Hello, art lovers! As 2024 comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on a year that, while quieter than usual, has been filled with purpose, learning, growth, and planning. It’s also been a year of experimenting with different art forms, pushing creative boundaries, and finding new ways to tell stories. From inspiring conversations with peers to uncovering cultural gems that have enriched my work and thinking, this year has been another important chapter in my life as an artist, storyteller, and creator. Here’s a look back at the highlights that made 2024 a memorable and enriching year.
Reclaim Festival: Food, Mental Health, and Finding Balance
The year started on such a high note with a visit to the Eden Project, Cornwall, for the Reclaim Festival—a weekend that left me inspired and energised. The festival centered around mental health and well-being, and two themes really struck a chord with me: the powerful link between food and mental health, and the importance of finding balance in life.
One of the most memorable moments was meeting the incredible Gaz Oakley, a celebrated vegan chef, YouTuber, and author. Gaz’s warmth and authenticity were magnetic, and his story truly moved me. He shared how he left the fast-paced chaos of London for a simpler, more sustainable life in rural Wales—a decision that changed his life. Listening to him sparked something in me. Inspired by his courage and commitment, I’ve decided to embrace self-sustainability in my own way by growing my own vegetables in 2025! I’ve already picked out spots in my garden, and I’m so excited to see where this journey takes me. Gaz reminded me that change doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it starts with one small step, consistency, and a belief in yourself.
Another standout experience at the festival was meeting Serge Attukwei Clottey, a Ghanaian artist. Serge turns recycled materials from Accra into art that tells deeply resonant stories about cultural identity, local economies, and the narratives hidden in everyday objects. His multidisciplinary approach—spanning installation, performance, painting, photography, and sculpture—reminded me of the infinite possibilities that art holds to communicate and connect.
Serge was joined by Jelena Sofronijevic, the brilliant producer of the Empire Lines podcast, in a conversation. Together, they spoke about how art can spark meaningful dialogue about politics, culture, and the environment. It reminded me why I do what I do—why I strive to create work that not only tells stories but also inspires people to think, feel, and engage.
Discovering Hamburg: Miniature Worlds, Spices, and Chocolate
In December 2023, I happen to discover Minatur Wunderland on social media. As soon as I realised that it was in fact the largest minature model in the world was on my doorstep in Hamburg, I simply had to go and see it for myself. My trip to Hamburg this year was a feast for the senses. As someone with a lifelong fascination for miniature worlds, visiting Miniatur Wunderland—the largest model railway in the world—was a dream come true.
I spent over seven hours exploring the intricate recreations of international cities and landmarks spanning across several floors, including the very impressive fully operational Knuffingen Airport, complete with planes taking off and landing. I absolutely loved the exhibit's transitions from day to night which brought a magical realism to the experience, immersing me in this tiny, vibrant world. I also enjoyed the immersive virtual reality experience which made me feel like one of the characters in the 1990s Hollywood film ‘Honey I Shrunk The Kids”!
Hamburg also introduced me to its rich culinary history. I enjoyed exploring Spicy’s Gewürzmuseum, an interactive spice museum where I learned about the history of the spice trade, its connections to Hamburg and experienced the aromas and tastes of spices and teas from across the globe.
My journey continued at Chocoversum, Hamburg’s famous chocolate museum, where I crafted my own chocolate bar while learning about cocoa bean harvesting and ethical chocolate production. These experiences reminded me of how deeply food connects us to history, culture, and community and it is something I wish to embed into my own artistic work.
Celebrating Two Icons: Jude Kelly and Grayson Perry
In March, I had the privilege of celebrating the birthdays of two cultural icons—Jude Kelly CBE and Grayson Perry—at a vibrant gathering with friends and peers. Jude’s sister gave a moving speech, perfectly capturing her legacy with the words: “Jude makes spaces that live.” Her tireless work in the arts and her commitment to inclusion continue to inspire me, as does her ability to create spaces that bring people together. I first met Jude in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2009, while I was working at a cultural arts centre there. That encounter left a lasting impression on me, and her journey has remained an ongoing source of inspiration.
Grayson Perry’s humor and vibrant energy added a special spark to the celebration. His work, which challenges conventions and explores the beauty of everyday experiences, has always resonated with me. My first introduction to his creativity came through the BBC Reith Lectures—a must listen for anyone passionate about art.
This Town: Meeting Steven Knight and Celebrating 1980s Midlands Culture
Another highlight of this year was meeting Steven Knight at the premiere of his BBC drama This Town. Set in 1981 Birmingham and Coventry, the series beautifully captures the lives of four young people navigating the challenges of social unrest while finding hope and unity in the two-tone music scene. The show is both a heartfelt tribute to Knight’s Midlands roots and a celebration of a cultural moment that reshaped British history.
