Tell us about your roots and what it means to you.

"My roots are from Kerala, India - a place we proudly call 'God’s Own Country' because of our incredible backwaters, mountains and beaches. 

It’s a place with a rich cultural background. We celebrate Onam every year to mark the harvest. It’s a time when the whole community comes together to celebrate our land's beauty and history. It’s a reminder of where I come from and the vibrant culture that I carry with me here at NEXT!"

What is one of your favourite dishes?

"Try out my quick Kerala Parippu Payasam (Dessert) recipe here!"

Tell us about your roots and what it means to you.

"When people ask me what my Bangladeshi heritage means to me, I first tell them about the sacrifices made by ordinary people such as students, workers, farmers forming the Mukti Bahini (Freedom Fighters) to achieve liberation in 1971. Although heritage isn't just something you should read in a textbook. For me it's more about the lessons learnt from those before us who taught us that our heritage is the importance of self-determination, courage, and unity in times of crisis. 

To be Bangladeshi is to belong to a land carved by water, blanketed in gold and steeped in green.

We are a beautiful tapestry of extremes. We are the endless rice fields that stretch across our horizons feeding generations. We are the mist-soaked emerald tea gardens of Sylhet filling the air with aroma. We are the home of the majestic Bengal Tiger in the deep shadows of the Shudanbans and we are the delicate Shapla flower (lilly) blooming resiliently across our lakes.

And yet, the heartbeat of Bangladesh is its people. It’s a land that's knows hardship, where poverty is a daily reality for many. But if you look past those struggles, you find a profound, tranquil peace, you find unparallelled kindness and people who will share their last grain with a stranger. Their smiles are as warm as the monsoon sun and hearts as calm and deep as the waters they live by.

That's what heritage means to me. It’s the history, the struggles, the lessons, the soil and the grace of the people."

Do you have any fond memories you'd like to share?

"A core favourite memory of mine is visiting my grandad. I remember the quiet, misty early mornings, stepping onto those traditional wooden fishing boats. I’d watch his weathered hands cast the net over the water with grace which only comes from a lifetime of living in rhythm with the tides. He’ll always let me have a go, I had no idea how to fish but he was patient and taught me a skill I will forever cherish. 

When I go back to visit, although my grandad is no longer with us I still take out the wooden boat, and cast the net. Not to catch any fish but to simply reminisce about those precious moments."

What is one of your favourite dishes?

"I’m no chef but I am a big foodie and Bengali cuisine is exquisite. 

My personal favourite Kala Bhuna: A deeply spiced, slow-cooked beef dish that turns incredibly tender and dark in colour. 

I have to mention the staple and national dish just to put it out there. It’s the Ilish (Hilsa) fish. The Hilsa is simmered in a sharp, aroma filled mustard paste with green chillies and mustard oil. It’s spicy, earthy and absolutely delicious."

What does celebrating your South Asian heritage mean to you?

"To celebrate my culture is to celebrate the resilience, joy and profound love of the generations that came before me.

From the food and the fashion to the history and the heartbeat - I am unapologetically in love with my South Asian heritage."