International front cover Creative Director, Kaniz Ali, glams up BBC Presenter Nikita Kanda for her exclusive interview with Grazia! Nikita opens up to Kaniz, talking about life, success, and her future plans.
Grazia: Talk to us about your background.
Nikita Kanda: I am 28 years of age, British Punjabi, born in Birmingham and raised in West London, UK. I was raised by a single mum, who is literally my superhero. I have one younger sister, and we are a very close, tight-knit family.
Grazia: What inspired you to head into the world of presenting?
Nikita Kanda: My inspiration to enter into presenting came through university. I studied TV, film, and media at St Mary’s University in Teddington, and one of my lecturers had worked at the BBC for a number of years. She was teaching us about live TV and radio, and it was from then that she inspired me to give radio a try. She thought I had the voice for it. However, before that, I always thought I wanted to be an actress. I think I always knew from a young age that I wanted to work in the entertainment world, as my mum put me into theatre school from the age of 7. It was always something that I aspired to. I had done my work experience at the BBC when I was 15 years old and caught the bug for wanting to work there from then on.
Grazia: In a short space of time, you have become one of the most listened-to and loved presenters at The BBC. What do you think makes you stand out?
Nikita Kanda: If people enjoy listening to me, I believe it’s because I’m just myself and real on any show that I do.
Listeners feel like they can be my friend, and I talk to them openly and honestly. I never hide anything from the audience; I’m always sharing my life as I want them to feel that whatever they could be
going through, I have as well, so they can relate to me.
Grazia: Talk us through a typical week in the life of Nikita Kanda.
Nikita Kanda: I present the BBC Asian Network Breakfast Show Monday to Friday from 7 am to 11 am. After the show, every week is different. I could be recording
interviews with an artist, heading to an event, or filming something for a TV show. I like that each week is different for me.
I also try to fit in time with my family and catch-ups with friends for dinner. I like to get myself to the gym a few times a week as well.
Grazia: If Nikita were not a TV/radio presenter, what would she be?
Nikita Kanda: If I weren’t a presenter, I think I would have liked to try something completely different, like archaeology or being a historian. I have a real fascination with learning about history and things from the past, like pyramids, dinosaurs, and past royalty from different parts of the world, such as India, and their stories.
Grazia: What are your top 3 makeup must-haves and why?
Nikita Kanda: My top 3 makeup must-haves have to be:
1) A good lip balm or lip oil. My lips always get so dry, as I talk for a living, so I always need that on hand.
2) Eyelashes. I get up at 4 am every morning, so if I have lashes on, I feel like I’m ready to take on anything, and I don’t feel like I need anything else on my eyes.
3) Eyebrow Gel. I’ve always got this in my handbag. I use the Huda Beauty one; it’s so easy to just quickly brush onto your eyebrows to give them a full look. When you don’t have time to put makeup on, but your eyebrows are done, you will feel confident. Having got so used to not wearing makeup while doing a breakfast show, as long as my eyebrows are done, I feel good and less bare-faced.
Grazia: What is the best advice you can give to someone who is thinking of starting a career in radio and TV presenting?
Nikita Kanda: The best advice I can give to someone who wants to step into a career in presenting is to ALWAYS be yourself. Never try to copy anyone else’s
presenting style because that’s not you. You’ve got to be true to yourself and
authentic to the audience. Be patient; things don’t happen overnight. Don’t overthink what you’re going to say, but also listen and watch yourself back to get feedback from peers and colleagues to continue to grow and work on yourself. I’m constantly trying to work on me, as no one is perfect, no matter how long you’ve been doing it.
Grazia: What does the future hold for Nikita Kanda? What are your plans for the next 5 years?
Nikita Kanda: I am currently on a highly popular British reality TV show called ‘Strictly Come Dancing,’ which is super exciting. My plan for the next 5 years is to do more TV shows, host my own
entertainment show on TV, and always stay in radio because I can’t see my life without it. Hopefully, I’ll buy my first house and possibly be married one day! I would also like to own my own business.
Grazia: What do you like doing during your spare time?
Nikita Kanda: These days, I really enjoy just going to the gym, putting my
headphones in, and doing a workout. I also like chilling out with friends and family, having a movie night, and catching up on what’s on Netflix. Going for dinners and trying new food is fun too. I am also a bit of a party animal, so you will see me out and about, dancing away on the weekends sometimes.
Grazia: So, Nikita is single!!! What!!! What are the qualities you would look for in your ideal man?
Nikita Kanda: I think I would like someone who is genuine, kind, and funny because if they aren’t funny or can’t handle my
banter, then it’s a no-go. I am all about
having a laugh. I don’t take life or myself too seriously, so I would like someone on that level who wants to do spontaneous things and adventures with me. Someone who also likes to travel but also has their own career, as I have mine, so that we both have things to focus on. They’ve got to be driven and motivated like me.
Grazia: Talk to us about your favorite
moments at BBC Asian Network.
Nikita Kanda: My favorite moments at BBC Asian Network have to be joining the network in 2021. I’ll never forget my first Saturday show and how nervous and excited I was.
– Getting the breakfast show was just a dream come true; I still pinch myself now.
– Hosting Asian Network certified the 20th birthday celebrations for the station. It was just an amazing night full of great vibes and energy. I got to meet so many listeners that night.
– Hosting the comedy nights and being part of the BBC iPlayer/BBC Three programs was enjoyable; I loved all the laughs.
– Being part of the Asian Network in general makes me feel very proud. We are like one big family. The listeners are part of that too, so it’s nice that I get to talk to them daily on the show or when they come on the phone on air. I really enjoy that.
Grazia: What’s your favorite fashion garment must-have that you cannot live without?
Nikita Kanda: I can’t live without a bodysuit. I think it just goes with everything. You can wear it with a skirt, trousers, jeans, shorts, tracksuit bottoms, or under a dress if you need something to help smooth your outfit out. You can dress it up or dress it down. They are so simple but quite flattering.
CEO: Zahraa Saifullah
Front Cover Creative Director: Kaniz Ali
Photography: Sanae Rasul
Hair / Make Up & Styling: Kaniz Ali
Editorial Associate: Sibgha Batool at Kaniz Team
Assistant: Mehreen Sohail at Kaniz Team
Outfits : Nim’s Boutique , UK
Jewellery: Rubina Kapoor, UK
Location: London, UK
