Presenters

AJ the DJ

Every Monday night, between 7-9pm BBC Radio Stoke’s presents the Desi Programme with Ajmal.
It’s an upbeat show playing you the best in Desi tunes, from the classic Bollywood to the latest Bangra but that’s just the tip of the iceberg, the show is really about you and what’s happening in your community.  This is your show – a platform for the local communities in Staffordshire and Cheshire to air their opinions and thoughts and promote any events happening in the neighbourhood.

So if you’ve got an event to promote or a story you want to talk about or just something to off your chest, give me a shout!
I’ll also bring you the latest goings on in the world of Bollywood and reviews of the latest films hitting our local cinema so join in with me or if you simply want to request or dedicate a track.  Get in touch: ajmal.stoke@bbc.co.uk
If you'd like to know a little bit more about the person behind the show, may we introduce Ajmal, in his own words...

Born in Blackburn. Lancashire I moved to Stoke in my teens.  Living in the heart of the Asian Community in Shelton I spent my youth helping out in the family convenience store and obviously getting to know the locals in the process.
During school and college I took a passion to acting and did some community drama.  A career in acting was my goal (although Dad would have preferred law!)  However by university my passion had turned to being behind the camera and I did my degree in Film Production Technology at Staffordshire University.

Bollywood in Boslem

During university I began writing for a local ethnic minority publication which led me to volunteering on BBC Radio Stoke’s Asian Show with my regular Bollywood updates.  This later led me to answering phones for the show and then working across the range of Radio Stoke’s programmes, from Sport to Gardening.

I can’t think of a better way of kicking off my presenting career with the help of BBC Radio Stoke and the diverse communities Staffordshire and Cheshire has to offer.
I am a huge movie buff, particularly horror movies (the bloodier, the better) and like nothing more then sitting in with friends with a great horror – I’m very jumpy but that only adds to the fun.  I love travelling, spending time with my nieces and nephews and enjoy immersing myself in a good book.

Ajmal & Paula at their wedding

But the best thing about my life at Radio Stoke has got to be the fact that I met the love of my life, Paula White (who also presents on the radio station).
We got married in June 2009 - best decision of my life!
There's a picture of our wedding day on the right.

BBC Radio Stoke’s Desi Programme is presented by Ajmal Hussain, on Monday Evenings between 7pm and 9pm, broadcasting on 1503AM (MW), DAB Digital Radio and online at bbc.co.uk/stoke. Join in with comment and debate by contacting Ajmal Hussain at ajmal.stoke@bbc.co.uk