During our conversation, I had the chance to share my own creative work and installations inspired by the stories of 1980s Midlands. We exchanged ideas about the region’s rich cultural legacy, and his storytelling reaffirmed my own commitment to showcasing the diverse narratives of the Midlands, particularly from the 1980s era, through my projects.
The VIP event, hosted by the BBC, was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with some of Birmingham’s brightest creative talents. It was truly inspiring to celebrate the creativity and cultural heritage of a region that continues to influence and shape our artistic landscapes.
Vaisakhi at Downing Street: A Celebration of Faith and Heritage
On April 17, I had the incredible honour of attending a Vaisakhi celebration at 10 Downing Street, hosted by the former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The event brought together 140 guests from the British Sikh community and featured prayers sung by children from Birmingham’s Nishkam Primary School.
The Prime Minister opened his address with the traditional Sikh greeting, "Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh," and reflected on his Punjabi heritage and the Sikh tradition of langar—a beautiful act of selfless service that involves feeding anyone, regardless of background.
It was a moment of immense pride to be present at the event as an invited guest by Britain’s first South Asian Prime Minister. He shared his personal connection to Sikh values, emphasising the importance of community and service.
Asian Media Awards: A Celebration of Storytelling and Resilience
The Asian Media Awards this year served as a poignant reminder of the immense power of storytelling to bridge communities and celebrate diverse voices. As a past winner for Asian Women & Cars: The Road to Independence in 2019 (Best Creative Media Award) and a finalist for Mother Tongues from Farther Lands in 2017 and Jambo Cinema in 2022 (Best Live Event), I was deeply honored to be invited to speak at the shortlisting announcement in September in London. It was an incredible opportunity to reflect on my journey and share insights into the creative process behind Jambo Cinema—my flagship installation that celebrates untold South Asian stories of first- and second-generation immigrants from 1980s and 1990s Britain.
For those unfamiliar, Jambo Cinema is a personal and heartfelt project that shines a spotlight on the vibrant, yet often overlooked, cultural hubs of South Asian communities during this era - told through the lense of my own family. I recreated my late father's VHS Bollywood rental shop, our living room from the 1970s/1980s and my own teenage bedroom from the late 1980s and 1990s.
Similarly, Asian Women & Cars: The Road to Independence was born out of a desire to tell the inspiring stories of South Asian women who challenged cultural norms and found freedom behind the wheel. This project not only highlighted their personal journeys but also captured the broader shifts in independence and agency among Asian women in the UK. Both works have been deeply personal, rooted in my passion for uncovering and amplifying underrepresented voices.
At the shortlisting announcement, I congratulated the finalists and shared the importance of believing in your vision, even when others may not immediately see its value. I reflected on the realities of self-funding and launching projects like Jambo Cinema—an experience that taught me the importance of resilience, consistency, and self-belief. The truth is, the hard work often happens when no one is looking. It’s tough, it’s lonely, and it’s far from glamorous. But the rewards come when you finally reach the summit, and suddenly, the world begins to notice.
I also emphasised the importance of persistence: when others fail to understand your ideas, find ways to bring them to life regardless. Let your actions, rather than words, show what you are capable of achieving. My creative journey has been about creating spaces where South Asian stories can thrive and connect with wider audiences, proving that every story, no matter how niche, has the power to resonate.
The awards night itself, held at the beautiful Hilton Hotel in Deansgate in October, was a vibrant celebration of talent and achievement. It was a joy to witness Sangita Myska being recognized as Media Personality of the Year and to see Dr. Shani Dhanda honored for her incredible work as a disability activist championing inclusivity. Harvey Virdi’s award for her services to television, film, and theatre was another highlight, as was the deeply moving recognition of Sophiya Haque’s contributions to the arts.
One of the most inspiring moments of the evening was meeting and being seated at the table with Ayshea Brough. Her career spans over six decades and she was the first South Asian women to appear on British television in the 1950s. Ayshea, who won the Outstanding Contribution to Media award for 2024, was a true trailblazer, and listening to her story was both humbling and uplifting. Her journey is a testament to the resilience and dedication it takes to leave a lasting legacy in the media industry.
These moments reaffirm why amplifying diverse voices in media is so vital. Representation matters—not just for those creating the work, but for the audiences who finally see themselves reflected in meaningful ways. It was a privilege to celebrate these achievements and to be reminded of the power of storytelling to connect us all.
