Brown Game Strong

Mitali Dargani

A podcast featuring visionary voices across the global South Asian community. Hosted by Mitali Dargani and based in London, the show centers intimate conversations with creatives, founders and thinkers exploring culture, nostalgia, art and impact on their own terms, with honesty and nuance.

  1. Rahasya on Telling Stories of Modern India Through Scent

    8 MAY

    Rahasya on Telling Stories of Modern India Through Scent

    In this episode we sit with Sai, one of three co-founders (Sai, Utkarsh and Sachit) behind Rahasya Fragrances, a brand born in Singapore, rooted in India, and slowly making their mark around the world. As it turns out, Rahasya means mystery, not just in Sanskrit, but in Bahasa too; a celebration of the multiple cultures that have shaped their lives. Whether it’s delivering their fragrances in dabbas or pulling up to Soho in a rickshaw with a live DJ set, these guys are doing things in their own way, and not asking anyone's permission to do it.  We sit with them as they become the first Indian fragrance brand to launch at Selfridges, and with that, marking their official launch in the UK. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to the Rahasya team (03:00) The inception of the brand (04:55) The role of India in niche fragrances (07:40) Luxury brands taking inspiration from South Asian culture (10:05) Collaborating with Gully Labs (13:43) On being design-led without formal training (17:15) Entering the fragrance world (20:00) Using their global reach to build Rahasya (23:20) Leading with story (28:02) Reflections from the London pop-up (33:50) Launching in Selfridges  (39:09) Keeping up with momentum (43:04) What’s on the horizon for Rahasya Find Rahasya on: Website: https://rahasyafragrances.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahasyafragrances/ Mitali's Kantha jacket is by Fifth Origins:Website: https://www.fifthorigins.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fifthorigins/ To be the first to get updates on new episodes, please do give us a subscribe or follow!

    51 min
  2. Akhil Patel on Building a Brand Through His Grandma's Chai Recipe

    29 APR

    Akhil Patel on Building a Brand Through His Grandma's Chai Recipe

    In this episode, we sit with Akhil Patel, founder of Amala Chai, a London-based chai brand built on his grandmother's recipe and a mission to bring authentic masala chai to the UK. We talk about how what started with a trip to the Himalayas has since grown into a brand serving chai across six stalls in London, serving two Prime Ministers, working directly with farmers across India, and this October embarking on a 7,000 km autorickshaw journey across India to film a documentary about the stories behind chai across the country. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (04:37) Akhil’s key learnings as a founder (06:00) Setting boundaries around competition  (09:20) Sponsor Shoutout: Biskut Bar (11:20) Trying the Amala chai (12:36) His grandmother’s recipe (14:20) The inception of the brand (19:45) Regenerative farming practices (25:00) Serving chai to Keir Stahmer and Narendra Modi (34:59) Emotional regulation as a small business owner (37:00) The cultural context of chai (42:11) Prepping for ‘A Journey Through Chai’, the documentary Support their Kickstarter campaign for 'A Journey Through Chai' on:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/akhilpatel14/journey-through-chai-documentary Find Amala Chai on: Website: https://www.amalachai.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amala_chai/ To be the first to get updates on new episodes, please do give us a subscribe or follow!

    53 min
  3. Nikita Dawda on Bringing Avocados from Kenya to the World

    15 APR

    Nikita Dawda on Bringing Avocados from Kenya to the World

    In this episode we sit with Nikita Dawda, self proclaimed Chief Avocado Officer and co-founder of Omega Pressery, a cold-press oil brand bringing Kenyan avocado and macadamia oils to UK shelves. In this episode, we talk about growing up in Kenya, building a business with your spouse, the reality of successfully pitching to retailers such as Waitrose, the impact of seeing success arguably a little too early and what it takes to scale a lifestyle business into something more.Chapters:(00:00) Introduction to Niki and Omega Pressery(01.50) On being Chief ‘Avocado’ Officer(03:10) A key unexpected learning from running Omega Pressery (05:30) How to be kinder to yourself by design(08:49) Niki’s early years in Kenya(10:45) Kenya life vs. UK life(17:00) Applying the structure (26:30) The retail pitching process(36:35) From a lifestyle business to scaling(42:00) Cooking with Avocado and Macadamia Oil(44:45) Visiting the farms in Kenya(54:30) Spouse or co-founder?(59:20) What Niki is most excited about right now(01:04:30) Prioritising the supply chain and traceability(01:07:30) What does Niki have strong game in?Find Omega Pressery on: Website: https://www.omegapressery.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omegapressery/To be the first to get updates on new episodes, please do give us a subscribe or follow!

