South Asian Heritage Month is an annual celebration in the UK, this year held from July 18 to August 17, showcasing South Asian cultures, histories and communities. Especially focused on the diverse heritage and cultures that connect the UK with South Asia, this year’s theme is “Roots to Routes.”

To mark SAHM 2025, we are delighted to present three special episodes, releasing over the next few weeks, on our podcast channel, Arbitral Insights, each offering unique perspectives and stories from leading and inspiring voices.

A conversation with Reed Smith’s Mahmuda Kamalee, Ravi Pattani and Akshay Sevak

Reed Smith lawyers Mahmuda Kamalee, Ravi Pattani and Akshay Sevak join host and international arbitration partner, Gautam Bhattacharyya, for a special episode to kick off this year’s SAHM celebrations. In this reflective conversation, our speakers share the inspirations that have shaped their careers and lives, lessons passed down through generations, the best advice they have received (to date!) and what heritage means to them.

Spotlight on… Isha Shakir

Host Gautam Bhattacharyya welcomes Isha Shakir of Henderson Chambers for this episode of Spotlight on… The conversation explores Isha’s decision to enter the legal profession as a barrister, mentors she has benefited from along the way, career highlights to date and what SAHM 2025 means to her.

Spotlight on … Chirag Karia KC

We are pleased to welcome back Chirag Karia KC to the Arbitral Insights stage. Although this episode was originally recorded in June 2023, its insights remain as relevant and inspiring as ever. In this conversation, Chirag shares with Gautam Bhattacharyya the journey that led him to a career in international arbitration and reflects on the mentors who have shaped his successful path in the legal profession.