Too British To Be Asian

Ruby Hammer MBE is a trailblazing makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur whose career spans over 40 years of redefining beauty standards. Best known for co-founding the iconic Ruby & Millie beauty line in the late 90s, she was one of the first to champion inclusivity and diversity in an industry that, at the time, overlooked many. Ruby has worked with world-famous supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell, and her expert touch has graced the pages of top fashion magazines. 🌟   As a British Bangladeshi, Ruby’s journey into the beauty world has been shaped by her identity, allowing her to break barriers while promoting beauty for everyone—regardless of race, gender, or age. Today, her own brand, Ruby Hammer Beauty, continues that mission with products designed to simplify beauty routines and celebrate natural beauty.   On the "Too British ToBe Asian" podcast, we dig into Ruby’s rich, multicultural background and how it has informed her life and career. From navigating the complexities of growing up between multiple cultures to becoming an outspoken advocate for diversity in beauty, Ruby opens up about the challenges and triumphs that have defined her career. This is where we explore what it means to embrace multiple identities—leaning into British culture while honouring our roots.   If you're passionate about beauty, culture, and identity, this conversation will leave you inspired. Don’t miss Ruby’s candid insights on how to navigate the world when you don’t fit into a single box. 💬✨   #TooBritishToBeAsian #RubyHammer #BeautyWithPurpose #IdentityMatters #BritishBangladeshi #InclusiveBeauty #MulticulturalVoices  

In this exclusive and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Karanjee Gaba - the trailblazing Afghan Sikh British Asian male supermodel, for his very first podcast interview. Karanjee opens up about his extraordinary journey from Afghanistan to the UK, navigating within a world where his unique identity often stands out. With unwavering conviction, he shares poignant stories of being asked to shave his hair, a request he respectfully declined due to his religious beliefs. Karanjee candidly discusses the challenges of feeling tokenised, being seen as a mere diversity tick box and his desire to be recognised simply as a model, rather than a "trend" Join us for an inspiring conversation that explores the intersections of culture, faith, and the pursuit of true acceptance in the beauty and fashion industry. This is a story of resilience, authenticity, and the fight for a place in the spotlight on one's own terms. Don't miss this compelling dialogue with Karanjee Gaba

Stitching Stories| A Journey with Krishan Parmar 🌟 🎙️ Join us on an enchanting journey into the world of fashion, style, and cultural fusion with the trailblazer- Krishan Parmar, the maestro behind some of the iconic looks from magazines, music videos and high-profile stars. As a British Asian fashion stylist and wardrobe designer, Krishan has not only left an indelible mark on the industry but has also redefined the narrative as the only male, British Asian stylist.   ✨ Breaking Barriers, Setting Trends ✨ Krishan Parmar, a visionary in his own right, has seamlessly blended British and South Asian aesthetics, creating a unique signature styles that transcend borders. His incredible journey is a testament to his passion, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From collaborating with global musicians and acclaimed actresses to gracing the pages of top magazines, Krishan's portfolio is a kaleidoscope of iconic moments.   🌈 Cultural Heritage and Fashion Fusion 🌈 In this heart-to-heart conversation, Krishan opens up about his personal and professional evolution, weaving together the rich tapestry of his dual identity. As a British South Asian, he shares the challenges, triumphs, and the vibrant intersection of cultures that have shaped his artistic vision. Prepare to be inspired as he unravels the threads that connect tradition with contemporary elegance.   🔥 The Pinnacle of Luxury and Glamour 🔥 From dressing celebrities to collaborating with luxury brands, Krishan Parmar's work radiates sophistication. Dive deep into the behind-the-scenes tales of his most iconic projects, discovering the alchemy of turning visions into reality. Through laughtera, tears, and triumphs, this interview goes beyond fashion; it's a celebration of dreams manifested.   🌟 A Glimpse into the Extraordinary 🌟 This episode on “Too British To Be Asian” podcast captures the essence of Krishan's remarkable journey — a journey that embodies resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of fashion. Join us as we unravel the layers of this extraordinary artist, finding inspiration in every stitch, every choice, and every story.   📌 Stay tuned for a captivating conversation that transcends fashion and dives into the soul of creativity. Subscribe, hit the notification bell, and be ready to embark on a journey with Krishan Parmar like never before! 📌   #KrishanParmar #FashionJourney #BritishAsianStylist #PodcastInterview #CulturalFusion #InspirationInFashion #StyleRevolution ✨

I am back with the amazing Spice Queen who is teaching me parts of my culture through learning to cook Indian food. I didn't grow up learning how to cook so I've had to teach myself over the years. It's been a truly worthwhile experience understanding who I am and where I came from. Here Parveen made the whole experience fun and entertaining! Have you ever cooked #JackFruit curry? Take a look at full lesson…. Search “Too British To Be Asian”  available on click on bio to listen and watch now. #Parveenthespicequeen #Parveenashraf #AuthenticIndianCookingLesson #Curry#toobritishtobeasian #Podcast

