Around 100 guests gathered at Symphony Hall in Birmingham for the official launch of Though She Be But Little She Is Fierce, the compelling new memoir by Anita Bhalla OBE.

Staged by B:Music, Tuesday's event brought together leading figures from across Birmingham’s civic, cultural and academic life in a celebration of one of the city’s most influential voices.

BBC journalist and newsreader Reeta Chakrabarti led an engaging on-stage conversation with Bhalla, exploring the themes of the book, including her lifelong commitment to challenging racism, championing representation in the media, and shaping public life in Birmingham.

Chakrabarti also shared personal reflections on Bhalla’s influence on her own career, before opening the discussion to audience questions.

“I was very nervous about how the book would land,” said Bhalla, who is Chair of B:Music and Chair of Birmingham City University’s Board of Governors.

“The room was full of warmth for me but also with an understanding of why we all have to continue to champion societal disadvantages wherever they occur.”

The evening was compered by Professor Diane Kemp and featured live music and readings from the memoir, offering a vivid insight into Bhalla’s journey from her early life in Birmingham to a pioneering career in broadcasting and civic leadership.

The event was also filmed and photographed by Media Production students at BCU.

Among the guests were The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, Beverly Lindsay OBE, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Neil Rami, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, and Deirdre Figueiredo MBE, Director of Craftspace.

Bhalla explained that the title of her memoir is a description of her mother, whose strength and resilience shaped her outlook on life. She added that she hoped the book would be an inspiration to others.

“If readers take one message, it’s this: work together, have a plan, but don’t be defeated if it fails - pick yourself up and move forward with purpose,” said Bhalla.

“And, in the words of Winnie the Pooh, remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

Bhalla, who was named Brummie of the Year in 2019, has played a central role in shaping Birmingham’s cultural and civic landscape.

Her memoir charts a remarkable life story - from becoming one of the first Asian presenters on British television to helping establish the BBC Asian Network, and later leading across major arts, education and public service organisations.

Often working in environments where representation was limited, Bhalla broke barriers with determination and dignity, later channelling her experience into leadership roles that continue to influence the West Midlands.

Published by Bite-Sized Books, the memoir is both a love letter to Birmingham and a powerful reflection on identity, belonging and social reform.

Profits will fund a bursary for students at BCU, supporting future generations and extending Bhalla’s long-standing commitment to opportunity and access.

“I’ve always believed that education can change the course of someone’s life, but not everyone has equal access to it,” explained Bhalla.

“Directing profits toward a student bursary is my small way of helping remove that barrier and investing in people’s potential.”

In addition to her roles at BCU and B:Music, Bhalla is also a Council Member of the Arts Humanities Research Council, Governor of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Chair of Iniva.

Her past roles include Vice-Chair of Council at the University of Warwick, Chair of the Midlands Art Centre, Non-Executive Director of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospitals NHS Trust and Chair of Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP.

In 2009, Bhalla was awarded an OBE for services to Broadcasting and Communities.

Though She Be But Little She Is Fierce is available to buy on Amazon.