BBC - Asian Network - Silver Street The Residents

Manab Ray (Mani)
Played by Kaleem Janjua

DOB: 16th August 1942
FAMILY : Mani is divorced. His ex wife is deceased. Daughter Jodie Howard; Nephew - Vinnie Mukherjee
LIVES: In a terraced house by the park, backing onto the canal
WORK: Mani used to own Saffrons, a restaurant on Silver Street, and has a stake in Kuljit's studio as a sleeping partner.
CHARACTER: Once a successful touring musician, Mani's life is now more settled, though he still loves playing music. He's a well-respected man of the community and has many friends, but he still gets lonely sometimes. He is close to Imran and was best friends with Mushtaq. He would hate to be a burden on anyone.
STAR SIGN : Leo

Mani

"I suppose I was lonely sometimes living here. Even though I've always had my old friend Mushtaq to talk to. I remember when we used to share a room - just after we'd both arrived in England . We even had to cook in that room of ours. In hindsight I wish I'd worked harder at my marriage. If I had then I could have watched Jodie growing up. It was a shock at first when she came to find me, but now we've got to know each other it's the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I'm just so grateful she found me and I can try and make up for lost time - over 30 years to make up for!...

"I've seen and done a lot in my time you know. I toured all over the country in the '60s and '70s playing the tabla - with the Magical Monkeys, The Movers...you name a band and I bet I'll have played with them . It's great to see Asian music on the up again - it can really help to keep some kids on track. That's why I set up those music lessons at the Centre back in the '80s."

"My, how things change - we had nothing and now look at us! I'm not an empire-builder like my dear friend Mushtaq used to be - he was always looking for his next business venture - but I've not done too badly either. The restaurant's still ticking over nicely, and that's enough for me. Pradeep's an excellent chef - though he may be a little highly strung at times. No, I'm not really bothered about money and I'm pretty much at peace with my life - I don't feel I have to prove myself to anyone.

I'm now going to take some time out and go to India for a break. I need to come to terms with Mushtaq's death, sometimes I miss him so much."