Chai with Rai

Presenting the Second Audio Collections Series, produced by Chai with Rai and titled An Ode: Reframing the Classics.  In 2025, in collaboration with the LGBTQ+ Community Centre at London Bankside, we introduced a new audio series: An Ode: Reframing the Classics—continuing its mission to amplify diverse voices and creative perspectives.  Selected as Artist of the Month for July 2025, Raimu Itfum presented An Ode: Reframing the Classics as a public exhibition at Theatre Deli,  which opened throughout July and was free to attend. This exhibition seeked to reframe and celebrate storytelling through a queer lens. At its heart was a curated selection of original audio works by ; Amar Bains, Rupinder Kaur, Tarek Khwiss, Punya Rajput, Bethany Henry Gemmell, Gayathiri Kamalakanthan and Anthony Pius. Complementing the audio stories were three short films: Queerifying the Dulhan by Sammy Kumar The Search by Rupinder Kaur Jheel by Raimu Itfum — a preview of their forthcoming poetry mixtape MYTHS: From the Diary of Just A F£@K Boy with Feelings, scheduled for release later this year. In this episode you will be listening to the following stories (in order):  Fire in my Room by Amar Bains What the Waves Remember: Amrit Kaur by Rupinder Kaur Confessions by Tarek Khwiss The Sari Chronicles by Anthony Pius The Sabhã no Longer Stands by Punya Rajput  A massive Thank you to Bethany Henry Gemmell for their work on the project. You can find the Transcripts HERE and artists Interviews HERE.  To listen to the previous audio series Symphonies of Beaded Threads, click HERE.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  To listen to the short story, subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.  

On today’s episode, I’m joined by writer Bethany Henry Gemmell for a special end-of-year conversation. It felt like the perfect way to close out the final episode of 2026—thoughtful, generous, and deeply inspiring. This marks Bethany’s second time on the podcast (or, as I like to call it, the Chai Room), and it was such a joy to reconnect. In this episode, we dive deep into the dramaturgical process, with Bethany leading the conversation around working as dramaturg on the second audio series of Chai with Rai, An Ode: Reframing the Classics, now streaming on Patreon. We also explore the “grass is greener” mindset, Bethany’s upcoming projects—including a new play and a new novel—and then shares valuable advice for emerging playwrights, freelance creatives, and dramaturgs. You’ll also hear a snippet from Catherine, the short story Bethany wrote for the very first storytelling series, Symphonies of Beaded Threads.  Bethany's bio:  Bethany (they/he) is a Northern playwright. They explore themes exploring family, our relationship to media, and humanity's capability to be good and evil. Examples include being a co-writer for Royal Court Theatre's Listen Local project in 2019, 'WOLF' at Theatre503 in 2023, and 'well, you could be a guy (non-binary edition)' for Baron Court Theatre's Queering the Canon Festival in 2023. Their most recent project was 'The Trial of Thomas Greene' at Hope Mill Theatre for Qweerdog Shorts/Hope 200 Festival in 2025. They were selected for Young Vic's inaugural 2022/23 Creators Program, Soho Theatre's 2023/24 Writers' Lab, and for Nottingham Playhouse's Amplify Program in 2025. Their audio-duologue 'Catherine', dedicated to and involving their mum, is now featured in the Chai With Rai exhibition at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre. They have provided dramaturgical support for community companies like Neurospace Theatre and Wild Forest Theatre from 2020 to 2023. Now, they're developing their dramaturgical skills by supporting artists for An Ode: Reframing the Classics. Topics Breakdown:  "Grass is always greener on the other side" mentality.  Starving artist vs life experience and the success metrics we place on ourselves.  Evolution of personal artistic storytelling.  Playwriting with and through ADHD playwriting.  Exploring time and thoughts as a playwright.  Dramaturgy process for An Ode: Reframing the Classics.  Reflecting on the Chai with Rai's Summer exhibition 20245 in London/  Theatre 503 Rapid Writers response to Stray Dogs by Theo Chester.  The Royal Court Theatre’s Listen Local Program.  Dramaturgy process / advice for emerging talent.  To Listen to Bethany's audio short story CLICK HERE.  To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/hgemmellian/ & https://twitter.com/hengemmell  Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://creatorsprogram.youngvic.org/member/11946 Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

