Welcome to The Bridge, the only daily show covering the diaspora of the Indian subcontinent, airing nationally across North America on Rukus Avenue Radio/iHeart Radio. I'm your host, Sammy Chand, and I'm thrilled to share my passion for South Asian music and culture with you.
A Pioneer in the Industry—
With almost three decades of experience, I've been at the forefront of the South Asian cultural movement in North America. As the Founder and CEO of Rukus Avenue, I've built a company that's committed to telling the story of the South Asian experience through music, podcasts, and radio.
A Legacy of Excellence—
My work has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and I've had the privilege of collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry. From producing music for over 75 film and television shows to hosting TV shows for Viacom, I've made it my mission to promote South Asian talent and culture.
The Bridge: Your Connection to South Asian Music and Culture—
On The Bridge, I'll be sharing my expertise and passion for South Asian music, as well as interviewing some of the biggest names in the industry. From Bollywood and Hindi pop to Punjabi and Haryanvi music, we'll be exploring the diverse sounds and styles of the Indian subcontinent.
Join the Conversation—
Tune in to The Bridge every day to stay connected to the latest developments in South Asian music and culture. Join the conversation on social media, and get ready to experience the best of South Asian entertainment.
I'm excited to share this journey with you, and I look forward to connecting with you on The Bridge!
All content for The Bridge - Sammy Chand is the property of Sammy Chand and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Meet Sammy Chand, Your Host on The Bridge—
Welcome to The Bridge, the only daily show covering the diaspora of the Indian subcontinent, airing nationally across North America on Rukus Avenue Radio/iHeart Radio. I'm your host, Sammy Chand, and I'm thrilled to share my passion for South Asian music and culture with you.
A Pioneer in the Industry—
With almost three decades of experience, I've been at the forefront of the South Asian cultural movement in North America. As the Founder and CEO of Rukus Avenue, I've built a company that's committed to telling the story of the South Asian experience through music, podcasts, and radio.
A Legacy of Excellence—
My work has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and I've had the privilege of collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry. From producing music for over 75 film and television shows to hosting TV shows for Viacom, I've made it my mission to promote South Asian talent and culture.
The Bridge: Your Connection to South Asian Music and Culture—
On The Bridge, I'll be sharing my expertise and passion for South Asian music, as well as interviewing some of the biggest names in the industry. From Bollywood and Hindi pop to Punjabi and Haryanvi music, we'll be exploring the diverse sounds and styles of the Indian subcontinent.
Join the Conversation—
Tune in to The Bridge every day to stay connected to the latest developments in South Asian music and culture. Join the conversation on social media, and get ready to experience the best of South Asian entertainment.
I'm excited to share this journey with you, and I look forward to connecting with you on The Bridge!
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 399
Sammy’s got the 399th episode of The Bridge ready for us! It’s a Monday episode full of news, information, and the best music from the Indian subcontinent. Sammy’s got music from Talwiinder, Simran Choudhary, and more. He’s joined by Charlotte France from the United Nations News department. He’s also joined by Meera Sharma as she delivers us her weekly Mindful Minute. Sammy sits down with Andro, the host of the show Street Symphonies, to talk about the history of Hip Hop. Sammy is joined by Jay and Sarah, the hosts of the show Cultural Contours, as the couple join Sammy to talk about their upcoming show on Rukus Avenue Radio. Sammy is joined by Ruby Basi as they get you up to date on the news happening across our community. Sammy is joined by Rukus Avenue Radio Allstars, Dr Roy, Karan Bedi, and Doyeeta Dasgupta.
