Adeel Akhtar, a 45-year-old actor, has been a mainstay on British screens since his breakout role in the comedy hit Four Lions.
The actor, who has been providing representation for millions, has spoken about his early experiences growing up as a Brown man in the UK.
Adeel attended a predominantly white boarding school, where he struggled to work out his racial and cultural identity.
He has spoken about feeling like he had to tell his stories a certain way, adhering to a template, but refusing to be pigeon-holed, he continued to be self-determined in the idea of who he is and what he represents.
Over a decade on, Adeel has found more agency over the types of roles he gets to play, and is now embracing the complexity of his identity.
Before diving headfirst towards the future, Adeel is delving into his own past to uncover the complex history of South Asian migration.
He is tracing the roots of his Indo-Kenyan heritage, which spans the Indian subcontinent and East Africa, and how he, as a boy, wound up born and raised in London.
Adeel's journey has been shaped by his identity, and he has spoken about the challenges he faced growing up, including systemic racism and attempted apartheid.
However, he has also uncovered stories of resilience and determination, including how his great-great-grandfather set up an all-girls school his grandmother attended.
Adeel's new episode of Who Do You Think You Are explores the complex history of South Asian migration and the challenges faced by his ancestors.
The episode premieres at 9pm on BBC One tonight and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Adeel hopes that his career can inspire others to keep telling their stories, just as he has been motivated by South Asian trailblazers like Hanif Kureishi.
Adeel's journey is a testament to the power of immigration and the importance of telling these stories.
By embracing his complexity and his heritage, Adeel is breaking down barriers and paving the way for others.
Adeel's episode of Who Do You Think You Are is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of South Asian migration and the experiences of immigrants in the UK.