Introducing Angie Tiwari, Yoga, Breathwork and Meditation Coach. Angie shares how she left a life that no longer serves her from, situations, substances, relationships and career choices to a life that she found richness and meaning… in one word…. “Release” Angie now has a whole community where she shares her experiences to help others to ease their fears to happiness. She hosts her own retreats, workshops and coaches 1 to 1 so others can have the life they yearn for. Search “Too British To Be Asian”  available on @spotify and all Apple platforms or click on bio to listen and watch now. #AngieTiwari #Yoga #Breathwork #Meditation #Coach #BritishAsian #toobritishtobeasian #Podcast

Welcome Manpreet Bambra starring in ITV's South Asian comedy; "Count-Abdulla" Watch now on ITV X

Welcome actress Mariska Ariya starring in ITV's British Asian COMEDY, "Count-Abdulla" Watch now on ITV X

Adrian Somouie | “You Can Hear The Communication From Your Body” Born in 1985 during the Iran and Iraqi war was taking place, Arian fled with his mother and elder brother to Liverpool with his father joining 2years later.  He explains the heartache and emotional trauma being stripped away from his grandmother who be describes as his first love to a new country which he found challenging navigating between cultures; British and Iraqi.  Arian talks candidly on feeling torn and the challenges he felt growing up; “I used to have a lot of resentment over that situation, as not only did it bring along a big sense of not belonging, but simple things became much harder for me compared to watching others go through the same experience.” Arian discloses he suffered from extreme Anxiety particularly from the separation of his relationship which became his breaking point whereby he seriously considered suicide.  However, Arian sort help from reading books and reevaluated his life. He is now an “Intuitive Trauma Healing and Transformation Coach” which Arian describes - his calling. “I just get it” - He states within just a few minutes of meeting someone he has an innate ability to intuitively identify the root cause that created the patterns the person unconsciously is stuck in. Here he talks on “Too British To be Asian” with Sharan Raju on how trauma occurs and settles within the body, trauma responses, why people live in survival mode and how we can heal and become our authentic self. 

Amar Singh | Education System - Is Pale, Male and Stale Amar Singh - Gallery Owner, Activist on Women’s and LGBTQ rights, Digital collector and Hollywood Producer.  Born and raised in London Amar is not only an accomplished philanthropist he’s also a royal descendent of the Kapurthala Royal family - one of the oldest royal families in India. As history explains royal families in India were stripped of their power during India’s independence. However, Amar has some of the most remarkable people in his family tree.  Amar’s grandmother who was Princess was a women’s education activist, she championed women’s education alongside Nehru India’s first prime minister. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur probably the most notable member of the Kapurthala royal family. She wasn’t just a great feminist and women’s rights activist she was India’s first health minister and set up the first women’s education fund. Amar is currently fighting to abolish LGBTQ Conversion Therapy within India’s Supreme Court and has sold over 20,000 NFT’s and is currently involved in producing and writing Hollywood films. Here he talks on “Too British To be Asian” on being the role model for others to lead by example to be the change for underrepresented groups. How women and groups have been taught to become suppressed due to a rigged education system and how true freedom comes with acceptance of all people and so much more…

Bally Gill | "Will The Industry Tell Me There's No More Parts?" Winner of The Ian Charleson Award for his portrayal of Romeo in the Royal Shakespeare Company's 'ROMEO AND JULIET, Bally Gill is best known for his role as Neel Fisher in BBC drama Sherwood. Also appearing as Agent Singh in Slow Horses and in the ITV crime series Manhunt,  as well as the BBC medical comedy-drama This Is Going To Hurt.  Listed as one of Evening Standards “Rising Stars” of 2023 Bally makes his film debut in the forthcoming adaptation of the Alan Bennett play ‘ALLELUJAH’ in the role of Dr Valentine. Allelujah strikes the heart of bureaucracy and the daily struggles of an NHS geriatric ward. A deeply moving and humorous story, but the audience quickly realises there is a real imminent threat which everyone on the ward is is at risk.  Bally Gill talks to “Too British To Be Asian” podcast on the preconceptions people have on him being an all-knowing expert in Desi cultures, proud to play the role of a stereotypical Indian doctor in Allelujah, the lack of Diaspora stories being told, frustrations of gatekeepers giving “token” actors the opportunities for roles and the fear the industry will have no more parts for him… and so much more, this is a must listen!  Bally’s co-starrs include Jennifer SAUNDERS describing him as “tremendous” and “wonderful” Judi DENCH detailing on BBC’s Graham Norton Show her role fancying her doctor played by Bally “wasn’t hard” Allelujah - is released in cinemas nationwide now.