The pioneering efforts of Dr Shani Dhanda who has been a driving force for diversity in the industry were recognised at the Asian Media Awards.
Journalists and broadcasters joined actors and presenters at the 12th ceremony, which celebrates achievements in a range of categories in TV, radio, stage, online and creative media.
The ceremony is supported by the University of Salford and took place at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate on Friday October 25.
As the only visibly disabled South Asian woman working on screen and behind the scenes, she has broken down barriers and amplified the voices of marginalised communities and beyond.
Shani’s on-screen presence has been crucial in shaping how media portrays diversity. She has appeared on among others, Rip Off Britain, This Morning, Morning Live, Sunday Morning Live, Con or Cure, Loose Women, Good Morning Britain and Jeremy Vine on 5.
She currently serves as a key advisor for EastEnders, guiding the show on accurate and respectful representation of disability and Sikhism in its storylines.
The award which was supported by the Women in Journalism Group was presented by journalist Um-E-Aymen Babar and NHS doctor and author Amir Khan.
Speaking on stage Shani said: “This is my first time attending and I am honoured to be awarded.
“The reason I entered the media industry is because I wanted to be part of the change that I wanted to see in society.
“I have only seen four disabled people of colour on my screen. I didn’t say South Asian because if I said South Asian it would probably be one and that does not include me.
“I got sick and tired of being told we are underrepresented. We are not underrepresented; we are over excluded.”
This year she became the first visibly disabled host on BBC Asian Network and was also invited to discuss the significance of her new show and its impact on people with disabilities on BBC’s Access All podcast.
Beyond her on-screen presence, Shani is a respected commentator on disability and inclusion issues and a passionate advocate for intersectionality within the broadcast and film industries.
Shani has also featured in British Vogue, Stylist, Glamour, and the Financial Times.
In 2023, Shani played ‘Bea’ in the film ‘Dragon Slayers’ which was selected for World Premiere at BFI London Film Festival 2023 and HollyShorts Film Festival 2024.
She recently returned from her international book tour promoting ‘No Horn Unicorn,’ a children’s educational book published by Harper Collins UK and featured on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in pre-sale.
As Chair of the Disability Journalism Forum and the first woman of colour in this role, Shani has been pivotal in transforming the industry’s approach to disability representation. Her role on ITV’s Cultural Advisory Council has placed her at the centre of diversity strategy.
