Joyti Sharma - Freelance Journalist and Radio Broadcaster

When I was asked to work as a junior researcher for Dickinson’s Real Deal I was really excited. This was a programme I would occassionally watch but never thought I would have the chance to work for.

I arrived on set in Bedworth not really knowing what to expect and I was a bit nervous too. I was greeted by the team who made me feel welcome and had a quick brief as to how the day was planned. David Dickinson was friendly and gave autographs and took photos with the public.

I was hoping to have a memory of a blooper and just as I thought that - it really happened! While the cameramen were filming one of the backdrops fell and filming had to be stopped - everyone was laughing as some of the public were exposed and looked horrified as they were faced with a camera pointing at them! I asked whether anything like this had happened before and I was told this was the first it had happened.

My laughter was cut short when I was asked to be an extra on the show - now it was my turn to look horrified! After being talked into it by several people, they made it hard for me to say no, so I agreed. The hours were long and tiring but the experience I gained was definetely worth it and I hope to do it again soon!

Today is the day I met the legendary Gurdas Maan at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Ask any true Punjabi, any Asian brothers and sisters, your mums and dads - even your grandparents who this man is and they will all describe him as that. When I heard he was coming to the Midlands I couldn’t resist not meeting him, so I frantically made calls to relevent people so I could meet the star in the flesh.

 Like any celeb he kept us all waiting and arrived in style. He gave us all a humble Sat Sri Akal (which means hello in Punjabi) and shook hands with most of us. This was a pleasant surprise to me as I didn’t know what to expect from him. He gave a short speech as to why he wanted to perform during Vaisakhi and answered any questions the audience had.

 He answered all questions meaningfully and with feeling - he even taught me a few things! I managed to get my picture taken with him and a personalised autograph for my parents. I greeted him in true Punjabi style and praised his hard work.

 Gurdas Mann is a global superstar who has produced 27 albums, written over 200 songs and has worked with many leading music labels. This talented ambassador has turned from a singer, writer, choreographer to an actor and made Bollywood hits such as Veer Zaara, Waris Shah: Ishq da Waris, Shaheed-e-Mohabbat and many others.  This was an unforgettable experience for me and one memory I shall keep for a long time.