In this sizzling issue, Grazia’s International Beauty Editor – Kaniz Ali interviews and glams up british sports broadcaster Reshmin Chowdhury. Reshmin highly known for bubbly charismatic persona is currently lead presenting live Premier League football on Talksports and presents live coverage of the Women’s Super League and major womens football tournaments for BBC Sport.
Her phenomenal list of achievements include fronting the FIFA World Cup in Qatar for BeIN Sports, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games with Eurosport and Discovery Plus. She also presented for ITV Sport during UEFA Euro 2020.
Reshmin opens up exclusively to Kaniz speaking on work, life and balance.
INTERVIEW BY KANIZ ALI
Kaniz :– Talk to us about your background
Reshmin: I’m a proud Bengali, born and bred in London, mum-of-two and a sports broadcaster, currently presenting the UEFA Champions League with TNT Sports and the Premier League with talkSPORT. I’ve been in the media game for almost 20 years, which includes stints at the BBC, ITV, BT Sport and it’s been quite a journey! I graduated with a degree in Politics with Economics, I travelled the world with work and then started in TV news production, because I had no way of finding an avenue in sport – the industry was completely closed shop unless you knew somebody. Pre-conceived perceptions and genuine bias of what a sports presenter should look like was another huge barrier to entry, so being Asian and a woman, it was so much harder than it should have been. I eventually got my presenting break at Real Madrid TV in 2008, where I spent two seasons and career-wise, it was the best decision I ever made. I speak Spanish and French, so I’ve had amazing experiences because of the doors those skills have opened.
Kaniz: What has inspired you to become a sports presenter ?
Reshmin: It was a raw passion for sport. I grew up watching every sport on TV, from the Olympics to Wimbledon to Formula One, but my life changed when I discovered football. The TV was on in my parents’ bedroom and I happened to switch to England v Belgium, World Cup 90, a few moments before David Platt scored that wonder volley. From that moment, I knew I was hooked and there was no going back! I watched every single game of the tournament and the obsession began – and it really was an obsession. My older brother and I would always watch everything together and when we were with our mates, I was always the only girl. The job I do now is the job I dreamt of doing then, but I never, ever thought it could be possible. So I’m essentially blessed and grateful to be living the dream.
Kaniz: What had inspired you to head into the world of media ?
Reshmin: I used to sing from the age of about six or seven, so I was always performing in one way or another. I grew up in a massive community and cultural events celebrating our Bengali heritage were a big part of my childhood, right through to my twenties. I would sing Bengali and Indian music and as I grew up, I also hosted many of these events too. So, TV and being in front of an audience was a natural fit for me. It was something I knew I had a knack for, so it’s no surprise I pursued this route. I’m always so grateful for having those experiences and that platform to prepare me for the roles I eventually had throughout my career.
Kaniz: What aspect of presenting do you enjoy the most ?
Reshmin: I love presenting live, there’s such a buzz to it. You feed off the energy of your guests and the audience, whether it’s a live football match or a big global show and then you feel your way as you go along. I love the banter and the unpredictability (not too unpredictable, but you know what I mean!) and it’s essentially just such a fun job that often doesn’t even feel like work.
Kaniz: What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses as presenter ?
Reshmin: As far as my strengths go, I’m a real people person. I love to meet people, connect, talk and discover what makes them tick, so I’d like to think I do that well on screen. Sport is just pure passion and I try to convey that on air, making it feel relaxed, like you’re chatting to your mates, rather than being too formal. As for my weaknesses, I sometimes ask long questions, which I’m really aware of. It’s probably because I’m so passionate about the subject matter, but I’m always trying to shorten them!
Kaniz:- What was your first presenting role ?
Reshmin: When I was starting out in TV, presenting was the holy grail and opportunities were few and far between – or non-existent, unless you were on the inside. I didn’t know anybody in sport and it was really tough to find any way to get in. Whilst freelancing in news, I saw a very rare job advertisement for a Presenter role at Real Madrid TV back in 2008. I actually missed the deadline altogether, which was an epic fail, but I rescued it by phoning up, contacting the head of the channel, sending a showreel online and she invited me for an interview. So I went off to Madrid for a day and was eventually offered the job. It was a turning point for me because the role ticked so many boxes and crucially, gave me that first real opportunity in front of the camera, which I simply couldn’t find in London. It was presenting, reporting, producing, travelling with the first team, plus I was speaking in Spanish and French, living in a different country and loving the experience and the people. It was an all-encompassing, mad role which gave me so much.
