TV presenter Anita Rani has described feeling “every emotion under the sun” as she becomes the University of Bradford’s new chancellor.
The broadcaster’s career has seen her present a range of TV and radio shows, including Countryfile and Woman’s Hour.
It has sparked a moment of reflection for the former Bradford Girls' Grammar School pupil, who is the third female chancellor in the university's 191 year old history.
Wearing a bespoke black and gold gown and matching crown, the chancellor has been installed at a special ceremony hosted by artist and writer Javaad Alipoor.
Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, she has spoken about her big plans for the university and power of education.
“It feels amazing to be back in Bradford,” Ms Rani said.
“It always feels great to be in Yorkshire. The air is clearer here, the water is sweeter. To be back as chancellor is an event I never thought would happen in my life.
“I have been feeling all the feels as they say, every emotion under the sun. Getting the train up from King’s Cross yesterday was quite an emotional journey.
“The one overwhelming feeling has been of immense gratitude and wonder that this is where my life has led. It feels really right for me to take this position, access to higher education is something I believe in.
“It changed my life. My granddad moved to Bradford in the early 1950s, one of the first Indian families here, my dad was four. I’m the first person to have gone to university so it’s remarkable really that I’m here. But I think it’s the story of Bradford, it’s the story of people who come and work hard and want more for themselves. It feels perfect.”
She added: “Bizarrely younger me was very confident and thought she could do anything and being on TV and radio was where I wanted to be. Younger me would never in a million years believe she would become chancellor of the university, her head would completely be blown. These sorts of opportunities don’t come around very often. She definitely wouldn’t believe she was wearing six inch heels.”
Part of the university’s new chapter will be based on the broadcaster’s belief that cities and universities are “intrinsically linked”.
“People go to university not just for the course, they go for the city,” she said.
“The city and the university are intrinsically linked. I went to uni in Leeds and I had a great time, I soaked up everything the city had to offer.
“It’s time Bradford did what it did best and can offer tons of culture. I used to go to the theatre and museum, all the rich pockets of culture, so it would be great if the university provided a lot more than that.
“There’s loads of great venues here. Let’s give Bradford a reason to be excited and exciting. Arts and culture are something I’m very interested in.
“I couldn’t have become chancellor at a better time. I cannot wait for City of Culture. Becoming a City of Culture really transforms the city and it put Liverpool on the map, did great things for Hull. It’s a really great time to showcase what Bradford is really about.
“It has got a really strong personality. What I’ve learnt through working in TV for so many years is a unique identity is incredible and Bradford has a unique identity. It should lean into that. We should be proud of it and celebrate it and remember all the things it has given the world.”
Selby-based fashion designer Yashana Malhotra, who has 63,000 followers on TikTok, is behind the presenter’s academic gown.
The newly-graduated designer, who studied at the world-famous Central St Martins in London, is known for her extravagant, oversized dresses.
Yashana, who moved from Delhi, India, to the UK aged seven, was inspired by her mother’s dressmaking skills.
The TV personality will also wear the gown for the university’s graduation ceremonies, where she will confer degrees upon students.
Ms Rani said: “She is fabulous and she has made this bespoke, golden, black gown that is I can only describe as a modern take, maybe something Anne Boleyn would have worn. She was quite a rockstar I think. She was an independent feisty woman who did things her own way so why the hell not?”
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