DIDIHOOD ~ Issue 42

Author

The Didihood
February 26, 2024

Welcome to August, Didis! 

While it feels like we've been quiet, we've been slowly putting together the details of our 2021 mentorship program. Thank you for those of you who applied and we can't wait to start the new cohort in the Fall! For those of you who didn't get a chance to apply this time around, we'll be doing it again next year!

With parts of Canada slowly reopening, we're also hoping a sense of regular programming as soon as its safe to do so -- we really miss in-person events -- but in the meantime, stay tuned for more virtual events in the Fall. 

Meet the Didi: 

This month we sit down with new MuchMusic VJ Verdah Ansari. Ansari is also a graphic designer and photographer making her mark in Canada's music industry. 
 

Growing up, did you see yourself represented on-screen?
Growing up I definitely did not see myself represented on screen. If I ever did, it was usually in an odd role or in characters who fell into stereotypes (heavy accents, clothing, language). It definitely was difficult growing up because whenever that stereotype would come up in a movie in class, all the kids would just turn to you and look at you -- despite the character not fitting who you are at all. 
I think that stunted a little bit of how I perceived the South Asian community too. I almost wanted to hide that I was South Asian for so long, until I grew up more and realized how amazing the culture is and how meaningful it is. Representation is definitely getting better now, which makes me happy for the youth growing up today -- but I still think we have a long way to go.


Who are some of the South Asian women in the creative industries that you look up to?
It's funny this question comes up because I rarely see women in some creative industries, let alone a South Asian woman. That's almost equal to seeing a unicorn or something. I'm usually the only South Asian woman on set when I'm shooting or whenever artists working with me they've said they've never had a female graphic designer do their cover/album art. 
So it's difficult to pinpoint people I look up to in the creative industry. However, I think Mindy Kaling is someone I admire heavily. She's done incredible things for representation, inclusion and creating a sense of relatability through her characters, shows and her writing. She's been through a lot of obstacles in her career and the fact she's where she is today just goes to show her talent but also how strong her mindset is on changing industry standards and that's inspiring. 

What are you looking forward to the most with your new job?
The thing I'm looking forward to the most is working with the other VJs and the team behind the scenes. That honestly may sound so cliche, but this group of people both on and off camera are so incredible and their energy and positivity keeps me going. I honestly go to bed every night excited about what we'll be creating the next day, I don't know if many people can say that about their jobs.

What would be your dream interview as a VJ and what music are you listening to these days?
My dream interview is a three-way tie between Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. They're all beyond talented and their music has so many layers that I'd love to just sit and dissect everything. 
My favourite current musician is probably Kendrick Lamar, it goes back to what I was saying about having those meanings behind songs. I think he's definitely shifted the culture. I listen to a lot of blues and old school music, some of my classic favourites are Little Walter, Jimi Hendrix, Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.