Kaniz: What have been your favourite moments as a sports presenter ?
Reshmin: I’ve had so many career highlights and I’m lucky to have experiencedsome incredible moments across sport. The London Olympics in 2012 with BBC World was just magical, as was Paris 2024 with Eurosport. Following Real Madrid on the entire journey as they won an historic three UEFA Champions League titles in a row, then being on the pitch interviewing Zinedine Zidane after the third was so much fun. I loved hosting the FIFA World Cup draw with Idris Elba during a mad, but amazing week in Qatar. Returning there to present the tournament in 2022 for the host broadcaster, BeIN Sports, was an honour as a female, Muslim broadcaster. And finally, that now viral Messi-Ronaldo “dinner” chat from 2019, which was totally spontaneous and a lovely moment with two of the best to ever do it.
Kaniz: Which has been your most challenging to date ?
Reshmin: It was back in 2009 when the French striker Karim Benzema signed for Real Madrid and my boss asked me to do his exclusive first interview for the club channel, which would then go all around the world. I hadn’t spoken French for years and was completely immersed in Spanish, but I didn’t want to say no. I basically had less than 48 hours to prepare for it. The hardest part became apparent when I was trying to switch between the languages, because the crew in my ear were speaking to me in Spanish, while I was trying to focus on my extremely rusty and almost non-existent French. Karim was also very shy that day, which meant my brain was working overtime! Switching between English and Bengali is the most natural thing in the world because I grew up bilingual, but switching in my non-fluent languages was very hard that day. Amazingly, the interview went well and I actually looked completely fluent, which I definitely was not!
Kaniz: Are there any presenters whom you consider role models for yourself ?
Reshmin: There were several presenters I really admired, but I honestly didn’t have role models as such, because there were no sports presenters who looked like me,grew up like me or shared the same experiences as me. Our starting points and career paths would always be different and that meant I couldn’t relate to any of them directly. That said, I really loved the way Sue Barker, Hazel Irvine and Des Lynampresented. They all made it look so effortless and engaging.
Kaniz: How do you handle disagreements with fellow colleagues ?
Reshmin: I think at work you have to really pick your battles. If something negative directly impacts my ability to do my job, my wellbeing or if it’s blatantly unjust, I will always speak up for myself. If you know me, you’ll know I’m very honest and straightforward and I don’t see any reason to beat about the bush, whilst also being respectful. That’s part down to the point of life I find myself in and part down to my nature. I think in all aspects of life you must be mindful of someone’s character and how they may react to or receive feedback. This is something I’ve learned throughout my career as a journalist and presenter. However, if I don’t think something is worth spending my emotional energy on, I’ll just switch off and move on.
Kaniz: How do you maintain your physical and emotional health while working on demanding projects ?
Reshmin: I definitely think self-care is a life-long project which you learn on the go. On an emotional level, those who know me well know that my religion and spirituality are a massive part of my life. My faith (Islam) is my anchor and guides me in pretty much every aspect and in every decision I make – in the good times and the bad, from the little day-to-day things to the big ones. So when life is demanding and I’m close to burn out, I take a deep breath, pray and trust in Allah. It’s so deeply powerful, I always feel protected and know that everything will be okay. On a physical level, fitness is my best friend. I never properly exercised until my mid-30s, after I had my kids. I love the feeling after training and working out 3-4 times a week is my non-negotiable (unless I’m not well, of course). I love weights and I’m a member of my local boxing gym. The mental benefits of keeping fit are unparalleled and it just gives me the energy and strength to do life. I also mostly track my food macros, which is also important during busy periods, just making sure you’re eating enough of the nutritious stuff.
Kaniz: How do you handle criticism in the industry ?
Reshmin: It depends where it comes from and from whom. Usually, I’m pretty comfortable with people having their own opinion because that’s exactly what it is. I’ve had enough knock-backs in this industry to know that an opinion is subjective and doesn’t mean everything – or anything, in fact. That said, if it comes from someone I respect, who has good intentions and is trying to help me improve and grow, I remove ego and embrace it. I want to be the best I can be in every aspect of life, so I would take what comes, because receiving feedback with humility is so important for that. If it’s just someone having a go for the sake of it, I couldn’t care less. I might not like everything I see or hear, but I don’t engage because honestly, I don’t have the time or emotional energy – there are too many other people who need me!