    1hr 11min
  4. Mishika & Sri on Why Spaces Like Brown Girl Bookshelf Matter

    26 FEB

    Mishika & Sri on Why Spaces Like Brown Girl Bookshelf Matter

    In this episode, we are joined by Mishika Narula and Srisruthi Ramesh, founders of Brown Girl Bookshelf, during their recent trip to London. We talk about how what started as a passion project has since grown into a global community of over 40,000 readers, all united by a love of literature and a curiosity to discover a diverse range of stories. Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(02:35) How Brown Girl Bookshelf began(07:35) Navigating co-founder dynamics(14:52) A foolproof system (20:20) How guest reviewers are selected(29:25) Beyond South Asian stereotypes in literature(32:20) How books are selected for reviews on BGB(34:30) On the risk of burnout(42:20) Handling co-founder disagreements(45:00) Being the go-to platform for South Asian readers and authors(51:30) How to get back into reading after a hiatus(01:00:18) What Sri and Mishika are currently reading(01:03:04) What do Mishika and Sri have strong game in?Find Brown Girl Bookshelf (BGB) on: Website: https://browngirlbookshelf.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browngirlbookshelf/

    1hr 6min
  5. Anshu Ahuja on Reimagining the Iconic Dabbawalas

    11 FEB

    Anshu Ahuja on Reimagining the Iconic Dabbawalas

    Today we sit with Anshu Ahuja, the founder of DabbaDrop, to explore how she took inspiration from the traditional Dabbawala system to cater to a modern, busy but conscious audience. We talk about how over the past 7 years she has spent building a 7-figure values-led meal delivery business rooted in culture, community, and sustainability. (0:00) Introduction(5:00) Anshu’s childhood and upbringing(13:30) The ethos of DabbaDrop(20:25) Transitioning from TV to entrepreneurship (23:00) I didn’t have a grand plan(31:35) How DabbaDrop works(34:50) The research behind the regions(41:25) How zero-waste is achieved(43:32) Aspirations for expansion(52:17) What Anshu is currently excited about(53:35) A key learning from 7 years in business(55:55) What does Anshu have strong game in? Find DabbaDrop on: Website: https://dabbadrop.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dabbadrop/

    56 min
  6. Niki Mahon on Femininity, Ambition and Stepping into Motherhood

    29 JAN

    Niki Mahon on Femininity, Ambition and Stepping into Motherhood

    In this conversation, we welcome Niki Mahon, founder of jewellery brand NIKITA. Fourteen weeks into her pregnancy, she offers some of her most candid reflections on a decade of entrepreneurship.Niki reveals the evolution from spreading herself thin across every aspect of her business to embracing the ‘inch wide, mile deep’ philosophy - focusing on what truly drives returns in a product-led enterprise, giving us some real life examples from her business.In conjunction, we explore her inner transformation through her early thirties: her fertility journey, the reality of pregnancy, her nesting journey and how her ambition has not dampened but grown through embracing her femininity. (00:00) Introduction(03:45) The beginning of the pregnancy(05:32) Telling your employees you are pregnant(06:45) Striking a balance between professional and friendship(09:36) Niki’s shifting relationship with social media(14:18) ‘Inch-wide, mile-deep’ ethos in business(19:30) Nikita’s strategy on running ads(25:54) The mindset shift over the years as a founder(29:05) Living a softer life whilst having the highest turnover (33:57) Niki’s fertility journey(45:00) Preparing the business for maternity leave(50:32) Embracing her inner femininity (56:49) What does Niki have strong game in? Find Niki and NIKITA on: NIKITA Website: https://nikitabyniki.com/ NIKITA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikitabyniki/ Niki's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikimahon To be the first to get updates on new episodes, please do give us a subscribe or follow!