Now joining me today IN THE CHAI ROOM (should I keep calling it that?)  is my dear friend—dancer, choreographer, model, performer and now writer—Tarek Khwiss. This was Tarek’s second time on the podcast, and what a special episode it was. A lot of you often ask what it’s like having friends on the podcast, and this episode is truly the epitome of that. We have a deep conversation about dance culture in the UK, friendships within the industry, and kindness toward ourselves and others while navigating the creative world. Tarek and I also get into politics and activism—using our social platforms to speak out, and the balance (or imbalance) of doing so while managing a creative, freelance life. We discuss how this seeps into our work, the challenges it brings, and how it has shaped our personal viewpoints. We also talk about being Arab and queer, and dive into Tarek’s new business, Haus of Hurriyah, as well as queer spaces such as Hishek Bishek in London . Of course, we discuss Tarek’s story “Confessions” for An Ode: Reframing the Classics—which, by the way, you can stream in full now on Patreon. You’ll also hear a soundbite in this episode. Tarek's Bio: Hey, I'm Tarek Khwiss known globally for my fresh and fierce vision. Empowering the world through dance, encouraging all to be you, be free, be fabulous! Energetic, sassy & bold choreography, positively disrupting through the medium of dance Based in London, Tarek is a British Palestinian who believes in the power of dance to unite, elevate and help uplift brands through movement. Being a brand ambassador, their aim is to build partnerships with clients to create artistic visuals sharing the story at hand. Working in TV, Film, stage & online, Tarek is capable of adapting no matter the size of the project.  Tarek’s credits consist of  choreographing for Layla, the feature film directed and written by Amrou Al- Kadhi. Working with musicians such as Martin Almasri, Decker Park and Valerie Sibanda. As well featuring in commercials as a dancer & model for brands such as: Levis, 02, Spotify, Sky Atlantic, Hunter Boots and shows such as Sex Education,   to name a few. As a content creator Tarek is the ambassador of AKT and has collaborated with brands such as JBL, Dyson, Pattern Beauty, Dirtea, Dunellm, Asda and Tik Tok to name a few. Topics Breakdown: It’s Boiling – 5-Second Rule rapid round, Creating friendships and community as a dance teacher, Changes in dance class culture: student consumption and how Tarek’s relationship to teaching has evolved, The growth of social media posting culture, both as a consumer and a content creator, Conscious posting and the balance (or imbalance) of activism through creative work. Balancing a political voice with creative expression. New creative venture: Haus of Hurriyah How embracing identity has shifted Tarek’s perspective on his craft and the wider industry. Being queer and being Arab. The importance of the people you surround yourself with, while remaining open to giving and receiving kindness. Choreographing and movement directing for Leyla (feature film by Amrou Al-Kadhi): lessons learned and the experience of working on a large-scale queer Arab film. The writing process and creative thinking behind Tarek’s short “Confessions” for An Ode: Reframing the Classics. To listen to the short story, subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. Social Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_  & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_  & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/tarekkhwiss/ & https://www.tiktok.com/@tarekkhwiss?lang=en-GB Links Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage  & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_   Guest: https://tarekkhwiss.com/   

