Cultural Talks and Panels on South Asian Music
Beyond the dance floor, I bring the stories of our music, our diaspora, and our history to the stage. Whether it is a panel on South Asian nightlife or a lecture on the evolution of Bhangra, these sessions are about connecting our roots to where we are today.
A snapshot from a speaking engagement at the 1497 South Asian Lodge. These panels are a forum to discuss the evolution of South Asian art and culture and my role in shaping the NYC scene.
This poster promotes a talk and Bollywood Disco party at the Museum of the Moving Image. My speaking engagements often blend academic discussion with interactive elements, like this one exploring the connection between Urdu poetry and Hindi cinema.
The Brooklyn Museum's First Saturdays are an iconic city event, and I was honored to be part of the lineup. My sessions in these institutional spaces often involve spinning music that complements the cultural programming, creating a bridge between the gallery and the dance floor.
I regularly participate in events like this screening and talkback for the documentary 'In Search of Bengali Harlem'. These discussions are vital for exploring the deep, often untold, histories of our communities in New York City.
This photo captures a community action event, a theme often explored in my talks at places like the Museum of the City of New York. My speaking work frequently connects to exhibitions on activism, religion, and urban space, highlighting the role of desi communities in shaping the city.
About Talks, Panels & Cultural Institutions
When I step on stage for a talk or panel, I do not just read from a script. I bring my archives—the flyers, the mixtapes, the photos—to show how we built our spaces from the ground up in NYC. My goal is to get you thinking about the intersection of art and activism, and how the music we dance to is deeply tied to our political history and identity.
I bridge the gap between the club and the classroom. My work in cultural institutions is not just about sharing information; it is about acknowledging the labor and love that went into creating our spaces. Whether I am curating a talk at the Brooklyn Museum or speaking on a panel about the nightlife economy, I focus on the 'why' behind the beat.
We look at the history of the South Asian diaspora in NYC—from the early influences of Hindi cinema and Urdu poetry to the activism that keeps our community thriving today. These are not static lectures. I use multimedia to bring the history to life, integrating archival footage and music samples so you do not just hear about the past, you feel it. If you are looking to host an engaging session on music production, social politics, or the role of art in urban spaces, let us talk.
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