11:36 Dr Roy 15:45 Meera Sharma 18:14 Andro from Street Symphonies 27:44 Charlotte France from the UN 34:10 Jay and Sarah from Cultural Contours 42:44 Ruby Basi News 50:36 Karan Bedi News 55:40 Doyeeta Artist Spotlight
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 398
Sammy’s top 20 countdown has a great new batch of songs including one from his guest from the week Simran Choudhary. He’s got a new number one song that has really made an impression around the Indian music scene. Sammy begins the show honoring his wife for her birthday! Sammy’s got a new configured countdown with a wide range of genres. Sammy features music from Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Yung Sammy, WISH, Wazir Patar, Jordan Sandhu, Karma, Vishal Mishra, and more.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 397
Sammy has a big Thursday episode. The show features the exclusive interview with Punjabi singer Simran Choudhary. The two talk about her influences and how Simran came to this stage of her career. They both talk about her new project Makhna, a collaboration with Panther and The Kidd. Sammy’s conversation with Simran leads the day’s conversations. He’s got the latest lineup of songs with the new AP Dhillon and Shinda Kahlon song By My Side and others ahead of his top 20 countdown show this weekend. Sammy talks to Sunny Grewal about Charities and how the role of NGO’s could be filled by Government instead. Sammy talks to Ruby Basi about the latest news around the community, including the latest on some Diwali celebrations gone wrong. Dr Roy reports that Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared clips of her daughter cheering for Nick Jonas on tour. A 90-year-old superfan charmed Jimmy Kimmel on his show. Karan tells us that Sri Lanka and Australia signed a decade-long defense agreement, focusing on naval exercises and cybersecurity, amid growing Chinese naval presence. The UK Parliament launched an inquiry into the underrepresentation of South Asians in national security agencies, aiming to address recruitment biases and improve diversity. Aashi Arora stops by to tell us about her 1 year anniversary show on Rukus Avenue Radio.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 396
Rukus Avenue Radio’s morning show called The Bridge airs for its big Wednesday show. Sammy’s got the best playlist on the planet, and he flexes it on this show today as he prepares you for his weekend countdown show. Today he’s got the Rukus Avenue Radio Allstars on the show and he’s got Jaya and E. E is from the show called the E Squared Show and joins Sammy to talk about the recent transportation accidents and how those specific cases are tarnishing the reputation of Punjabi people in North America. Jaya joins Sammy as the two talk about Diddy, and of course, the Louvre heist that took place this week. Dr Roy tells us that Rishab Shetti’s Ganthara is a box office success, nearing $5 million. Yamini Rungan’s inspiring journey from waitress to CEO of HubSpot is highlighted. Karan tells us that Canada launched a new talent visa program to attract skilled tech workers from South Asia, offering three-year open permits and fast-track permanent residency. Simultaneously, the US and India signed a global skills compact to train one million Indian professionals in next-generation industries, providing scholarships, work visas, and job placements.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 395
Sammy’s got an explosive Tuesday episode. He’s got a locked and loaded playlist featuring some of this favorites of the week including new AP Dhillon. He’s joined by Dr Roy as she tells us that Bill Gates made a surprise cameo in the TV show Kuki Sauce, marking his second TV appearance. Enrique Iglesias will perform in Mumbai on October 29th and 30th, joined by Jonita Gandhi and Progressive Brothers. Karan reports that Bangladesh and Myanmar have resumed border trade after five years, including agricultural exports and microenterprise licensing. India and Nepal have launched a joint Himalayan glacier surveillance mission to track melting and water flow in major rivers. Sammy talks to Anushka about the path of the independent actor and how they use technology to get out there. Samy talks to Aman and Suhas about the different music movements in India.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 394
Sammy’s got a packed Monday morning for you. He’s got some new music from Arijit Singh, Mame Khan, Cheema Y, and more! He’s got Ruby Basi stopping by to deliver some community oriented news for us. Sammy is also joined by UN correspondent Charlotte France as she tells us about the latest from around the world Dr Roy tells us that Flex Singh is releasing the world’s first Sikh superhero movie in 2026, shot entirely in the UK. Indian composer Shashwat Sachdev and Hans Zimmer are collaborating on the title theme for the British TV series Verdi. Karan informs us that India launched its first national electric vehicle battery swapping policy, aiming to make half of all new vehicles electric by 2030. Pakistan announced the Green Karachi plan, transforming unused land into urban forests and installing solar microgrids.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 393