Continuing on with introducing you to the writers behind the new Chai with Rai series An Ode: Reframing the Classics- welcoming to the Chai room Punya Rajput. She wrote a short story titled The Sabhā No Longer Stands which reimagines Draupadi, not as a divine heroine, but as a woman confronting the shame, jealousy, and emotional labor imposed on her by a heteropatriarchal world. Through a deeply affective conversation with Krishna, she lays bare the moral contradictions, expectations, and embodied violence present in society. Her body becomes a site of symbolic control, her desires policed, her identity fragmented. P.S- you can stream the story now on our Patreon channel HERE.  Speaking of this episode we definitely discuss mythology, Punya’s storytelling experience, she was in the midst of her masters- so discussing academia and creativity. The path and trajectory of an actor in India vs UK . So, I cannot wait for you to listen to this episode and just get some good ol nuggets. Punya's Bio: Punya is a freelance creative who believes in the power of stories—on stage, on screen, and on the page. A proud member and ambassador of the National Youth Theatre, she’s brought her love for performance to short films, ads, and creative spaces in both India and the UK. With a background in sociology and a master’s in education policy, her work weaves together research and creativity. Her dissertation explored drama-based pedagogy and how emotion, imagination, and connection shape how we learn about gender. She hopes to tell stories that spark something—joy, reflection, maybe even a little magic. Big feelings, big laughs, and a strong belief that everything’s better with a little chaos and a lot of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Topics Breakdown:  Storytellers and Styles of writing that have shaped an understanding of text and building worlds as a storyteller.  Balancing surrealism, subtext and access as a storyteller.  Process as an actor. Working and process as a South Asian Actor. Working as an actor in India vs in the UK. Passion for storytelling and connection to mythology . The writing and audio story The Sabhā No Longer Stands for An Ode: Reframing the Classics . To listen to the short story, subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. Social Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_  & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_  & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/punya_rrajput/ & https://www.instagram.com/noirae00/ Links Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage  & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_    

Welcoming into the Chai room- writer, dancer and actor Amar Bains.  Now this is going to be a very quick and intimate one, as Amar doesn't really do interviews. However, I used our friendship and some emotional coercion to beg and request him to be a guest. We discuss his world building as a dancer and now a writer. We get a sneak peak into his short story for Chai with Rai's audio storytelling series An Ode: Reframing the Classics titled Fire in my Room.  I hope ya enjoy and you can stream the full audio story on our Patreon Channel. Amar's Bio:  Amar Bains is a British born Artist of Panjabi heritage. Born in the West Midlands he moved to London to pursue the arts, to study Musical Theatre. After graduating he worked professionally as an actor for major brands featuring in adverts, short films and online campaigns and as a dancer for musicians featuring in videos for Ed sheeran, Kwabs and Priya Ragu to name a few. He has also worked on productions for Disney and Marvel and has danced at the Platinum Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth II. Amar's artistic expression also comes through other various forms, such as in his personal time he enjoys illustration and writing.   To listen to the short story, subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. Social Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_  & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_  & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/_amaramar/  Links Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage  & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_    

Almost Three Years in the making and I am beyond excited to Welcome actor and writer Rupinder Kaur. This is going to be a bit of a long one as we had a lot to catch up on. Though this is the edited version and you can catch our 3 hour chat on our Patreon Channel (Unedited and Unfiltered). We get into our ideals of Romance and fantasy for writing, to discussing the viability of being a playwright and poet. We also discuss Rupinder's first published book "Rooh", her upcoming book in 2026 and acting. I cannot wait for you to hear this, giggle and see a behind the scenes insight into Rupinder.  You also get a soundbite of Rupinder's short audio story for An Ode: Reframing the Classics titled "What the Waves Remember: Amrit Kaur" Rupinder's Bio: Rupinder Kaur Waraich (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist based in the West Midlands, whose work spans poetry, writing, and performance. Her artistic focus centres on feminine narratives and Panjabi heritage and language. Rupinder’s debut poetry collection, Rooh (2018), was published by Verve Poetry Press, and her forthcoming collection, Tigress with Wings, will be released by Seren Books in February 2026. Her short film The Two Artists, which she co-wrote and acted in, premiered at the UK Asian Film Festival. As a BBC New Creative, she wrote The Girls That Hide and Seek, a spoken word piece addressing gendered violence. Rupinder has taken part in artist residencies at JOYA: arte + ecología in Spain, Art House in the Netherlands, and Preet Nagar in Panjab. Her recent work blends poetry, dance, and film, as seen in her performance art films Finding Kali and The Search. Driven by curiosity and dedication, Rupinder continues to explore and create at the intersection of writing, film, and theatre. Topics Breakdown:  The Reality of self-producing your own work. Dream Date with an artist. Talking about partition with our family. From a Meta and Love Lens- How your relationship to the Pen and Writing has changed throughout the years? And if it has informed you anything about how you view the practice as a form? Gradual evolution from poetry into acting.  The experience of Poetry and Spoken word at events and how they have evolved in the last couple of years. Discussing her play and contribution to the Chai with Rai Audio Series An Ode: Reframing the Classics. The story inspired by two Punjabi princesses’ Indira Devi and Amrit Kaur - the former Maharani of Mandi and Princess of Kapurthala.  To listen to the short story, subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. Social Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_  & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_  & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: : https://www.instagram.com/rupinderkw/  Links Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage  & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_   Guest: https://rupinderkw.com/ 

