By Beds SU
Wednesday, 26 July 2023
South Asian Heritage Month happens every year from 18 July to 18 August. It was set up in 2020 to recognise and champion the contributions South Asian communities have made to the UK. You can find out more about what’s on to celebrate the month on the official website.
We’ve gathered a list of compelling and critically acclaimed TV shows, films, books and podcasts to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month.
TV shows
Back in Time for Brimingham
This series sees the Sharma family go back in time to discover what life was like for families who came from South Asia to settle in Britain from the 1950s onwards.
Available to stream FREE on BBC iPlayer
Citizen Khan
Family-based sitcom set in Birmingham, following the trials and tribulations of Mr Khan, a loud-mouthed, cricket-loving, self-appointed community leader, and his family.
Available to stream FREE on BBC iPlayer
White Teeth
White Teeth tells the interlinked stories of three families over three generations in a multicultural area of north-west London. Adapted from the award-winning debut novel by Zadie Smith.
Available to stream FREE on Channel 4
Goodness Gracious Me
A comedy sketch series that explores British Asian culture, and the conflict and integration between traditional Indian culture and modern British life. Starring an ensemble cast of British Indian actors, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Kulvinder Ghir, Meera Syal and Nina Wadia.
Available to stream FREE on BBC iPlayer
Films
Blinded by the Light
This comedy-drama musical is based on the life of University of Bedfordshire’s chancellor, Sarfraz Manzoor and set in Luton, Bedfordshire.
Available to order on YouTube (from £2.49) and Apple TV (from £3.49)
Bend It Like Beckham
Bend It Like Beckham follows Jess, who comes from an orthodox Punjabi family and is obsessed with David Beckham and football. The film gave actress Parminder Nagra her first break, actress Keira Knightly widespread recognition and was directed by British-Indian director Gurinder Chadha.
Available to stream with Amazon Prime and Disney+ memberships
Bhaji on the Beach
A group of women of Indian descent take a trip together from their home in Birmingham, England to the beach resort of Blackpool. As events unfold, each woman must use her individual strength to face the challenges of their life – even during an outing on the beach.
Available to stream with Amazon Prime membership
Mogul Mowgli
British-Pakistani rapper Zed believes he is about to break into the big time – until he is suddenly struck by a deliberating illness that threatens to derail his lifetime ambition. Co-written and starring Riz Ahmed.
Available to stream FREE on BBC iPlayer
Books
Greetings from Bury Park: Race. Religion. Rock ‘n’ Roll
The book that inspired the film Blinded by the Light, Greetings from Bury Park is the autobiography of the University of Bedfordshire’s current Chancellor, Sarfraz Manzoor, reconciling with growing up as both British and Muslim in Luton.
Sophia: Princess, Suffragette, Revolutionary
This historical account follows Sophia Duleep Singh, daughter to the heir to the Kingdom of the Sikhs, who during her exile to England fought for Indian independence, the welfare of Indian soldiers in the First World War and female suffrage.
Brick Lane
After an arranged marriage to an older man, Nazneen exchanges her Bangladeshi village for a block of flats in London’s East End. After meeting Karim, and against a background of escalating racial and gang conflict, they embark on an affair that finally forces Nazneen to take control of her life.
The Corner Shop
Babita Sharma was raised in a corner shop in Reading, and over the counter watched a changing world, from the clientele to the products to the politics of the day. This book explores how these tiny open-all-hours shops changed our country.
Podcasts
South Asian Stories
An award-winning podcast where we hear from South Asians around the world and uncover their identities, successes, failures, and most importantly, stories. From artists, writers, filmmakers, athletes, entertainers and more!
Brown Boss
British Asian Women’s Magazine host discussion with British South Asians to talk about the work they do, how they got into it, their journey so far and what their experience has been like. From entrepreneurs with multiple businesses, to teenagers who’ve started charities, there’s so much to learn and laugh about in this inspirational podcast.
The Doosra
Isa Guha and Aatif Nawaz talk cricket with a British-Asian spin. They are joined by guests representing different South Asian communities unified by a love of the game.
Brown Game Strong
Feature feature interview-style conversations with people within or related to the South Asian diaspora who are achieving exciting things. Hosted by Mitali Dargani.
Get involved!
If you have stories you would like to share in celebration of South Asian Heritage Month we would love to hear from you so email us! and mention in the subject that it is FAO (for attention of) Comms team.