At breakfast the following day. I manage to catch up with Sima Sthanakiya who won Best Blog and Website award, which was well deserved. We met at the shortlisting and after discovering her blog, I was secretly hoping she would win and she did! Sima is Founder of 'the Curious Pixie' an award-winning luxury lifestyle and travel website and social media platforms inspiring readers to escape the everyday.
Kindness as a Force for Change
One of the most uplifting highlights of my year was attending the Lead with Kindness Campaign 2024—a remarkable event celebrating kindness as a transformative force for change. Hosted by the wonderful Katie Quilton, a British television presenter and journalist best known for Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped, the event was held at the KPMG offices in Canary Wharf. Organised in partnership with KPMG and the Financial Times, the event brought together leaders and organisations who are championing compassion and inclusion in their industries.
It was an absolute honor to be invited as a guest and to meet the UK-listed finalists—exceptional professionals who are actively demonstrating kindness in their leadership. A key highlight was reconnecting with the extraordinary Pinki Lilani CBE DL, whose dedication to fostering kindness in leadership continues to inspire me deeply. Pinki’s Women of the Future Network, plays a pivotal role in empowering young women across industries.
Sharing the stage with Katie Quilton were other incredible leaders, including Josh Kricheski, CEO of GroupM, and Alexandra McKenzie, British High Commissioner to Brunei. Their insights further reinforced the power of kindness as a leadership principle—reminding us that values like authenticity, consistency, connectivity, courage, resilience, empathy, empowerment, fairness, generosity, mindfulness, and respect are not just ideals but vital tools for creating meaningful change.
As a previous winner of the Asian Women of Achievement Awards, I feel an immense sense of pride to be part of this incredible alumnae network of changemakers who are leading with purpose in their respective fields. Attending the event was a powerful reminder that kindness is more than a soft skill—it is a leadership superpower that can break barriers, build connections, and foster collaboration.
A Tupperware of Ashes, National Theatre: A Theatrical Masterpiece of 2024
The stage show I was looking forward to seeing the most was 'A Tupperware of Ashes'. During my time as a theatre producer, I've seen a lot of stage shows and only a handful have been being truly moving, important and memorable shows. This show definitely makes it onto my list of shows which will stay in my mind and heart. Written by Tanika Gupta and directed by Pooja Ghai, the play tells the story of Queenie, a Michelin-starred chef facing Alzheimer’s, and explores caregiving and cultural identity. I think, it’s fair to say this is one of the most important theatre shows to be made in recent history. The box office sell-out show is proof that there is an appetite for these kinds of stories in our theatres.
As a carer myself, the play struck an emotional chord that left me in tears in parts. I was deeply moved by the performances of Meera Syal and Shobna Gulati, who brought raw emotion to the stage. After the show, I had the privilege of meeting the cast and sharing dinner with them in the green room. I loved tasting Meera Syal’s homemade kitcharie, (spiced daal with rice) and finished off with lashings of good old ghee. It was the perfect way to end the evening.
Diwali with the Foreign Commonwealth at St James Palace
I had the honor of attending the Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas celebration hosted by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office at St James's Palace. The event brought together a diverse group of people to celebrate light, unity, and cultural heritage. It was a privilege to reconnect with Anita Bhalla OBE, whose impactful career in media and public service continues to inspire me. I also had the pleasure of meeting Amrit Maan OBE, known for his philanthropy and leadership at the iconic Punjab Restaurant, as well as Jasvir Singh CBE, a social activist and advocate for interfaith dialogue and cultural representation. Their dedication to creating positive change is deeply motivating.
I was also fortunate to meet Dr. Tejpal Singh Ralmill, a passionate curator, capturing the Sikh and Punjabi contribution to the British and Indian armed services. The evening was a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural exchange and the impact of collaboration in enriching our communities. It was truly an honor to be surrounded by friends and colleagues whose contributions to heritage, art and culture are both inspiring and transformative.
David Hockney and Sweet Dreams: Ending the Year with Inspiration
I ended 2024 with a visit to AVIVA Studios in Manchester for two incredible experiences. David Hockney’s Bigger & Closer was a stunning exploration of six decades of his art, blending projections and soundscapes to immerse audiences in his creative process. I was particularly impressed by the scale of the work and being immersed into his world of drawings and photography. Earlier on in the year, I saw Sweet Dreams by Marshmallow Laser Feast. That show was a darkly humorous and thought-provoking exploration of fast food’s impact on society, blending animation, cinema, and interactivity. Both experiences left me inspired to think differently about my own creative journey.
Looking Ahead: Gratitude and Hope
As I look back on 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, connections, and growth this year has brought. It’s been a year of foundations, learning, of slowing down to experiment with different art forms and ideas with thanks to a grant from Arts Council England and the Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund.
