How do you unwind at the weekend?
Surprisingly, I tend to relax by dancing. I like to find new styles of Indian dance. The more classical versions tell stories of Hindu gods and goddesses. Now we mix that style with hip hop and also do Bollywood dance like bhangra. I'd say to friends, 'Hey, let's meet up', and we go to each other's places or maybe to Queen's and try things out. When I dance, I'm in another world, conscious of the rhythm and my body. I try to explore Northern Ireland too and recently went to an island near Castlewellan which was great.
What do you recall most about weekends growing up?
I was in Saudi Arabia until I was five and have memories of going to a theme park there. Some of the big rides were a bit like Alton Towers, but there were scaled down kids' rides too. I used to be an outdoors kid, hanging out with friends and playing basketball. When I became older, I spent spare time volunteering as I think it's important to give something back and would read to people my age in the Northern Ireland Hospice. Saturday morning was my shift and it was enjoyable. I fundraised for Action Cancer as my grandad, Babu, one of my favourite family members, passed away with cancer in 2012. He was much loved. We tend to forget to be humble.
Do you have a must-listen radio programme or podcast?
Yes, the BBC Asian Network. I listen to whatever's on and it has the latest Indian music. It's got a personal connection and best of all, there is Bollywood.
Is there a must-watch TV programme or is it Netflix?
I quite like fantasy stuff and medical shows. I enjoy New Amsterdam.
Is Sunday still special?
As someone who's part-Hindu, part-Christian, this question could involve Sunday or as there are many different branches of Hinduism, it may be Monday or Tuesday or even Thursday. It's something our parents would follow, not so much my generation.
Have you a favourite eatery or is it a takeaway?
I do love eating out and going to new restaurants. My favourite cuisine is Japanese and I choose sushi. I like the Kamakura restaurant in Botanic and the Ginza Kitchen on the Lisburn Road.
How do you feel on Sunday evening about Monday morning?
I try to stay positive and look forward to Monday, the start of a new week. I have a day job working as a barista in Starbucks on Wellington Place.
The Belfast Mela Carnival parade is appealing for community groups to register their interest by emailing admin@artsekta.org.uk before April 30. The inaugural parade takes place on Saturday August 20, launching the Mela Festival.
