For more than three decades, Sukhi Bart has remained a defining force in the British Asian entertainment scene.
Whether behind the mic, in front of the camera, or commanding the stage, Sukhi has done it all—radio, TV, singing, acting, DJing, and dancing. Yet, beyond the accolades and titles, Sukhi insists that what matters most is being remembered simply as “a good human being—a good paaji.”
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Born in Punjab and raised in Birmingham after moving to the UK at age seven, Sukhi’s earliest memories are steeped in the warmth of his grandparents and the rhythms of village life. “I didn’t understand much at the time,” he recalls, “but I remember the day I left my grandparents very clearly. That memory is etched in my heart.” Thirteen years would pass before he returned for an emotional reunion—a moment that reinforced his lifelong connection to Punjabi culture. “When I saw them again, it was as if time itself stood still. My roots pulled me home.”
Sukhi’s journey into entertainment began by chance. While at Rowley Regis College, he was approached during a casual jam session in the canteen. “We’re starting a Bhangra group in Smethwick,” a friend told him. That group became Gabhru Panjab De (GPD), now one of the UK’s most iconic Bhangra dance troupes, active for over 27 years. Sukhi remains closely involved, proud of his roots and the group’s legacy. “GPD isn’t just a group—it’s a family. We dance for joy, for tradition, for each other.”
His first hosting gig arrived unexpectedly, when a festival in Smethwick needed a last-minute presenter. “I’d never done it before, but I thought, why not?” Sukhi recalls. The moment he stepped onto that stage, microphone in hand, everything clicked. “I felt like I was home. That stage was just meant for me,” he says. “From that day, I knew I belonged in the world of entertainment.”
Picture: Supplied by Sukhi Bart
From those humble beginnings, Sukhi carved a space for himself on local radio, driven by a relentless hunger to learn. He started by volunteering to answer phones and observe veteran presenters like Poli Tank at Radio Excel. “The goal was always the BBC,” he says. And he got there—spending nearly a decade with BBC Asian Network, hosting everything from religious shows to the popular Punjabi Weekend Show. “Radio taught me that every story matters, every voice counts.”
Along the way, Sukhi’s bilingual fluency—his unique blend of “Pinglish”—allowed him to connect deeply with both Punjabi-speaking guests and English-speaking audiences. “Singers felt truly heard,” he explains. “I could translate their stories authentically. It’s about building bridges, not barriers.”
Television soon followed, beginning with Channel Punjab, where he interviewed legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Juhi Chawla. When Channel Punjab closed, Brit Asia TV became his next stage. For ten years, Sukhi was the face of the channel, helping to shape the landscape of Punjabi music television in the UK. “TV gave me a platform to celebrate our culture on a bigger stage. I wanted every young British Asian to see themselves represented.”
Despite his media success, Sukhi has always balanced it with a “proper job” in the civil service—a role he deeply values for the stability it provides his family. “The Bhangra world is full of passion, but it doesn’t always pay the bills,” he admits. “If I had to choose, I’d keep my government job. But Bhangra? That’s part of my soul.”
One of Sukhi’s other passions is songwriting. He has penned lyrics for the likes of Jazzy B, and more recently wrote a song for himself called ‘Panjabi’—a playful way to help others learn the language. “Music is a universal teacher,” he says. “If you can sing it, you can speak it.”
A man of many talents, Sukhi once played hockey at the National League level—until a shoulder injury sidelined him. He’s also found success translating Punjabi song lyrics for fans across the globe. “Connecting people through language and music—there’s nothing more rewarding,” he says.
Sukhi’s commitment to learning and growth is evident in his academic journey as well. He studied at De Montfort University, an experience that broadened his horizons and deepened his understanding of media and communication. “University taught me to ask questions, to look beyond the obvious, and to never stop learning,” he shares.
His passion for storytelling eventually led him to the world of podcasting. Sukhi began his podcast career in Leicester at BBC Asian Network, where he explored new formats and reached fresh audiences. “Podcasting opened up a new world for me,” he says. “It’s intimate, it’s direct, and it allows for deeper conversations. Starting out at BBC Asian Network was a game-changer—I found a new way to connect with people.”
But what unites it all—his broadcasting, performances, and public life—is a sense of purpose. “If God puts a mic in your hand, or a camera in front of you, you have a responsibility: to entertain, yes—but also to educate,” he says.
“I want to leave people a little happier, a little wiser, than when they tuned in.”
Now a father of three, Sukhi makes regular trips back to Punjab to keep his children connected to their heritage. “Punjabi culture is so rich, so giving, so warm,” he says. “That’s what I want to pass on: pride in who we are, wherever we are.”
Despite his wide-ranging achievements, Sukhi remains grounded. “I’ve done lots of things,” he reflects, “but what I’d really like to be remembered as is being a good human being—a good paaji. At the end of the day, kindness is the legacy I want to leave.”
His career may span continents and generations, but for Sukhi, it all comes back to community, culture, and staying true to oneself. He has found success by grabbing opportunities as and when they arise. “I truly believe in that,” he shares. “Opportunities are few and far between. When you get one, take it—give it your all. But always be true to yourself.”
He offers advice for the next generation: “Be real, be honest, be kind, be humble. Work hard and you can’t go far wrong.”