    58 min
  7. Bhavini Jagpal on Bespoke Movement for every Body

    04/12/2025

    Bhavini Jagpal on Bespoke Movement for every Body

    Creative director and choreographer Bhavini Jagpal, founder of Bespoke the Company believes that movement should be for anyone and everyone. We deep dive into her early days as the eldest of three sisters, her experience training and performing with dance companies in London since the age of 16, and the gaps she noticed in the industry that she has made it her mission to fill through her company, Bespoke. We talk about the pressures around looking and dressing a certain way when you are performing, but also when training. We also discuss the nature of collaborative working in a dance team as well as creating a family atmosphere where people feel safe for their voice and opinion to be heard, where everyone is treated equally.Something that comes up near the end is this concept of a dance 'avatar' which really hit home. This idea that you can temporarily separate from yourself when you're performing, and that is actually a healthy thing.(00:00) Introduction to Bhavini Jagpal, founder of Bespoke(02:35) Adapting Bespoke to the digital age(04:30) The values and ethos behind the company(06:30) Going from being loud to more introverted(09:20) Exploring team dynamics(13:40) The pressure of being the founder(14:30) Making the headspace to create(18:30) Dance styles covered across the team(23:25) Movies were the heart and soul of my inspiration(26:00) Bhavini’s dance training journey(28:06) You shouldn’t have to look or dress a certain way to be a dancer or take class(43:15) Maintaining focus and clarity on what Bespoke stands for(49:00) Non-desi choreographers that inspire Bhavini(50:37) The dance avatar(54:02) Bespoke’s Europe Tour(58:50) The process of hiring new dancers(01:00:40) On taking Bespoke full time(01:06:10) What does Bhavini have strong game in?Find Bhavini and Bespoke on: Bespoke's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bespokethecompany/Bhavini's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhavini_jagpal/To be the first to get updates on new episodes, please do give us a subscribe or follow!

    1hr 7min
  8. Vinay Jobanputra on Reclaiming Bollywood Dance Through Queer Joy

    19/11/2025

    Vinay Jobanputra on Reclaiming Bollywood Dance Through Queer Joy

    In this episode, we sit with Vinay Jobanputra, the founder of Bollyqueer, London’s first fully gender non-conforming Bollywood dance company. They discuss the origins of Bollyqueer, the intention behind creating inclusive dance spaces, and the balance between loving Bollywood films and holding the industry accountable. Vinay reflects on his early experiences with dance, navigating gender norms, and the small, thoughtful decisions that shape every Bollyqueer dance class. This conversation explores what it means to build community, make room for self-expression, and create spaces where everyone feels welcome to move, express and be, exactly in the way they want to.(00:00) Introduction(00:55) What is Bollyqueer?(02:57) How to be more inclusive as an attendee of dance classes?(04:55) Should inclusivity of all genders be the norm across all dance classes?(07:10) Dismantling gender norms in Bollywood(09:15) I do love Bollywood but you have to hold it to account(11:59) The evolution of the students of Bollyqueer(15:30) Vinay’s childhood experiences as a dancer(19:10) Finally feeling empowered with dance in lockdown(21:55) Dismantling the gender binary in Bollywood companies(22:45) The realisation that 'Maybe I should teach?'(24:12) How to not stereotype based on gender in dance class(28:58) Taking Bollyqueer international(31:08) In India there was a lack of queer sober spaces(38:05) Queer joy, community and letting mistakes happen(40:45) Is Bollyqueer performing on stage going to affect self expression?Find Vinay and Bollyqueer on: Bollyqueer's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bollyqueer/Vinay's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinayjobanputraa/Follow BGS on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browngamestrong/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@browngamestrong/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KRk9vQUP0Rqh9GDMkr4RHApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brown-game-strong/id1482564133To be the first to get updates on new episodes, please do give us a subscribe or follow!

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

A podcast featuring visionary voices across the global South Asian community. Hosted by Mitali Dargani and based in London, the show centers intimate conversations with creatives, founders and thinkers exploring culture, nostalgia, art and impact on their own terms, with honesty and nuance.

Information

  • Creator
    Mitali Dargani
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Mitali Dargani
  • Show Website
    Brown Game Strong

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