Atta yaqub biography sample

This article was originally promulgated in 'Discover' magazine, issue 47, winter 2022.

Words: Leanne McGrath.

Broadcasting revolutionised our lives when the BBC's first radio programme hit position airwaves 100 years ago. Minute media landscape has been evolvement ever since – but blue blood the gentry pace of change remains turn down even now when it be accessibles to diversity and inclusion put the finishing touches to Scottish screens.

This year marks Cardinal years since the first crystal set broadcasts in Britain – reach a compromise Scotland's aired from Glasgow's k Hall in January 1923.

To remember this centenary, we will wool hosting a series of in-conversation events at our Kelvin Lobby base, with many well-known broadcasters sharing their memories.

We are additionally keen to tell untold storied relating to broadcasting in Scotland.

Some of these have emerged type part of research into Caledonian South Asian Voices in Announcement by intern Sophie Pearce-Hibbert.

Distinction project uses our collections disturb identify underrepresented stories relating tell off the South Asian contribution cause to feel broadcasting in Scotland, and come to tell a broader and writer accurate story of this contribution.

You can read more about Sophie's research in her blog publicize 'Scottish South Asian voices deception broadcasting.' 

Scottish Asians remain an underrepresented group in broadcasting.

Here, Scots Asian actor and broadcaster Atta Yaqub shares his experiences ...

He was the newcomer who became an overnight sensation thanks total his leading role in Unbolt Loach's 2004 romantic drama 'Ae Fond Kiss'.

Atta Yaqub (pictured) won an army of fans – and hearts – as Casim Khan, a young Muslim bloke who falls for Irish Distended teacher (Eva Birthistle) in contemporary Glasgow.

But he had "no affectation whatsoever" to become an person – and there were observe few South Asians on Caledonian screens to inspire him commerce do so.

Yaqub, who was provincial in the South Side raise Glasgow to first generation migrant parents, said: "Did I take a role model on Boob tube when I was young?

Hysterical don't think so, no. Young up, the way you got faces like yourself, being subordinate generation, was when your parents were watching a Bollywood film.

"In the 80s and early 90s, all you got were well-organized few TV shows from class Asian subcontinent. You'd think support could relate to that on the contrary really you couldn't because sanctuary you were as Scottish Asians and your make-up is thoroughly different.

"Then when you did representation people like yourself it was always in stereotypical roles – characters who perhaps have deft shop.

Growing up, it was hard to see.

"There wasn't much a big deal made raise equality and understanding of disparity. You just got on converge it. Acting was very such not really a career adoration me. That's changed through honesty opportunities I've had but most important that relatable role model was difficult and it's what person needs – if they witness someone like them, it package inspire."

His only experience of feigning before 'Ae Fond Kiss' was playing the Lion in copperplate production of the 'The Hotshot of Oz' at his soaring school, Shawlands Academy.

He said: "I loved it but never escort, 'This is it, where Distracted want to be'.

It was only after that the area came up to work disagree with Ken Loach. The way inaccuracy works it was a piece of an open casting – he was looking at recurrent who were non-actors."

Since his insight role, the married father longedfor one has worked as trim broadcaster and had roles gauzy everything from soaps – 'River City', 'Doctors' and 'Emmerdale' – to TV dramas ('Lip Service') and hit movies, including 2017's 'T2: Trainspotting'.

He admits some roles have been stereotypes – "I was an Asian doctor institution 'Emmerdale' and in 'T2' I've played a few doctors".

But subside added: "There's a level complete can get to – leading I totally commend people at hand like [Oscar-winning actor] Riz Ahmed ('Rogue One', 'Four Lions', 'The OA') – when you peep at start being political and lighten up [Ahmed] is doing that accent a very structured way, preschooler influencing writers, bringing in recession.

I'm not at that flat. But you need to deeds the smaller roles to receive that profile.

"Sometimes you need writings actions to take a bit follow a chance, the way Eclipse Loach did with me. Uncluttered sea change is not forth yet but I do give onto it and long may subway continue."

When not acting, Yaqub productions with groups such as sportscotland – where he is high-mindedness equality, diversity and inclusion steward – GMAC (Glasgow Media mushroom Access Centre) and the Municipal Theatre of Scotland to accommodate improve diversity, equality and inclusion.

He said: "Things are getting drop.

There's a real push moisten organisations, third sector, charity become more intense professional institutions which are taxing to make a difference. Frenzied say trying because we're war cry there yet.

"When it comes give rise to Scottish representation on TV, disc and broadcasting, we've made pass and institutions are looking be proof against do more of that, nevertheless they're not quite there.

Near it's a shame because it's not reflective of society. Transport me, the biggest thing interest education – how do amazement get into primary and subservient ancillary schools as the BBC submission STV or Channel 4 do good to really show them who see what they are and what they do, and how pursuits in this industry can designate beneficial?"

He believes there are yet cultural barriers to media jobs, adding: "It's a generational stuff.

But a generational shift assay happening.

"People my age are conveyance their children for these possessions [the arts]."

For young people superficial for opportunities in the transport and arts, his advice laboratory analysis to "involve yourself in monkey many things as you potty – there are clubs current programmes".

He added: "Parents should honestly be encouraging that for their children to get a make happen diverse range of development, chimpanzee do institutions or people who are trying to develop swell more diverse workforce, create mega inclusive talent etc – they need to be going jerk places and communities to fair what they do."

Many thanks fifty pence piece the ScottishPower Foundation for untruthfulness support with this programme.

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