Kaniz: How do you manage being a single mother and working life ?
Reshmin: It’s not easy at all and for the most part, it’s actually overwhelming because the mental load is so enormous. There are just so many little things to take care of, so many people’s diaries, emotions, wellbeing and multiple plates to spin – if you drop one, it all unravels. My ex-husband and I co-parent our children, we live close by and get on well, which is really important. We have a structure for the kids, but we are also flexible around our work schedules. I often have to rely on my mum because I usually work unsociable hours, like evenings and weekends. From my side, it just requires meticulous planning and trying to stay on top of everything. I have every meal cooked, every process in my head (hello, Friday uniform washing!), every drop off and pick up, my own work prep, logistics, AOB that drops at any point…! It’s pretty exhausting doing that on your own whilst managing life, a home, your own emotions and finding headspace for yourself. I travelled a lot (too much) when my kids were little and the grandparents were literally on stand-by 24-7, but I think kidsneed you more as they get older. These are formative years for mine (my daughter is 13, my son is 11), so as a mother, you always have to hold space for them and their wellbeing. You’re cultivating your relationship for the future so you have to be emotionally present. There’s basically a lot going on at all times!
Kaniz: If Reshmin was not a presenter what would she be?
Reshmin: I may well have been a singer! Years ago, I worked with the critically-acclaimed artist Nitin Sawhney and he said I should pursue music professionally, because according to him, I was equally adept at singing in both Western and Eastern musical genres. So maybe I would’ve taken that route. If not, I reckon I’d be working in some sort of glamourous communications or events role. I’m pretty organised and pay attention to the little details, so if it were combined with something fun, that could definitely have worked!
Kaniz: What are your top 3 must–have make up products ?
Reshmin: Eyeliner – always eyeliner! I never wear make-up unless I’m working or at an event, so day to day, it will be eyeliner, a tiny dab of concealer under the eyes and a cream blush. That trio means you’ll always look vaguely fresh! If I could add one more, it would be mascara….
Kaniz: What do you like doing in your spare time ?
Reshmin: Being around my people and doing absolutely anything with them! That goes for my kids, family, childhood family friends, school friends, uni friends, work friends. I’m blessed to have wonderful sets of people from different periods of my lifeand we all walk the path together, even if we don’t see each other all the time. Aside from that, I absolutely love to cook. It has always been my passion. I’ve always been that person who studies cookbooks for inspiration, watches cookery shows and I’m just obsessed with food. I’m Asian though, which means I never follow recipes. I can tell you what I put in but I could never give a full breakdown because it’s all about the “andaz” – everything is approximate and I taste as I go along!
Kaniz: What is the best advice you would give to someone starting new in the world of media ?
Reshmin: Work really hard with an open mind and heart, be willing to learn and it’s really important not to rush the process. There’s so much knowledge you pick up on the way in media – I’m still learning! I find the modern culture of instant gratification very damaging because patience has gone out of the window, so try not to chase everything too soon. Earn your position with knowledge and humility and always be a good person and do the right thing – that goes a long way, in life in general.
Kaniz: What are your plans for the next 5 years ?
Reshmin: It’s hard to have firm plans because my industry and sports rights are unpredictable, but I have ideas of how I would like my life to look. Tomorrow is never promised, I learned this more than ever when I lost my beloved father three years, so I never get attached to grand plans. Workwise, I still want to be at the forefront of my industry, presenting and representing at the highest level. Giving back and charity is hugely important to me and I feel I have a bigger purpose in life than just work. On a personal level, my plans include keeping my special people in my life and watching my kids grow up to be incredible humans. I don’t mean to sound cliché, but happiness and peace are the biggest flex in life and that’s where I want to be.
Kaniz: How do you switch off and relax ?
Reshmin: There are a few things I do to relax. If it’s been a busy day, I need some nice food which always makes me happy, maybe some easy TV, a movie or I like to disappear in a book. A little-known fact about me is that I love using my local library and I borrow murder mystery novels that have me gripped. It’s such a brilliant escape and switch off, especially when travelling. And I have to be honest, a little retail therapy always helps too.
CEO: Zahraa Saifullah
Managing Editor: Nashmia Amir Butt
Creatively Directed by Kaniz Ali
Photography: Danny Singh
Hair / Make Up / Styling: Kaniz Ali
Outfits by BIBI London
Assisted by Iman Chana
Location: Essence at The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, UK
INTERVIEW BY KANIZ ALI