Welcoming BACK Bolly Illusion a.k.a Anthony Pius.  This was a wonderful conversation into the new Audio series produced by Chai with Rai An Ode: Reframing the Classics in which Anthony wrote a short story called The Sari Chronicles.  The storytelling series had two exhibition residencies in London over Summer of 2025 at Theatre Deli and the LGBTQ+ Centre at London Bankside. We also discuss outlook on artistry and how our experience can inform our practice as creatives, the expansion/ highlights of Bolly's work, future work and the cabaret/ drag space.  Bolly/ Anthony's bio:  Bolly-Illusion (Anthony Pius)  is a drag Artist who has been slaying the stage in the world of cabaret for over 4 years. They infuse Indian music and beats to showcase their Indian heritage, there’s no light bulb moves here but you’ll defo want to get up out of your seat when you see them twirling around in a 6-inch stiletto.  They have been seen dancing in Marvel’s Eternal, other accomplishments include being featured in Vogue Italia, I-Weigh and Gay Times. Venues they have been blessed to perform in are the Design Museum, Hackney Empire, V&A Museum and Roundhouse Theatre to name a few. Topics Breakdown:  Misconceived notions or perceptions about yourself that the cabaret and drag space has helped unlearn or inform.   Finding liberation and joy with fellow queer artists. Being optimistic around negativity.   Central Cee Obsession. Political Views and standpoints. Discussing writing the short story "The Sari Chronicles"  Favourite part of the job.  To listen to the short story, subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. Social Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_  & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_  & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: : https://www.instagram.com/bolly_illusion Links Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage  & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_   Guest: https://linktr.ee/bolly_illusion?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnEbCwpcoaGtZnZO4r4zVCjApImoxmUjk8nc6dx48JocbG3QCCoiE-edd7zzw_aem_lKEhjCMXZG2GgDKXCz3uIQ  

Welcoming to The Chai Room- Robert Emms.  We discussed his new project The Choral, which is out in cinemas right now- make sure to check it out. P.S - the end made me cry and we discuss that.  We also discuss his new project Bad Apples.  This was such a great insight into the mind of an Actor. We chatted about the concept of idolising and hero worshipping the creatives you might be working with to the truth and subtext of acting. How to create the world of your story and emote it through various techniques. I cannot wait for you to hear this and get inspired. Robert's bio: Robert Emms is a film, stage and television actor best known for his roles in Andor, Chernobyl and Happy Valley. His breakout role came when he was starring in the lead role of Albert Narracott in War horse, after Steven Spielberg saw him in the show and cast him in the film version of the play. He has starred in many films including War Horse, Mirror Mirror, Apostasy, Broken aswell as the upcoming Alan Bennett film The Choral and Bad Apples.   Topics Breakdown:  Choral Play Hero Worshipping  Subtext of Acting  Truth of acting Bad Apples (new project) Of course some Rapid responses and WHAT THE CHAI?! To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/robertemms/?hl=en     Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3016166/?ref_=ttfc_fcr_3_31   Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.          

