BBC Asian Network announces 12 new presenters for Asian Network Represents
BBC Asian Network has announced a new group of 12 presenters who will front Asian Network Represents from April 2026 through March 2027.
The initiative, which returns following strong audience interest, continues its mission to highlight emerging radio talent from across the UK. Each presenter will take charge of a full month of programming, hosting four Tuesday night shows from 10pm to 11pm. For several of them, this will be their first experience working in radio.
This year’s line-up reflects a wide mix of creative backgrounds, featuring content creators, an actor, a dancer and even a banker. Among those joining the station is Bablu, an award‑winning presenter, speaker and content creator from Cardiff who is known for his enthusiasm for music, classic Bollywood cinema and supporting new British and Welsh talent. Also part of the cohort is actor and content creator Anoushka Chadha, who appeared in the Amazon Prime film Picture This and brings her passion for TV, film, music and comedy to the programme.
The series will begin in April with Birmingham-based presenter and content creator Amkbhamra. She has previously interviewed major music artists, hosted Shubh’s UK tour debut and served as the opening voice for Karan Aujla’s first UK tour. Hosting Asian Network Represents will mark her first time presenting on radio.
Across the year, the programme will be led month by month by Amkbhamra in April, followed by Shumena Akther in May, Bablu in June, Kunza in July, Zaara Azira in August, and Beant in September. October will be hosted by Shilpa Sajan, with Anyeka Jamal taking over in November and Anoushka Chadha presenting in December. The new year will begin with Jas Aulakh in January 2027, followed by Vignesh in February and Pax Dharma concluding the season in March 2027.
Bablu says: “I’m super excited to be joining BBC Asian Network Represents, I listened to the station growing up in Cardiff, so being part of it now feels like a real full circle moment. It means a lot to be part of this space that celebrates culture, creativity and new voices. I’m excited to bring my perspective and shine a light on artists and stories that deserve to be heard. I also have to shout out my dad, who was basically ‘Mr Bollywood’ in our house and really sparked my love for music and connection to culture more widely. I can’t wait!”
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Anoushka Chadha says: “Honestly, I’m buzzing to be part of the Asian Network family! It’s such a special space for our culture. My show is going to be a total energy boost, full of fun, laughs, and all the tunes that lift you up and keep you going throughout your day. Can’t wait!”
Amkbhamra says: “Joining BBC Asian Network Represents is a dream come true. Working with the BBC has long been one of my ambitions, and it’s a real honour to now be part of the BBC family. With a deep love for music, strong pride in my culture, and a passion for conversation, I’m excited to begin this new chapter.”
Ahmed Hussain, Head of BBC Asian Network, says: “I am genuinely excited to welcome this new group of presenters to Asian Network Represents. We were really blown away by the talent, creativity and hunger from people who want to be part of what we do, and this year’s cohort really stood out. They each bring something different, something real, and something that reflects the audiences we serve across the UK.
“Represents is all about giving people their first step into radio and creating a space where new voices can shine. Asian Network has always been proud to champion new talent, and it feels great to be giving another 12 presenters the platform they deserve.”
Asian Network launched the search for new presenters in January, searching for talent who want to get into radio broadcasting and have a passion for British Asian culture and the latest music and entertainment. The successful applicants will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Represents alumni including Neha Navekar, who now presents for BBC Sport as an Entertainment and Sports presenter, and Virdi, a music producer and DJ who went on to star on ‘The Apprentice’.
