"I didn't want to just create a workout — I wanted to create a movement that made people proud of where they came from." 🧡 Sarina Jain's journey from personal loss to building a global fitness brand is one of the most powerful stories we've featured on Diaspora Dialogues. Watch the full episode and let us know — what's a moment in your life that changed everything? 👇
Her father died suddenly, of a heart attack. What came after changed how millions of people work out.
Sujatha Padmanabhan speaks with Sarina Jain about creating Masala Bhangra, the Bhangra workout that turned grief into one of the world's most recognized Indian fitness movements.
From losing her father to collaborating with Jane Fonda and building a community that stretches from New York to Japan, Sarina shares the highs, setbacks, and purpose behind her 25-year journey.
They discuss diaspora identity, entrepreneurship, cultural criticism, food, fitness, and why making people move has always been about much more than exercise.
All of this, and more, on this episode of Diaspora Dialogues.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:21 How a Personal Loss Led to Masala Bhangra09:35 What Masala Bhangra is All About13:23 Why Bhangra can be a Form of Exercise17:15 Sarina’s Thoughts on Masala Bhangra Critics
22:43 Appearing on the Jane Fonda Documentary
24:54 Why Sarina’s Videos Don’t Feature Too Many Desis
31:11 Global Impact: Masala Bhangra in Japan
36:50 What’s Next for Sarina Jain
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