despite her tough exterior, she has a soft, warmer side and while her career is her focus, recently heartbroken Sangeeta hasn’t given up on finding love.

IRFAN MALIKPROFESSION: Chauffeur company owner and boxing club owner/boxing trainerCHARACTER: Ex-amateur boxer Irfan is extremely passionate about his sport, spending every possible moment running his own boxing club, Gallant Boxing. He has been recognised nationally for his dedicated efforts teaching and inspiring people of all ages to learn the discipline of boxing. His most successful pupil is Sangeeta Birdi, who he hopes one day will fight for Great Britain in the Olympics.

KAVITA SODHAPROFESSION: Fashion stylist CHARACTER: Independent, sassy and glamorous, Kavita moved to London from Worcestershire to pursue a career in fashion. She comes from a huge family and has 31 first cousins. Kavita is enjoying life in the city as a fun-loving and fancy free singleton.

18

MIRAJ VYASPROFESSION: Advertising managerCHARACTER: Miraj is the self-proclaimed core of his friendship groups. Describing himself as a ‘typical London lad’, he loves his social scene. Recently heartbroken after his long-term girlfriend ended their relationship, Miraj has been making the most of single life.

ARSHINA TRIVEDIPROFESSION: Co-owner of Bollywood dance troupe Angels and a modelCHARACTER: Arshina is strong, confident and ambitious. She runs Bollywood dance troupe Angels with her mum Jyoti, and isn’t shy about whipping her dancers into shape. Arshina is the star performer, dominant and straight talking. Striving for perfection, she will stop at nothing to be the best in the performance world.

AKSHAY VASHISHTPROFESSION: Project managerCHARACTER: Birmingham-based Akshay has been dating Arshina for over a year and regularly travels to London so the two can spend time together. Strong-willed, he is a man’s man who knows what he wants and usually gets it. He’s hugely supportive of his girlfriend’s dance career and sees a long-term future with Arshina.

JYOTI TRIVEDIPROFESSION: Co-owner of Bollywood dance group AngelsCHARACTER: Mother to Arshina and youngest daughter Ashvina, Jyoti is enthusiastic, animated and opinionated. Heading up the Angels dance group, she is not afraid to speak her mind with her dancers, or with her family for that matter.

SARAH DABYPROFESSION: RetiredCHARACTER: Super-gran Sarah is a warm, loving and maternal, she regularly travels across London on the tube to look after her many grandchildren. Sarah often frequents the local Hindu temple and nothing makes her happier than when her grandchildren attend with her.

LINA SIDDIQUIPROFESSION: RetiredCHARACTER: Despite her Italian heritage, Lina adores Asian culture, she’s a curry aficionado who feels most beautiful when draped in brightly coloured, traditional saris. A mother of seven, Lina is kept on her toes by her large family and is still regularly called upon by daughter Rita to veto potential online dates.

NUNZIA SIDDIQUIPROFESSION: Nursery nurse and babysitterCHARACTER: Although quieter than her extrovert sister Rita, as one of seven siblings and recently returned from backpacking across Vietnam, Nunzia is certainly no wallflower. Bubbly and bright, she isn’t afraid to make up her own mind, no more so than this year when she chose to convert to her father’s faith of Islam - the only one of her siblings to do so.

GHAUS MUMTAZ RAOPROFESSION: Works in family businessCHARACTER: Canadian-born Ghaus is embracing a new stage in his life. He’s just moved into a flat with his brother and is looking for new job opportunities, having helped his father with the family textile business for a number of years. Ghaus has known Nunzia Siddiqui for around 12 months, they have a great time together and are enjoying getting to know each other better.

RISHI RAVALIAPROFESSION: SalesmanCHARACTER: While twins Rishi and Raj may look the same, their personalities couldn’t be more different. Rishi is straight talking, and doesn’t hold his tongue, even when it comes to the twins’ own mother. Fun, sociable, confident, and eager to impress whenever he sees the opportunity, Rishi is the opposite of his brother Raj.

RAJ RAVALIAPROFESSION: SalesmanCHARACTER: Raj is soft-natured, kind and, by his own admission, lacks confidence with the ladies when compared to his brother. Far more sympathetic to mother Anita than his twin Rishi, Raj isn’t afraid to admit he’s a bit of a mummy’s boy. Despite having contrasting personalities, the twins are the perfect double act, with surprising quirks to their relationship like refusing to shake hands with each other (as it’s just too weird).

ANITA RAVALIA PROFESSION: RadiographerCHARACTER: With her twin boys all grown up, Anita is grabbing life with both hands and indulging her natural sense of adventure. In her latest thrill, Anita has set her sights on learning to ride a motorcycle - much to the dismay of her sons.