Sammy’s got the hottest Top 20 songs of the week! He’s got the new Diljit, the new Karan Aujla, the new Ed Sheeran, and so much more! The Top 5 is a switch up indeed. It’s got some big named songs there for sure, including the new Dhurandhar movie lead single. There is so much drama in the countdown, as previous number 1 songs make their way out of the top 20. This is the best hour in all of South Asian music.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 392
Sammy’s Thursday show gives you a peek into his favorite songs of the week that maybe featured in his top 20 this weekend. He’s joined by Sunny Grewal as the two of them talk about the NO Kings March. He’s joined by Ruby Basi as she shares the story of racism across the world. The two also talk about the recent truck accident in California that claimed three lives as the driver slammed into the back of a few cars. Dr Roy reports that Bollywood actress Barney V. Chopra and politician Ragav Chadda welcomed their first child. Ed Sheeran released a new EP featuring Indian artists, and Los Angeles celebrated Diwali with a vibrant event. Karan tells us that India and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement to develop a high-speed freight corridor, boosting trade and creating jobs. The U.S. Senate passed an H1B visa reform bill, increasing the visa cap and prioritizing STEM graduates. Sammy is also joined by Aashi Arora as she previews her show about Leadership on the show Leaders Creating Rukus.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 391
Sammy’s Wednesday show’s a very entertaining day on The Bridge. Sammy’s got new songs from Ed Sheeran’s collab with Karan Aujla. He’s got a few previous #1 songs on his show as well. It’s a packed hour. He’s joined by Jaya as they talk about the George Santos pardon, Denis Richards on OnlyFans, and Prince Andrew gives up his titles. E from the E-Squared show and shammy talk about what the E-Squared show is doing this week. E and Sammy talk about whether our own community is most likely to take advantage of student visa holders. Dr Roy reports on Zach Snyder praised the MahaBharata as the greatest epic story ever written. The Bapswami Narayan Akshadham Temple celebrated Diwali with fireworks, drawing thousands of visitors. Karan reports that South Asian Chamber of Commerce, Canada reveals a 60% increase in South Asian-owned startups in the last three years, but highlights a funding gap. Meanwhile, Nepal is overhauling its tourist visa system to boost tourism and revenue. Sammy’s joined by Doyeeta as she spotlights Harnoor.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 390
Sammy’s got 10 more before he hits the big 400th episode! He’s got a fabulous Tuesday episode. He’s got some new music, including a song from what he calls one of the best albums of the year called My Name is Street. Sammy’s action packed hour includes appearances by Neesh as he previews his show today, and also the Rukus Avenue Radio Allstars. Dr Roy tells us that Kiera Knightley is excited about the Bend it Like Beckham sequel. Ajit Kumar’s racing team had a successful international season. Karan tells us that Pakistan launched a national biometric ID platform to streamline public services and reduce fraud, while Sri Lanka inaugurated its first offshore wind farm, marking a significant step towards renewable energy. Both initiatives aim to rebuild trust and showcase homegrown innovation. Sammy’s got Aman from the Jam4Music show, which airs on Thursday at 8pm. Sammy also chats with Anushka Arora, as they talk about the brand new Dhurandhar movie, and the first song released from it.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 389
As Sammy puts it, it’s the most packed show he’s ever presented! He’s got a wave of new music that has been released, including new music from Ed Sheeran and Arijit, Ed Sheeran and Karan Aujla, and the new Diljit Dosanjh. He’s got Illeana Exaras from the UN News to join him as she tells us that The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has enough food to feed Gaza’s entire population for three months but needs all border crossings opened, especially in the north where famine was declared. A report by the UN Development Programme and Oxford University reveals that nearly 80% of the world’s poor live in regions exposed to extreme climate hazards. Lead poisoning, linked to 1.5 million deaths annually, remains a widespread health threat, particularly for young children. Dr Roy tells us that Deepika becomes the new English brand ambassador for Cartier. Ed Sheeran released a new EP of remixes featuring Indian artists, and Ahmedabad is recommended as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Karan tells us that India inaugurated its first commercial spaceport in Tamil Nadu, allowing private satellite launches and boosting its space economy. Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Japan announced a $12 billion deal to build a climate-resilient mega city, showcasing South Asia’s focus on both ambition and resilience. He’s joined by Vinod from Kapow+ as the two talk about their conversation with a psychologist Guarangi Mittal. Kapow+ will have the second half of that interview this Friday. Sammy is joined by Sarah Wickett and her husband Jay as they preview their new show called Cultural Contours, the mixed race couple will talk about their lives as creatives sharing a common culture. Sammy is joined by Doyeeta as she does an artist spotlight! He’s joined by Meera Sharma delivering the MINDFUL MINUTE that will inspire you for the week ahead.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 388
