Sanjeev Bhaskar

Kirsty Young's castaway this week is Sanjeev Bhaskar. A writer, comic and actor, Sanjeev has brought the British Asian experience into mainstream comedy with his television programmes Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No 42. Despite initial worries from the broadcasters, both attracted a loyal following and great critical acclaim.

This represented a turn-around in Sanjeev's fortunes: aged 30, he had been unemployed, single, depressed and living at home. Now he is enjoying great success professionally and is one half of a golden couple of entertainment - he is married to fellow writer and performer Meera Syal. "At times," he says, "it's felt like living someone else's life. But I'm not going to give it back to whoever owns it legitimately."

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Choices

1.

Elvis Presley

If I Can Dream

Others who chose this artist

2.

The Beatles

A Day in the Life

Others who chose this artist

3.

Salil Chowdhury

Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye

Others who chose this artist

4.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major - 2nd movement

Soloist: Radu Lupu Orchestra: The English Chamber Orchestra

Others who chose this artist

5.

Monty Python

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

Others who chose this artist

6.

Clash

London Calling

Others who chose this artist

7.

David Bowie

Life on Mars

Others who chose this artist

8.

Castaway's favourite

Susannah McCorkle

The Waters of March

Others who chose this artist

Book

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Others who chose this author

Luxury item

A grand piano

Others who chose a similar luxury