BBC Radio Manchester, Lancashire & Merseyside Interview: Honorary Doctorate & more!

Written By Dr Ria Meera Munshi
05 February 2025

Tuesday 4th February 2025: 9.00am


I remember the day vividly; it was a gorgeous, warm summer’s day in July 2011, and my energy was infectious because I was still on this surreal, out-of-this-world experience from breaking the Bollywood Guinness World Record a few days earlier.


With mehndi on my hands, a blue floral top complementing my blue jeans, and white beaded earrings gently dangling from the hoops, I was at BBC Radio Manchester for my second-ever live interview, and the excitement was flowing!


Talat Farooq Awan interviewed me about the Bollywood Guinness World Record, and I even remember us having a little dance during the interview, with the stunning view of MediaCityUK surrounding us.


Some things in my life will always remain, like dancing at interviews, interactive keynote talks, and anywhere else I can dance, enjoy and make others smile!


This was the case yesterday when I was back on BBC Radio Manchester, being interviewed by Raees Khan on his Monday evening show. A lovely surprise was seeing Neetal Parekh, a friend of many years, and a producer of this programme.


From breaking the Bollywood Guinness World Record to the inception of Ri Ri’s Dance Academy, to the discussion of my Honorary Doctor of Arts, and exciting insights into the future, including touring children’s theatrical production of The Magic Stick in Autumn 2025, and more imminently, my TEDx talk this Saturday.

BBC Radio Manchester February 2025


* * R E A L I T Y C H E C K ! * *


“Immigrant” – This was the comment from someone yesterday when I went live on TikTok during my BBC Radio interview.


Unfortunately, comments like this are normal. We know they shouldn’t be normal, we know this behaviour is unacceptable, especially in 2025, but racism and discrimination still exist.


Normally, I wouldn’t have posted something like this online, but recent thought patterns and experiences have brought to light that it’s vital for others to see what happens behind the scenes in my life … It’s not always glam and sparkles!


Being a woman is hard.

But being a woman of colour always holds more challenges, even if you are born and brought up in Manchester.


Did this one comment affect the interview? Absolutely not! As professionals of many years in the arts and cultural industry, situations like these are daily occurrences which build our resilience and experiences.


Over the years, being interviewed by BBC Radio Manchester, BBC Radio Lancashire, and BBC Radio Merseyside has become a beautiful staple part of the tradition in my portfolio career and projects stemming from Ri Ri’s Dance Academy.


Interviews with the station in the past have ranged from Sue & Sita, The Dancing Elephant, and even my business manager, producer, and financial director of Ri Ri’s Dance Academy, also my Dad!, Rushi Munshi —being interviewed about his Vedic astrology, in 2014.


Building long-term relationships and having longevity with organisations has always been an important part of my brand, business, and career development. But most importantly, this can only happen when you are your authentic self. The best relationships always begin through work and become beautiful friendships decades later!

Lots of love,

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