Sammy’s weekend show is all about the music! He’s got the 20 best songs across The Bridge. He’s for a new #1 and it’s from a voice that Sammy really admires. The countdown has songs from Vishal Mishra, Jordan Sandhu, AP Dhillon, Param, Hustinder, Shreya Ghoshal and more. Sammy’s got insights and info on the music as he goes along. He thanks the guests for stopping by during the week, and he delivers a shuffled top group of songs.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 387
Sammy’s got a power packed show today! He’s got Rukus Avenue Radio Allstars Dr Roy, Karan Bedi, and Doyeeta. The music is the best hour in South Asian music, as Sammy breaks down the best releases of the week ahead of his Top 20 Countdown show tomorrow! Dr Roy reports that Rishab Ricky Ram Sharma made history as the first neoclassical musician to perform at DJ AG’s London Street session. A Kolkata photographer won first prize at the global Big Cats photography competition. Karan reports that A federal appeal court blocked the Trump administration’s proposed $100,000 H1B visa fee, a relief for Indian tech professionals and US companies. Meanwhile, India and the UAE signed a $500 million infrastructure corridor agreement, connecting Mumbai to West Asia and East Africa, boosting trade and strengthening India’s position against China’s Belt and Road expansion. Aashi Arora stops by to preview her show this Sunday, she tells us about her interview with Priya Shah. Sammy is joined by Sunny Grewal as the two of them talk about the traditions of Diwali. Ruby Basi delivers some updates on the news side, she tells us about the flooding in Alaska and talks about how ICE agents have been posting up in different cities around the country.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 386
Sammy’s got the best hour in all of South Asian culture for you right here on The Bridge. The great mix of music and his interesting guests keep this show as exciting and fast flowing as it is. Sammy is joined by The Rukus Avenue Radio Allstars, including Dr Roy who tells us that Farah Khan brought Diwali cheer to Toronto, joining Mayor Olivia Chao for a dance. Designer Robert Neyorum showcased Manipur’s handloom traditions at Paris Fashion Week. Karan tells us that Nepal’s transitional parliament introduced a constitutional reform bill granting greater autonomy to provincial governments, sparking debate on equity and potential ethnic tensions. In Canada, the government is reviewing its student visa policy after backlash, considering restoring work restrictions and extended hours for part-time jobs. Sammy is joined by Jaya as she and Sammy talk about the passing of Diane Keaton, and Sammy and E talk about the religious conversion going on throughout our communities.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 385
Sammy’s got a lot going on for you on a Tuesday episode. He’s got the music loaded for you and he brings you best from the Indian subcontinent, including Karan Aujla, Anuv Jain, Harnoor, Yo-Yo Honey Singh, and more. He’s joined by Anushka Arora, who breaks down the latest from the the scene of Indian cinema and tells us about Ranveer Singh and his new film that everyone’s talking about, Anushka tells us when to expect the trailer. Sammy is joined by Aman and Suhas from Jam4Music as the guys talk about Punjabi music legends, ahead of their show taking the airwaves on Thursdays at 8pm. He’s joined by The Rukus Avenue Radio Allstars as Karan tells us that Canada proposes a religious hate prevention and accountability act, introducing harsher penalties for hate speech and online harassment tied to faith. India pushes for a global digital sovereignty treaty at the UN, arguing for developing countries’ rights to store and manage their citizens’ data locally. Dr Roy reports that Film Fair Awards 2025 celebrated Indian cinema, with “Laapata Ladies” winning best film and several actors receiving awards. Naz Shaikh, a filmmaker from Assam, was recognized for her inspiring journey from a small village to the Venice Film Festival.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 384
Today is Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s birthday on The Bridge. Sammy starts off with the song Come Thru by Sahil Cheema which was the number 1 song from the weekend countdown show. He’s got a packed show, including being joined by Daniel Johnson, the United Nations news correspondent for his weekly segment on The Bridge. Sammy is joined by Meera Sharma as she delivers to us our Mindful Minute of the week. Sammy is joined by Dr Roy as she tells us that Pedro Pascal and Ananya Pandey made headlines at Paris Fashion Week. India won its first Mrs. Universe title in 2025 and Amitav Kosh was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Karan tells us that India and Australia launched a $2 billion climate adaptation fund for Pacific Islands to combat climate change impacts. Meanwhile, Pakistan faces an October 15 deadline to finalize an IMF bailout deal to avoid defaulting on billions in foreign debt. Sammy’s got DJ ArtiFX on for this weekly segment and preview of his show called It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop. Doyeeta tells us about Shreya Ghoshal.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 383
