Rupal Rajani to replace Sonia Deol on the BBC Asian Network

The BBC Asian Network today announce that BBC Radio Leicester presenter Rupal Rajani will replace Sonia Deol to front the station’s mid-morning show. Currently presenter of BBC Radio Leicester’s afternoon show (3-5pm), Rupal, who has previously worked on the Asian Network, will move to the digital station full-time from Monday 26 March. Rupal says: “I’m very excited to be returning to the BBC Asian Network and re-connecting with the audience.

It’s a great station and a great opportunity for me. I hope I can do the listeners justice and make entertaining programmes with the team.” Husain Husaini, Head of Programmes, BBC Asian Network adds: “I’m delighted that Rupal has agreed to host the morning show. She has proved on BBC Radio Leicester that she is an engaging, versatile and humorous broadcaster and we know she’ll be a real hit with the Asian Network audience.”” Born in Uganda, Rupal has lived in Leicester since the age of two.

Her BBC career started 24 years ago and in addition to Radio Leicester, she has worked across a variety of other radio and TV projects. Sonia Deol is departing the digital network to get married and pursue an exciting new life in Vancouver, Canada. Her last day will be Friday 2 March 2012.

From Monday 5-Friday 16 March, evenings presenter Gagan Grewal will present the mid-morning slot, with Ray Khan presenting the show from Monday 19 – Friday 23 March. BBC Asian Network provides a distinctive mix of British Asian, Bollywood, Bhangra, music, news, debate, languages, entertainment and live events with a real focus on promoting and highlighting British Asian talent.

It plays host to the best in Asian talent including presenters Tommy Sandhu, Nihal, Noreen Khan, Gagan Grewal, Bobby Friction and Raj & Pablo. 

You can listen to Asian Network on bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork / DAB and on Digital TV: Sky 0119 / Freeview 709 / Freesat 709 / Virgin 912