Second and third generation South Asians in the UK often find themselves having to justify their “Englishness,” despite being born and raised in the country. From modifying names to downplaying cultural traditions at school or work, many navigate a constant balancing act between heritage and belonging.
Whether its assumptions based on appearance, accents, or cultural practices, they are frequently questioned—subtly or overtly—about how “English” they really are.
Last month, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addressed questions about his identity and faith on Political Thinking with Nick Robinson, stating, “Of course, I’m English. I was born here and brought up here.” He also dismissed the so-called ‘Tebbit Test’, which judged immigrants' loyalty by which cricket team they supported—as “a ridiculous idea.” (Refer Asian Voice-15 March issue, page 1)
Following this interview, the conversation around what it means to be “English” for second- and third-generation South Asians gained renewed momentum.
Even London Mayor Sadiq Khan weighed in on the debate around English identity during an interview with LBC Radio. He said, “Rishi Sunak is our country’s first Hindu Prime Minister and will be a role model for young people from all backgrounds. If you close your eyes and listen to him, he’s like Jeeves and Wooster, quintessentially English. He went to Oxford, worked in banking, and became a Conservative MP— what more does he need to do to prove his Englishness? The real question is, how many generations of Khans or Sunaks does it take before we’re seen as English? Are we saying that because our skin will never be pale, we can never be truly English?”
To expect to choose between being ‘English or Desi’ also comes with a hint of post-colonial hangover and racism. Embracing both cultures allows for a richer, more inclusive experience. Instead of viewing multiculturalism with scepticism, it is evident that it should be celebrated.
Many South Asians spoke about their experience to Asian Voice about proving Englishness, embracing both their Desi and English identity and much more.
Family, faith and fitting in with the Desi perspectives
Dr Manpreet Dhuffar-Pottiwal, Chartered Psychologist, whose research explores multigenerational living and intergenerational trauma among British South Asians, said, “Multigenerational households provide a space where second and third generation individuals blend British identity with cultural heritage. Many British Indians adopt British norms, such as career goals, while valuing traditions like language and festivals. Colonial history influences this dynamic, with British Indians often finding assimilation easier, while Pakistani and Bangladeshi families resist cultural dilution due to ongoing marginalisation.
“Understanding intergenerational trauma, emotional pain inherited from parents who faced migration challenges, racism, or loss, helps younger generations empathise with strict family expectations. For instance, a parent’s insistence on curfews may reflect fears of displacement rather than control. This awareness opens up conversations about identity, with many British South Asians blending customs like celebrating Diwali and Christmas to create a hybrid identity. In doing so, they are reshaping Englishness as inclusive and fluid, embracing dual cultural identities.”
Manpreet noted that older generations often view mental health struggles as weakness, while younger British South Asians reframe therapy as “self-care” to avoid stigma. She said, “For men, multigenerational living means juggling British masculinity, like pub outings, with silent responsibilities at home. One man shared, ‘My friends don’t know I share a room with my dad and kids—it’s exhausting, but I can’t complain.’ Despite economic progress, many continue to live in joint families due to “filial piety”—a cultural value of intergenerational duty. Women often face a “split self,” praised at work but judged at home. “Many hide caregiving duties to appear ‘professional.’”
She added, “In collectivist homes, boundaries can seem selfish. A matriarch might say, ‘We survived by ignoring our needs.’ But younger women now see boundaries as sustainability, asking, and ‘If I’m burnt out, who’ll care for everyone?’” These shifts show how younger generations are reshaping identity by blending “desi” and “English” values with greater trauma awareness.
Manpreet emphasised that multigenerational living can heighten pressure to hide cultural differences in public. She said, “Many younger people downplay traditions like living with grandparents to avoid seeming ‘too foreign’ at work or school. This often mirrors imposter syndrome—overachieving to mask insecurities about fitting in. One woman, including myself, modified our names to avoid bias. I went from Manpreet to Mani and now back to Manpreet as part of my journey to decolonise.”
She added, “Parents’ stories of racism can fuel the need to ‘prove’ belonging through success. But a shift is underway. Younger Brits are reclaiming pride in their roots—wearing saris to offices or discussing Ayurveda in wellness spaces. This decolonising process challenges the idea that assimilation means erasing culture. While many still feel torn—‘too British at home, not British enough at work’—they’re redefining belonging by embracing both identities, not hiding them.”
