DESERT ISLAND DISCS: ROMESH RANGANATHAN (320kbs-m4a/133mb/58mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 1st June 2025
Romesh Ranganathan is a comedian and BAFTA-winning broadcaster who has been a fixture on British television screens for the past decade. In addition to his TV shows and stand-up tours he presents the Weakest Link on BBC One, Radio Two's Saturday morning show and another weekly Radio Two programme in which he shares his passion for hip hop music.
Romesh was born in Crawley in West Sussex where he still lives. His parents came to the UK from Sri Lanka in 1975. His father Ranga was an accountant who spent time in prison for fraud during Romesh's teenage years. At that point Romesh and his brother were brought up by their mother Sivashanthini – known as Shanthi – who has appeared alongside Romesh on several of his television programmes.
In 2001 Romesh became a maths teacher at the school where he'd previously been a pupil. A few years later he started taking part in open mic evenings where he developed his skills as a stand-up. In 2011 he quit his teaching job to pursue a career in comedy.
He has spoken candidly about his own mental health and in 2023 he became a patron of the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
Romesh lives in Crawley with his wife Leesa and their three sons.
BOOK CHOICE: Life of Pi by Yann Martel
LUXURY ITEM: An unlimited supply of aubergine curry
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If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, including urgent support, a list of organisations that can help is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Presenter Lauren Laverne
Producer Paula McGinley
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Ye - Through The Wire [Roc-A-Fella]
SZA - Broken Clocks [TDE / RCA]
Brian McKnight - Back At One [Universal Music Group International]
Stevie Wonder - I Wish [UNI/Motown]
Public Enemy - Bring The Noise [Def Jam Recordings]
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