A BRADFORD comedian who has become a viral sensation is aiming to teach children more about their roots, as he looks ahead to the launch of his new book.
Tehseen Jay is the creator of The Nana G Show, a series of popular videos featuring puppets who speak Pahari-Pothwari, a language spoken in the Mirpur district of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.
Tehseen, who is from Heaton and of Mirpuri descent, has performed across the UK and has now published Learn Pothwari with The Nana G Show.
It is being launched across the UK, and on August 19, a launch event will be held at Rio Grande in Bradford.
“It will be great to launch my book in the city where it started,” said Tehseen, 37.
“I’m really excited and it will be great to meet my viewers.”
The majority of British-Pakistanis in Bradford are of Mirpuri heritage and the main characters in The Nana G Show are modelled on a Mirpuri grandmother and grandfather, while others are based on younger generations born and bred in Bradford.
Many people from the Mirpur district moved to Bradford in the 1960s, after being displaced by the construction of the Mangla Dam and arriving in mill towns and cities to fill post-war labour shortages.
As the years pass, Tehseen argues that younger generations may lose touch with their heritage.
“I’m trying to keep the language alive,” he said.
“The book is an A-Z of aapni zabaan [‘our language’].
“It’s to help kids learn, and to help others pick up words that South Asians in places like Bradford or Birmingham use.”
Tehseen, who is also in full-time employment, began producing videos five years ago.
Despite struggles – including losing his parents and being involved in a major car crash – he has persevered.
“My videos went viral during lockdown – it was a shock,” he said.
“The characters are based on my grandparents, who raised me, and my videos show that South Asians have a sense of humour and are normal people.
“In Pothwari comedy, people are often depicted as uneducated villagers, but a lot of us are successful.
“My videos also address topics like mental health and forced marriages. I’m making people laugh, but also sending a message.
“I’ve also been fortunate to have worked with Abdullah Afzal and Tez Ilyas.”
His manager added: “We encourage people to come down on 19 August, meet Tehseen and get their books signed.
“We’d also like to thank Bombay Stores and Bombay Bites for their support.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here