DIDIHOOD ~ Issue 84

Happy May and Asian Heritage Month Didis!

This month is a big one for us with the announcement of our Didi Creative Fund recipients. We received so many incredible applications this year with so many incredible projects. It’s always so inspiring to see what Didis in our community are working on.

We also celebrated South Asian women in film and television with a collab event with The Kollective. The panel, moderated by Kiran Rai, featured a powerhouse lineup of Didis who have worked both in front of and behind the camera on some of the biggest shows featuring South Asian leads—Allegiance, Late Bloomer, Get Up Aisha and more.

Meet the Didi

This month we’re chatting with Meera Estrada. Meera was the creator, executive producer and host of The kultur'D Show on Global News Radio. She is also the founder of FUSIA Media, and her most recent project is the Naan Fiction podcast where she gets heavyweight Asian actors, comedians, athletes, authors, and more to dish on their real lives and experiences.

You launched your new series Naan Fiction in 2024. What was the initial inspiration for launching this show?

Naan Fiction was born out of my own lived experience—growing up in Canada as the child of immigrants, constantly navigating two cultures, two identities, and that never-ending question: Where do I truly belong? I remember feeling like I was always code-switching—at home, I was expected to uphold our traditions, but outside, I was trying to blend in, sometimes even shrink parts of myself just to fit. It was exhausting, and for the longest time, I thought I was the only one who felt that way.

As I got older and started working in media, I realized that so many of us shared this experience, but our stories weren’t being told—at least, not in the way we lived them. The complexity, the contradictions, the humour, the heartbreak—all of it. That’s when the idea for Naan Fiction started brewing. I wanted to create a space where we could have these real, unfiltered conversations about identity, belonging, and the messy beauty of being Asian in North America.

And honestly? It’s also just a way for me to talk to cool people who get it! Some of my best conversations have happened over chai and carbs, so why not turn that into a series and invite everyone to the table?

You talked about straddling two cultures living as a child of immigrants in Canada. How does that influence your work?

It influences everything I do. When you grow up between cultures, you learn early on that identity isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. There’s a constant push and pull between tradition and modernity, between the expectations of our families and the realities of the world we live in. That duality has shaped my perspective as a storyteller—I'm always thinking about the nuance, the layers, and the contradictions in our experiences. It’s why I approach my work with a mix of curiosity, empathy, and sometimes (okay maybe a lot of times) a bit of humour. That humorous side is how I convinced my very private husband to launch a couples comedy account @churrosandchuddies. Being married to a non-Indian the layers of identity peel back further for my children, who are now immersed in multiple cultures, customs, cuisines and religions too. Through my children's eyes, I'm learning that series like Naan Fiction and even our simple comedy account are quite powerful tools in shaping pride in our culture(s).

You’ve interviewed many South Asian creators over your career. Why is it important for you to create this space?

Representation isn’t just about visibility; it’s about depth and authenticity. Having done over 300 interviews in the span of my career thus far, it's crystal clear that Asians aren’t a monolith. And yet, for so long, the stories that were being told about us were often one-dimensional or rooted in stereotypes. I wanted to create a space where we could explore our identities on our own terms—whether that’s through conversations about art, culture, career struggles, or even the unspoken pressures we face in our communities. It’s important because when we hear our stories reflected back at us, it validates our experiences and reminds us that we’re not alone.

How does one get started to launch their own series?

Now more than ever, it’s so much easier and more accessible to launch your own show—whether it’s a podcast, a web series, or a social media platform. But here’s the thing: You can have the highest-quality equipment, but if your content isn’t resonating—if it’s not engaging, entertaining, or informative—none of that matters. The most important thing is the story you’re telling.

If you’re passionate about something, that passion will shine through. You don’t need a fancy setup or studio. Just invest in a good-quality mic, decent lighting, and most importantly, a strong concept. And then—just start! Don’t wait for perfection; it’s the process that makes you better.

Where do you see the series going next?

I’ve been working hard on making connections with larger broadcasters and streaming platforms to scale production, bring in higher-profile guests, and expand our reach. The goal is to take Naan Fiction to an even bigger audience while staying true to its core—real, raw, and relevant conversations about the Asian experience.

Anything else you would like to add?

Comparison is the thief of joy—truly. It’s so easy to look around and feel like someone else is doing “better” than you. But the reality is, 99% of people you see thriving have been putting in the work for years behind the scenes. Also, define your own version of success. For me, it’s not about financial gain—it’s about fulfillment. Success isn’t linear, and it’s definitely not one-size-fits-all. Just do what brings you joy and purpose, and the rest will follow.

What we’re reading:

What we’re watching / listening to:

— Nikkjit Gill

Issue 84
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