Welcome to the Chai Room 👀☕️ Francesca Gamble I had such a magnetic time with Fran and felt very empowered after our chat. It was such a healing insight into what your mind can look like when you do the work and dare to be brave. How we can lead and stand in the mosh pit of it all, the good, the bad and everything in between. It was also wonderful to have an insight into the business of a fast pace service industry, that often works on KPI's, metrics set by others and orientated to others creative vision. In all of this I truly found an honest voice of Fran's. I cannot wait for you to hear this and get inspired.  Fran's Bio:  Francesca is the founder of Global Talent Network Group and 29 London, celebrating a decade in business this year. With a career spanning top agencies including The Engine Group, M&C Saatchi, and Chime Group, Francesca brings deep expertise in brand building, entrepreneurship, and the business of talent. As a solo founder who has grown her companies without external funding, she offers a unique perspective on building Talent-first strategies and why brands must look beyond influencers to drive real influence and cultural impact. Topics Breakdown:  You often say “talent isn’t the last layer — it is the strategy.” Can you walk us through what that looks like in action? Was there a pivotal moment or challenge in your career that deeply shaped how you show up today? What practices or habits have been most transformative for your growth — both as a founder and as a person? You started mentoring and launching non-profits before the age of 21. Why is mentorship such a central part of your work? What is your valued Success of the agency?  What does your Strength as a founder feel like? Talk us through the Business of being a creative- the pits and the peaks of it.  How do you snap out of wollow moments and where do you find the light?  To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest : https://www.instagram.com/francesca_gamble/ , https://www.instagram.com/29london/ & https://www.instagram.com/gtnconsultancy/  Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://29-london.com/ , https://www.globaltalentnetworkgroup.com/ & https://becomingmorehuman.co.uk/  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.        

We are BACK! Season 7!  Welcoming to The Chai Room for our first episode is the legendary actor Nabil Elouahabi.  Nabil’s television credits span an impressive range of critically acclaimed series, including Quarter Life, FBI: International, the BAFTA-winning Blue Lights, Unforgotten, Breeders, The Tower, Time, Our Girl, His Dark Materials, Deep State, The Missing, The Night Of, 24: Live Another Day, Top Boy, and the Emmy-nominated HBO miniseries Generation Kill alongside Alexander Skarsgård. One of his most iconic early roles came in the Only Fools and Horses Christmas Day special Strangers on the Shore, where he played Rashid “Gary” Mahmoon - a fan-favourite appearance. Nabil began his screen career working with acclaimed British director Michael Winterbottom (In This World, Code 46), and has since featured in a wide range of celebrated international films including Desert Warrior, Fuze, Heavyweight, The Way of the Wind, Fatum, The Outrun, Hoard, Infinite, Sand Castle, Hyena Road, Reign of the General, Zero Dark Thirty(opposite Jessica Chastain and Jason Clarke), Tower Block, Junkhearts, Blitz, Journey to Mecca, Charlie Wilson’s War(with Tom Hanks), Ali G Indahouse, Deserter, and The Sum of All Fears. On stage, his theatre work includes Noura at Playwrights Horizons (New York), Oslo and Another World at the National Theatre, Fireworks at the Royal Court, Oil at the Almeida, I Call My Brothers and The Nightmares of Carlos Fuentes at the Arcola, and Love Your Soldiers in Sheffield.   Topics breakdown:  Spiritualisim and work on self belief- in an industry where you have to be so Malleable and almost be in the peaks and valleys. How do you maintain the love and belief in your craft as an actor and a storyteller?  Can you have a viable career as an actor, financially and creatively? Brand building in today's digital society from an acting and producing perspective. To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.  Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest : https://www.instagram.com/actornabil/?hl=en Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_  Guest: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1029263/?ref_=nmmi_ov_bk  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.