Back In Time For Birmingham: A Retro Ride Through South Asian History
The Sharma family from Solihull is stepping back in time to relive the lives of South Asian Britons over the past 75 years. Back In Time For Birmingham captures their journey through decades of British Asian family life, showcasing the challenges and culture that shaped a community.
Honouring Birmingham’s South Asian Roots Amid Commonwealth Games
The BBC commissioned the series to coincide with Birmingham hosting the Commonwealth Games this summer. Co-hosted by Noreen Khan from BBC Asian Network and social historian Dr Yasmin Khan, the show dives into the impact of South Asian arrivals on the city. Today, nearly 250,000 Brummies boast Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, or Sri Lankan heritage – over a quarter of the local population.
From 1950s Struggles to ’90s Bhangra Raves
The Sharmas—Vishal, Manisha, and their kids Alisha and Akash—begin in the 1950s when large-scale migration from the Indian subcontinent began. They’ll live their ancestors’ lives: working the same jobs, eating traditional food (even when all they’ve got is baked beans and no chillies), and facing the same hurdles.
- 1950s: Visits to the region’s first Asian cinema
- 1960s: Entertaining the aunties at home
- 1970s: Bhangra nights with music legend Balbir Singh
- Memorial picnics marking the Partition anniversary and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee
- 1990s: Bunking school to hit a daytime bhangra rave
When and Where to Watch
The series launches on Monday, June 20th at 8 PM on BBC Two. Catch new episodes daily until Thursday, June 23rd.
