UK born and raised, Lady B is a Punjabi radio broadcasting pioneer. Not only was she the first producer to launch a Punjabi radio show on the FM dial, she paved the way to a new vibe and sound that we’ve now become accustomed to. Lady B, a.k.a Bali K Deol can be described as an entrepreneur, media personality, an activist, a feminist, and an avid reader and writer.

What many people don’t know, is that Lady is passionate about the Punjabi language, Punjabi literature and Sikh history. She never intentionally set out to become a Radio Personality, and almost fell into the profession by accident. Magic happens when a microphone is shoved in front of your face, and that was how Lady B was born. She took her passion for the Punjabi language and created a unique on-air style that catapulted her level of success. Last year, her one hour weekly Swaraj Radio show on 96.1FM was extended to two hours, moving into a more documentary style and issue-based radio program.

What Advice Would You Give Young South Asian Women Wanting to Enter the Entertainment Industry?

My advice would be to be true to yourself, maintain your integrity always, believe in yourself and ignore those who discourage or put you down. Avoid taking the fast track, don’t tread on people and in turn when you do the work and pay your dues and the rewards will follow Also, take everything people tell you with a large pinch of salt, build your own path to the stars.

How important is it to you to make South Asian women feel empowered? What do you do to help South Asian women feel empowered?

Its very very important. Without going into details, I have faced my own struggles and challenges in my personal life. I survived it all, to become a strong successful woman, who can own her success and take full credit for it. Seeing women who are still struggling through many of the things I faced, makes me remember the past, and I see a part of myself in them. Until South Asian women are fully empowered, we will continue to face many issues that make our community unhealthy. Helping other women is like helping myself. Thankfully I found the strength to find my own way, some women are not able to, and need more support. I hope that by breaking some boundaries I am teaching by example. In addition, through my radio show, I take a different approach to issues that affect women. Rather than telling them they are victims, I prefer to tell them, they have all the power and simply need to recognize it, and take it back. Until we have fully healthy empowered women, we will be half a community.

What is your Personal Motto or Mission Statement?

Follow your passion and leave your footprints (Legacy).

Besides your Work, what are you Passionate About?

I love reading, good conversation, great food and meeting new people. I’m passionate about my activism work and spend numerous hours a week volunteering on issues related to the human rights atrocities, political injustices and the overall issues affecting Punjab. I’m also passionate about traveling, spiritual growth, dreaming and life.

Where can one find Bali on her Days Off?

On my days off, I enjoy chilling with friends, working out, dining out or just lounging around at home, with movies having a full on lazy day with just me, pampering myself.

Interested in knowing what Lady B is up to? Follow her on Twitter @SwarajRadio or her Facebook Page

By Sukhi Ghuman

Photography: Sukhi Ghuman Photography