Sammy’s patented top 20 countdown show takes the air for the weekend. Sammy has got songs from Divine, Amit Trivedi, Sahil Cheema, Sukha, AP Dhillon, Ritviz, Yo-Yo Honey Singh, and more. The countdown has some new tracks to power the show, and we have a new song at the top spot. Sammy weaves us through the show as swiftly as he does, delivering the most exciting hour in all of South Asian music.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 382
Sammy and the gang invite you into a great Thursday episode! Sammy’s got the music for you. Sammy’s got a full hour with appearances by The Rukus Avenue Radio Allstars. Dr Roy reports that Filmmaker Rajkumar Harani expressed concern about the U.S. Government’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign films, noting its potential impact on the Indian film industry. Meanwhile, author Mega Majumdar’s upcoming novel, “A Guardian and a Thief,” has been named a National Book Award finalist. Karan Bedi reports that Sri Lankans protested against foreign control of national assets during debt negotiations with China and the IMF. The protests, led by young people, reflect a broader struggle for sovereignty and self-determination in the developing world. Sammy is joined by Aashi Arora as she previews Sunday’s episode. Sammy talks to Sunny Grewal about the wonderful world of iPhones and Androids. Sammy is joined by Ruby Basi, also known as Ruby News on social media. Ruby talks about her career and how she got into the world of reporting news to our community.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 381
Sammy Chand brings you the best of the music from the Indian subcontinent. He brings the best of his repertoire for you on his Wednesday episode. He’s joined by Jaya as Sammy talks to her about the latest from the Diddy trial sentencing, and we will congratulate Jaya on her becoming the proud parent of the Student of the Month award. Sammy is joined by E from the E-Squared show. Sammy talks to E about the music industry and how artists are becoming entrepreneurs. Dr Roy brings us the daily Word on the Avenue, and reports that The 70th Film Fair Awards in Ahmedabad will be hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and Manish Malhotra. Despite being India’s Oscar entry, “Homebound” had a limited release and modest box office success. Karan brings us the news with the latest that Indian tech companies are investing in Africa, establishing digital hubs and building local tech ecosystems. This move signals a new chapter in India’s global influence, focusing on partnership and shared growth.
The Bridge is brought to you by KSwiss and by Carvaan by Saregama. Episode 380
Sammy’s got a wonderful one hour for you. Some friends and some great music to make the one hour go by really fast!! Sammy’s playlist has some familiar songs and Sammy sets the narrative about each of them. He’s joined by The Rukus Avenue Radio Allstars as Dr Roy tells us about Diljit joins the Kantara family, lending his vocals to the film’s soundtrack. Usain Bolt is in India, playing football against Sunil Chethri. Karan tells us that Nepal’s transitional government faces protests over delayed elections, while Canada’s tightened student work visa rules impact South Asian graduates, particularly in STEM fields. Both stories highlight deferred promises and constrained opportunities. Sammy is joined by Anushka Arora as the talks about Ayaan Pandey and Aryan Khan’s latest. Suhas joins us from the Jam 4 Music show and tells about last week and what they’ve got coming up this week. Particularly, what’s up with the lack of creativity in Bollywood?
Welcome to The Bridge, the only daily show covering the diaspora of the Indian subcontinent, airing nationally across North America on Rukus Avenue Radio/iHeart Radio. I'm your host, Sammy Chand, and I'm thrilled to share my passion for South Asian music and culture with you.
A Pioneer in the Industry—
With almost three decades of experience, I've been at the forefront of the South Asian cultural movement in North America. As the Founder and CEO of Rukus Avenue, I've built a company that's committed to telling the story of the South Asian experience through music, podcasts, and radio.
A Legacy of Excellence—
My work has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and I've had the privilege of collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry. From producing music for over 75 film and television shows to hosting TV shows for Viacom, I've made it my mission to promote South Asian talent and culture.
The Bridge: Your Connection to South Asian Music and Culture—
On The Bridge, I'll be sharing my expertise and passion for South Asian music, as well as interviewing some of the biggest names in the industry. From Bollywood and Hindi pop to Punjabi and Haryanvi music, we'll be exploring the diverse sounds and styles of the Indian subcontinent.
Join the Conversation—
Tune in to The Bridge every day to stay connected to the latest developments in South Asian music and culture. Join the conversation on social media, and get ready to experience the best of South Asian entertainment.
I'm excited to share this journey with you, and I look forward to connecting with you on The Bridge!
