Unveiling the voice behind the laughter: An exclusive interview with Tommy Sandhu
By Swarupa Tripathy
Tommy Sandhu is a multifaceted media personality known for his charismatic presence, infectious energy, and wide-ranging talents. With a background in music, theatre, and dance, he has carved a successful career in the media and entertainment industry, captivating audiences with his engaging hosting style and magnetic personality.
Born and raised in East London to what he describes as a “typical Asian working class family”, Sandhu’s journey to fame is a unique one. On the surface he might seem confident, optimistic and very successful; but behind all that, is a person who has faced many debilitating obstacles and emerged out of the darkness.
Sandhu grew up with his two sisters and recalls his “fond memories” as a kid with “three mums”. Speaking of his sisters, he says, “One of them is kind of like my emotional sister who helps me with feelings and where my headspace is; and the other sister is like my practical sister that helped me with my CV, driving license and my UCAS forms to go to university.” He also fondly reminisces about the delectable meals their mother used to prepare with an abundance of love and captivating flavours that can never be replicated elsewhere.
Like any other Asian family in this country, Sandhu is happy to be residing in an area close to several relatives and cousins. “There’s always someone knocking”, he says, adding that his wife struggled with the constant visits, but has grown to enjoy it. “Everyone’s a bit eccentric, a bit out there and a bit bonkers. So, that’s a bit getting used to. But now, my wife loves it more than I do. She loves them coming and going and all the people around us, and when there’s a family party there’s definitely a good time to be had,” he says.
When asked about his career, he reveals that he was introduced to the performing arts at a young age. Encouraged by his father, he pursued drama and performing arts to develop his public speaking skills, confidence, and stage presence. His passion for music also led him to explore DJing and remixing, further expanding his creative repertoire.
Sandhu’s career spans more than two decades, and he has made it big in several fields as a disco jockey, radio jockey, record producer, television presenter, host, and more recently as a podcaster.
His career first took off when he combined his talents in music and broadcasting. His journey in the media industry began with voiceover work for popular television shows, including the iconic ‘Blind Date’. This opportunity opened doors for him to explore hosting radio shows, gigs and live events, where his charismatic stage presence and ability to connect with audiences became evident.
However, in 2017, things took a sudden turn when he was working as a radio host on the BBC Asian Network. He had no choice but to part ways from the show that gave him the fame and name he deserved. “I went from having a six-figure salary and five or six jobs at the BBC to nothing. I was suddenly just at home and everything stopped,” he recalls.
Even though times were tough and a lot of uncertainty lay ahead, he knew that “things happen for a reason”. He adds, “You go on reluctantly and can’t imagine why this is happening to you or you are annoyed. But I can genuinely say right now, I’ve popped out the other side of the tough few years, where you are questioning yourself, you’re questioning what you’re about.”
Sandhu is thankful for the selfless support that he received from his wife during that time. “She was focused and believed in me more than ever,” he says.
There were times when he doubted himself and wondered if he should go back to doing a normal nine-to-five job, but she told him to take some time off to “recuperate” and “re-energise”, and get ready to fight again.
Sandhu had to start from scratch and soon entered the world of stand-up comedy after Altaf Sarwar, the Birmingham-based founder of Desi Central, encouraged him to a few shows. This significantly helped him build his career by doing what he loved again. “And now with the comedy stuff flying, it’s actually helped make me a better broadcaster and performer on stage when I’m just hosting events. So it’s fed that, it’s fed into my podcast world as well, it’s kind of given me a new lease of life and a new sort of boost in my career,” he admits.
Sandhu’s warm and engaging personality led him to host numerous concerts and events featuring renowned artists and celebrities. He has had the privilege of working alongside influential figures in the music and entertainment industry, earning respect for his energy and passion on stage. His ability to captivate and entertain audiences has made him a sought-after host for several high-profile events.
Beyond his hosting endeavours, he has also demonstrated his acting skills in notable projects, showcasing his versatility and talent on screen. His genuine enthusiasm for entertainment shines through in all his ventures, and his dedication to his craft is evident in the range of roles he undertakes.
Sandhu has dedicated his career to making others smile, and at present finds himself in a position where he cannot imagine the pain and sadness he went through just two or three years ago. He says, “It’s funny when I think back to being so sad or down, feeling so hopeless, or not knowing what my next step should be. I never thought I could sit here and say to you: ‘Actually, I’m so excited about the future’.”
Sandhu’s personal life reflects his vibrant and dynamic personality. He values his family and credits his parents’ support and guidance as instrumental to his success. His strong connection with his cultural roots, particularly his South Asian heritage, allows him to resonate with a diverse audience and bridge cultural gaps through his work.
He is also passionate about giving back to the community and using his platform to make a positive impact. He actively supports charitable causes and collaborates with organisations dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity. His dedication to uplifting others extends beyond the stage, making him an inspirational figure in both his professional and personal life.
Life can present us with unforeseen challenges, whether it’s losing a job, struggling to meet financial obligations, or feeling disconnected from loved ones. Sandhu gives some valuable advice to those struggling on the career front. He admits, “I’ve been there, I’ve been in the spot where you haven’t got the income, bills are going out, and it all feels like it’s just too much. I know that feeling.”
Sharing his own experiences, Sandhu explains how he, too, has faced moments of self-doubt and questioned his life choices. However, he found solace and strength in the unwavering support of his loved ones. Whether it was his mother’s prayers, his wife’s profound belief in him, or the encouragement of his friends, Sandhu underscores the significance of surrounding oneself with people who offer reassurance and help uplift spirits during challenging times. He reminds everyone that even in the darkest moments, there are often “little angels” that appear to provide beneficial guidance, motivation and opportunities for growth.
Drawing from personal experiences and lessons learned, Sandhu emphasises the importance of perseverance, seeking support, and pursuing one’s dreams even in challenging times. “Just carry on,” he says.
Sandhu’s own journey exemplifies the importance of following your passion and embracing change, as it is the only constant. Although he initially began a career in music, dance, and theatre, he eventually found his way into the elaborate world of the media and entertainment industry. By combining his diverse interests and talents, he discovered a fulfilling career that resonated with him and most importantly, made him happy.
The 46-year-old’s journey in the media and entertainment industry is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and passion for connecting with people. From his early experiences in the creative industries to his successful hosting career and diverse ventures, he continues to leave a mark on audiences worldwide. With his magnetic personality, infectious energy, and genuine love for his craft, he has become a prominent figure in the country, inspiring others to follow their dreams and embrace their unique talents.
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