The Hilsa Band

In this video podcast, I have an invigorating conversation with Tashnuva Anan Shishir about her life, her passion, her love, her struggles, her healing and survival. I celebrate her writing and poetry.Going beyond her identity as the first transgender news anchor in Bangladesh, this is my humble effort to uphold her as a woman who inspires.Subtitles available on Youtube:https://youtu.be/cL4ZrE0A6ZcTashnuva Anan Shishir created history when she became the first transgender news anchor in Bangladesh.After her life was in danger in Dhaka, she left Bangladesh.She now resides in New York City and is an actor, activist and writer. She now resides in New York City and is an actor, dancer, activist and writer. She rose to fame with her performance in Public Obscenities directed by Shayok Misha Chowdhury which opened in Soho Rep In New York in 2023. She featured in several newspapers and TV channels including BBC, The New York Times among many others.More on Tashnuva's story coming soon in audio episodes .

In this episode, I take a detour to Queens on my way back home one evening. A very interesting evening spent with Bengali street food and people in Jackson Heights.I also talk about the how New York subways remind me of Mumbai local trains. I remember the times how I became quite an expert on boarding and deboarding Bombay local trains which is a very specialzed skill.It was fun narrating my experience...you will enjoy this, hopefully !

With this episode, I end Mala's story and How? To create a perfect Friday evening, we talk about every Bengali's dream - Fish ! This time we dive a bit into the neurodivergent world too. Then add a splash of classical jazz in the end and time stands still ! Hope you enjoy this as as much as I did Note : The name and minor details have been changed as requested by the guest.

More Mala, more music. A bit films, a bit food. Throw in some harmless bad words, lots of giggles, a dash of philosophy and some revolutionary thoughts. That is the recipe for this episode. And all this happening at the end of a working day on a very snowy evening. Hope you enjoy it...Mala and I had a blast recording this!! Note:The name and some minor details have been changed as requested by the guest.

2025 - Here we are ... Happy New Year! Introducing you to Mala today. Over the next few episodes, I will narrate some fascinating and hilarious conversations with this music-crazy, foodie Bengali-American girl. Apart from being quite fluent in Bengali and being able to read/write/speak quite a bit of Spanish, she can also tell the difference between Japanese, Korean and Chinese characters to a great extent. Moreover, she also has a silly joke/comment for every situation and a very interesting set of funny friends. Quite a perfect way to start the year! Hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoy talking to her. Note: The name and minor details have been changed as requested by the guest.

With this episode today, I end Irfan's story. Partly set in Chinatown, New York, I bring to you a phase of his life where he emerges a winner. With the year almost coming to an end, the future looks promising for him. Note: The names have been changed.

In this episode I continue with Irfan’s story. He talks to me about a very memorable period of his life which shook him. It keeps coming back to haunt him.

In this episode I introduce you to Irfan. I am always greeted by his wave and "Bhalo didi?" (How are you sister?) in the evening when I return home. We chat for sometime before I head for my apartment. He entertains me with very interesting and thrilling stories. I will narrate some of them over the next few episodes since I have accumulated many. Note: The name has been changed.

In this episode I introduce you to Baby and her mother as I chance upon them in Queens in NYC. They entertain me with a very interesting mid-morning chat as I stop by to interrupt their leisurely walk.

In this episode I introduce you to Jahana Begum who is on her way to The Bronx in NYC. Travelling alone for the first time, she opens up in a fascinating conversation with me. Note: The name has been changed.