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Major UK Award for NRI Broadcaster

Over half a century of contribution to popular culture by Chaman Lal Chaman was honoured at a glittering event in London recently. He was bestowed with the Asian Achievers Gold Award for Achievement in Media, Art and Culture by Baroness Shriti Vadera, an Advisor to G20 Presidency. Chaman was selected from a list of nominations by an independent Panel of Judges and finalists who included a prominent playwright, a TV director, and a media personality. These much younger nominees have made a mark in Britain but the coveted prize went to the veteran British Asian broadcaster, poet, lyricist and journalist.

The 9th Annal Awards were hosted by ‘Asian Voice’ and ‘Gujarat Samachar’ newspapers and attended by over 1,000 VIP guests at Wembley Stadium, London. The Chief Guest was Baroness and among the VIPs were Shriti Vadera, Kieth Vaz, MP and Virendra Sharma, MP and hundreds of society and media personalities. Chaman has been showered by so many of these honours over the years that it seems the award of a much delayed CBE is the next one coming his way.

A a broadcaster, poet, lyricist, a translator and an interpreter, Chaman Lal Chaman is well-known in Britain and, earlier in Kenya. Over half a century of devotion to the arts as a broadcaster, a journalist, a poet and a playwright, he has interpreted Eastern culture to the Western mind across numerous communities and countries. Interviewing or presenting their shows, he has been associated with the leading artistes of the Indian Sub-continent. He has published two anthologies of his poems. Serving the British Asian community on many platforms and projects, he compiled a book on Asian settlement in Milton Keynes. Deeply involved in religion and spirituality, he has learnt from many holy men.

Writing in three languages – Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi – Chaman’s poems have entertained and inspired his listeners over many decades. He has two books of poems to his credit and a third in print. His famous poem “Saun Da Mahina” became a super hit Punjabi song by Jagjit Singh. Another hit, “Jaanda Jaanda Mahi” has been sung by Chitra Singh. His lyrics have been presented in a more modern form by various Panjabi pop groups like bhangra pioneers Alaap, the Sahotas, Hollay Hollay, Bali, Partners in Rhyme and many more. Renowned playback singers Asha Bhonsle and Kumar Sanu have sung his lyrics while his bhajans have been rendered by Anup Jalota and Shashi Chopra. He has penned a foot-tapping bhangra wedding song for Gurinder Chadha’s film “Bride and Prejudice” with music by Anu Malik.

Born in India, he moved to Kenya to start his broadcasting career in 1956; and in 1974, he migrated to Britain where he again excelled in broadcasting and other cultural activities. To mark his 70th Birthday, a legacy volume, ‘The Fragrance of Chaman’ was published by Newstech Publishing Inc – www.newstechglobal.com – which presented his challenges and achievements in words and photos. Hand bound in leather and boxed, this volume became a family heirloom treasured by his relatives and close friends. The book that I gladly wrote has set a benchmark for overseas Indians to record their success against heavy odds.

Broadcasting is what Chaman has been associated with and is famous for. It is as natural to him as breathing. His easy and friendly style makes an instant connection with the listener or viewer and he talks his way into his/her heart. Talking on the air waves, he has built bridges of understanding between different countries and communities. Wielding his recording microphone, he has travelled to many countries and continents, interviewed world leaders, mega stars of the screen and stage and celebrities. With his smiling, informal approach and puckish sense of humour, he relaxes everyone he interviews resulting in a very informative and also entertaining conversation on air that no listener is able to switch off. Broadcasting is his life.

As a a radio/TV announcer, Chaman has always been in the spotlight. His showbiz connections have seen him in various roles, as an acclaimed master of ceremonies at some of the biggest events in the UK, and India that has seen him in the company of some of Indian cinema’s living legends and renowned poets and writers. These maestros classical artistes, musicians, playback singers and other creative talent have all been presented by Chaman at various concerts. Beyond just a professional association, some of these artistes have become Chaman’s close friends, most notably acclaimed singer Jagjit Singh, film actors Ran and the late Sunil Dutt, among others.

He has contributed immensely to create understanding between British, Indian and African cultures. As the Project Manager, Ealing Community Relations Council, he advised ethnic minorities who do not know English well. As Founder-Organiser, he established Hounslow Multi Cultural Centre under Hounslow Community Relations Council to promote multi-cultural understanding through the media of dance, drama, music, poetry and international cuisine. His poems popular in Britain, India, Kenya and Pakistan have brought these cultures together.

From writing radio scripts to newspaper articles or even plays, came naturally to Chaman. But he made his foray into writing in English when a chance encounter with a newspaper editor in Nairobi resulted in an invitation to review Indian films and write on Asian mostly Indian – cultural events.

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Indian and Pakistani Independence, he penned a play, “Saare Jahan Se Achha”. Its title came from a poem by the famous Urdu poet Iqbal that emphasised this sentiment that Hindustan was better than any other country. The play was directed by famous Punjabi writer Balwant Gargi while Chaman’s good friend, Jagjit Singh, provided the music. No wonder it was a major success when it was performed in London and other cities in Britain in 1997 and 1998.

For the last two years, he has been active in organising an annual reunion of veteran Voice of  Kenya broadcasters in London and these have proved to be a great success to bring together long lost friends and colleagues.

Chaman, literally meaning a garden, continues to bloom.

About the Author

Author of a biography of Chaman Lal Chaman, Kul Bhushan (www.kulbhushan.net) is an Editor, Special Correspondent, Publisher and a Media Consultant. He has worked for a UN agency and travelled to over 50 countries. He specialises in writing on NRI (Non Resident Indians) affairs. (www.newstechglobal.com) He has authored 26 books and a disciple of the enlightened master, Osho.

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