Thursday 6th February 2025: 8.00pm

I am currently voice-typing this blog into Google Docs as I take off my makeup and reflect on a gorgeous day while also preparing for my TEDx talk tomorrow. How amazing are Google Docs and voice typing, by the way? They mean I can multitask when I’m actually meant to be mindful and do the opposite… Eeekk! (But busy days always require super multi-tasking!)

Driving to The University of Salford University with my Dad this morning was a lovely experience, as always. Excitement filled the car as we discussed the Thursday ahead. Today, we delivered our co-lecture for undergraduate performance students at the University, which we were invited to present. This was a Creative Business Workshop, with Rushi and I as Industry Expert Guest Lecturers, for the Careers & Professional Pathways (CCP) module.

The lecture itself was based on my work as a multi-faceted artist, cultural entrepreneur, and Artistic Director of Ri Ri’s Dance Academy. I also shared my process of setting up the business in 2011, alongside Rushi Munshi‘s (my Dad’s!) expertise in legal structures and business formation.

The students were all so welcoming, lovely and grateful. We received incredible questions during the Q&A session at the end, as well as a lovely testimonial from one of the students.

“Have you always been this confident?”

This was a question I received from one of the students, and it took me by surprise. I’m not always confident; in fact, I was a little nervous before giving this lecture. I explained that my confidence stems from performing since the age of three, but I also continue to self-learn through personal development courses.

In the same breath, I emphasized that we can take every public speaking course available, watch all the YouTube videos, and scroll through countless TikTok reels on the topic. However, true authenticity and the ability to connect with your audience through your story are what make you relatable. We must find that connection within ourselves to share it with the world.

And what a blessing it is to co-teach with my Dad! Ever since I opened the business in 2011, it has often felt like “bring your parents to work day” every single day… and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I always feel so grateful for moments like this, though we always struggle to find the time to get a photo together. Hopefully, moving forward, we can carve out some time for this!

Straight from this lecture, I headed to the Salford University campus at Media City for the TEDx rehearsals. It felt surreal seeing my photos all over the building on television screens, banners, and projections! It feels even more surreal that the live event is tomorrow. I was initially nominated to do the 2023 TEDx talk, but due to work commitments in India, I was renominated for the 2025 talk, which was a stunning surprise.

It was brilliant to meet some of the speakers, in person, following on from our zoom meetings, as well as catching up with some old friends too! Although I am already quite familiar with the theatre space in the Media City building, the TEDx talk will be held in the exact space where I was awarded an Alumni Achievement Award in 2019. It’s always comforting to be in a comfortable space that brings back lovely memories.

I received a TEDx hoodie (what a dream!) and an official TEDx speaker lanyard (OMG!) and did a rehearsal, which put my heart and mind at ease.

Although I am super nervous, I am also super excited for the TEDx performance tomorrow. I’m delighted to be giving a surprise Bollywood dance performance after the interval, inviting people back into the space and raising the energy levels after a yummy lunch.

Keep your eyes peeled for my TEDx blog!

Lots of love,