Professor Rusi Jaspal, Pro Vice-Chancellor – Research & Knowledge Exchange at the University of Brighton said, “Second and third generation British South Asians often experience multiple, and sometimes conflicting, pressures to conform to the norms, values, and expectations of British society, their ethnic heritage, and their religion. These demands are not always perceived as compatible, leading to internal conflict and a sense of not fully belonging—either to the national British identity or to their ethnic and religious communities. One of the most significant barriers to feeling truly British is racism. While society has made notable progress, racism has not disappeared—it has simply become more subtle, often manifesting as 'microaggressions.' These can include stereotypical assumptions, disparaging remarks about one’s culture, or seemingly innocuous questions like, 'Where are you really from?' Such experiences send a clear message: you are not fully accepted.
“Ultimately, the way Britishness is defined plays a crucial role. If it is framed in terms of ethnic origin—as it still is by some—it will inevitably exclude those who do not fit that mould. However, if Britishness is defined in civic terms, rooted in shared values and citizenship, it becomes far more inclusive. Strengthening this civic definition is essential to fostering a genuine sense of belonging among British South Asians—and it is entirely within our reach,” he added.
“I am incredibly proud to be English, but equally proud of my Indian heritage”
While some South Asians in Britain have struggled to justify their Englishness, often facing questions about belonging or identity, others have confidently embraced both their English and South Asian roots. For many, this dual identity has not only shaped their sense of self but also empowered them to navigate and enrich both cultures.
Pranav Bhanot MBE, Founder of WYN Legal, said, “I was born and raised in the United Kingdom, particularly in England, and have only ever known what it’s like to be someone of Indian origin. I proudly see myself as English, with a strong sense of belonging to the UK. While I take pride in my ancestors’ roots from India and the South East Asian continent, my identity first and foremost is shaped by England. I’ve only experienced life as an Englishman, with only a brief glimpse of what it would be like living in India. I am incredibly proud to be English, but equally proud of my Indian heritage. I take great pride in wearing an English suit and speaking with an English dialect, while also embracing the richness of Indian culture. I can participate in cultural activities that reflect both my English and Indian roots. While I don’t feel the need to prove my Englishness, it’s clear that I have been born and bred in England, and I am deeply proud of that. However, this does not diminish the importance of my Indian origins, which continue to influence who I am.”
Pranav shared that people of his generation, and perhaps younger generations, embrace the dual concept of being both English and of Indian origin. He explained, “I think this is partly because when we were growing up, we had the opportunity to experience Bollywood films, North Indian music like Bhangra, and visit India frequently. However, I’m not sure if younger generations have the same exposure to Bollywood music, TV, and films, or North Indian music. That being said, there is such a rich and vibrant culture coming from India that I would be surprised if it didn't influence the new and younger generations.”
Rajeeb Dey MBE, Founder & CEO of Learnerbly, reflected on his experience of identity growing up in the UK. He said, “I was born and brought up here, so I sound as English as anyone else who isn’t from a South Asian background. If you just heard me speak, you probably wouldn’t guess my ethnic origin.” He challenged the traditional notions of Englishness, adding, “I don’t believe there’s a template for what Englishness looks or sounds like anymore. If the UK’s most popular dish is curry and cities like London are multicultural hubs, then surely Englishness is evolving.”
Rajeeb acknowledged that this wasn’t always the case. “For my parents’ generation, things were different—their accents set them apart, and they often faced more challenges in being accepted. I’ve been fortunate that my English identity hasn’t been questioned in the same way. I think being born and raised here has shielded me from that to a degree.”
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Asian Voice poll unpacks identity challenges
Asian Voice conducted a social media poll to explore how second and third generation South Asians in England experience the need to justify their "Englishness" in everyday life—be it at school, in the workplace, or in social settings.
Hundreds of people took part in the poll, which included seven insightful questions ranging from whether they feel the need to prove their Englishness to how societal perceptions and expectations affect their sense of identity. The responses shed light on the complexities of dual identity and how cultural belonging is often challenged or questioned in subtle yet significant ways.
Over half (57 per cent) said they feel the need to “prove” their Englishness, while 43 per cent said they do not. An overwhelming 96 per cent believe that a person’s accent or name influences how “English” they are perceived to be. Additionally, 69 per cent feel that the definition of Englishness needs to evolve to be more inclusive.
While 62 per cent of respondents said they feel comfortable embracing both their South Asian heritage and English identity, 32 per cent admitted that the dual identity can feel complicated. A striking 89 per cent have been asked the question, “But where are you really from?” Only 11 per cent said they had never been asked.
Most notably, 76 per cent believe that second- and third-generation South Asians are still not fully seen as English by wider society, and 82 per cent agree that the expectation to "justify" one’s English identity should come to an end.
