In this very first episode of A Face in the Crowd, RJ Neha Bhatia shares her deeply personal journey — how she came to New Zealand at just 16 with her family, facing a new world, unfamiliar people, and a culture that was both exciting and overwhelming.
She reflects on the emotional and practical challenges of adjusting to life in Aotearoa, and how—over time—those silent struggles helped shape her identity and voice on the radio.
Co-host RJ Sarkar Raj also opens up about his own struggles — arriving in New Zealand in his late 20s, navigating loneliness, visa stress, and cultural adjustment. He shares how the journey from that silent, uncertain Raj Srivastava to today’s confident "Sarkar Raj" was only made possible because of one person…👉 that version of himself who stood there, didn’t give up, and kept moving.
Together, they unpack the theme of this podcast:➡️ That behind every confident voice, there's a history of uncertainty.➡️ That people arrive here solo or with family, but they all go through the same journey — of struggle, settlement, and self-discovery.➡️ And that in this blend of cultures and challenges, some rise to become a face in the crowd.
🎧 This episode sets the tone for stories ahead — migrants, business owners, artists, students, and everyday fighters who turned their inner noise into real voices that shaped communities in New Zealand.
Powered by Radio Tarana | Streaming on the ROVA App

In this very first episode of A Face in the Crowd, RJ Neha Bhatia shares her deeply personal journey &mdash; how she came to New Zealand at just 16 with her family, facing a new world, unfamiliar people, and a culture that was both exciting and overwhelming. She reflects on the emotional and practical challenges of adjusting to life in Aotearoa, and how&mdash;over time&mdash;those silent struggles helped shape her identity and voice on the radio. Co-host RJ Sarkar Raj also opens up about his own struggles &mdash; arriving in New Zealand in his late 20s, navigating loneliness, visa stress, and cultural adjustment. He shares how the journey from that silent, uncertain Raj Srivastava to today&rsquo;s confident "Sarkar Raj" was only made possible because of one person&hellip;👉 that version of himself who stood there, didn&rsquo;t give up, and kept moving. Together, they unpack the theme of this podcast:➡️ That behind every confident voice, there's a history of uncertainty.➡️ That people arrive here solo or with family, but they all go through the same journey &mdash; of struggle, settlement, and self-discovery.➡️ And that in this blend of cultures and challenges, some rise to become a face in the crowd. 🎧 This episode sets the tone for stories ahead &mdash; migrants, business owners, artists, students, and everyday fighters who turned their inner noise into real voices that shaped communities in New Zealand. Powered by Radio Tarana | Streaming on the ROVA App

A Face in the Crowd
Hosted by RJ Sarkar Raj & RJ Neha BhatiaPowered by Radio Tarana | Stream on ROVA App
“A Face in the Crowd” is a heartfelt, community-driven podcast that celebrates the untold stories of everyday people—migrants, workers, artists, parents—who arrived in New Zealand with little more than hope in their pockets and resilience in their hearts.
Each episode brings forward an individual whose journey from the margins to recognition reflects the rich, diverse fabric of Aotearoa. From walking alone late at night after a job shift… to facing cultural, financial, and emotional challenges—these are not celebrities, but they are the real faces shaping our neighbourhoods, raising families, and adding meaning to the Kiwi migrant identity.
Why we are doing this podcast:Because behind every radio voice, there’s a real human story. Both hosts—RJ Sarkar Raj and RJ Neha Bhatia—have lived those stories. From being new immigrants to becoming respected broadcasters, they now return to the community with a microphone, but this time, it's for you.
What makes this podcast unique and relevant to New Zealand:
It is rooted in the migrant experience, which is central to NZ’s multicultural growth.
It provides representation and dignity to those who often remain unseen in mainstream media.
It amplifies community voices on a platform powered by Radio Tarana, NZ’s leading South Asian / Fiji Indian

A Face in the Crowd Hosted by RJ Sarkar Raj &amp; RJ Neha BhatiaPowered by Radio Tarana | Stream on ROVA App &ldquo;A Face in the Crowd&rdquo; is a heartfelt, community-driven podcast that celebrates the untold stories of everyday people&mdash;migrants, workers, artists, parents&mdash;who arrived in New Zealand with little more than hope in their pockets and resilience in their hearts. Each episode brings forward an individual whose journey from the margins to recognition reflects the rich, diverse fabric of Aotearoa. From walking alone late at night after a job shift&hellip; to facing cultural, financial, and emotional challenges&mdash;these are not celebrities, but they are the real faces shaping our neighbourhoods, raising families, and adding meaning to the Kiwi migrant identity. Why we are doing this podcast:Because behind every radio voice, there&rsquo;s a real human story. Both hosts&mdash;RJ Sarkar Raj and RJ Neha Bhatia&mdash;have lived those stories. From being new immigrants to becoming respected broadcasters, they now return to the community with a microphone, but this time, it's for you. What makes this podcast unique and relevant to New Zealand: It is rooted in the migrant experience, which is central to NZ&rsquo;s multicultural growth. It provides representation and dignity to those who often remain unseen in mainstream media. It amplifies community voices on a platform powered by Radio Tarana, NZ&rsquo;s leading South Asian / Fiji Indian