Rupa Nathwani, a qualified schoolteacher and founder of Leicester's ManSha Dance School (named after her grandmothers), was inspired to create an Instagram account for her grandparents (Chandrakantbhai Chandarana and Shardaben Chandarana) after capturing a sweet argument between them. Following her Nani's (maternal grandmother) silent heart attack in May 2024, which left the family worried, Rupa realised the importance of cherishing their moments together. Determined to celebrate their bond, she began sharing their stories online, turning her grandparents into endearing content stars.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Rupa discusses creating grandparents' Instagram account as legacy, an account reflecting their Gujarati roots and much more.
What makes your grandparents’ journey so special to you, and was this account created more to preserve their legacy or as a personal creative outlet?
Our grandparents and parents made countless sacrifices to give us better lives, and we should deeply value their efforts. Their experience as part of the double diaspora instilled in them perseverance and determination. The East African community's achievements are remarkable, as they preserved their culture while adapting to their new home. They supported each other despite having little and embraced the spirit of community. I admire my grandparents, parents, and others who rebuilt their lives in an unfamiliar country and successfully contributed to the British economy.
Nani was born in Rajkot and grew up in Porbandar/Mumbai. After losing her mother at two, she never forgets the sacrifices her father made and the struggles she faced with her elder brother, Manubhai. When Nana and Nani married, they overcame many challenges. After the birth of my mum, they faced the heartbreak of losing two stillborn children, yet they remained positive. Today, they say, "We are grateful for what God gave us and are truly happy." They lived in London for fifty years before moving to Leicester to be closer to my mum and us, their grandchildren. Now, they enjoy life as great-grandparents. I’m blessed to have them, and there's so much to learn from their journey.
What has been your grandparents’ reaction to being featured so prominently on Instagram?
They’re feeling like celebrities with all the attention! At first, they didn’t fully understand why so many admire them—they’re just being themselves. But they’re delighted by the love they receive. One of their videos has over 4.5 million views! Nana is thrilled to reconnect with old friends and appreciates the praise for his sense of humour. Nani is overjoyed by the appreciation for her love of bhakti, wisdom, and sweet character. Many strangers have reached out with warmth, and though they don’t go out much, they were thrilled to meet fans at a recent cultural event.
How does the account reflect your Gujarati roots and cultural identity, and has it deepened your understanding of your own heritage?
I have always been raised with a lot of cultural influence around me which makes me proud. My grandparents on both sides always spoke to me in Gujarati and I’m so grateful they did. So to be a content creator for my Gujarati grandparents brings me so much joy, as language is the door to your identity and it helps pass down stories and preserve heritage. I always remember Nani singing and reciting stories in Gujarati to me and I see my mum do the same with my son. Speaking in your mother tongue helps to create a sense of belonging, reflects traditions and connects to history. I think we should celebrate and uphold this as much as we can. We come from such a rich and precious culture, we should recognise this. This account has now encouraged me to do as much as I can to stimulate Indian family values and Hindu heritage.
How do they feel about their story resonating with a wider audience, especially with the younger generation?
Nana and Nani, despite being in their 90s, love the attention and are inspiring younger generations with their vibe and originality. Many followers say their videos remind them of their own grandparents, sparking fond memories and helping them unwind after tough days. Nana’s humour and love for chocolate, combined with Nani’s wisdom and devotion, make them truly special. Their vibrant personalities continue to win hearts and make people laugh effortlessly.
We’ve received numerous messages from younger followers who enjoy watching the videos with their parents and sharing them with older family members. I believe that through effective communication, shared stories, and laughter, we can bridge generational gaps. I hope our Instagram page fosters family bonding, as grandparents play a unique role in nurturing cultural continuity. I’m incredibly grateful to share Nana and Nani with the world, given the profound impact they’ve had on my life.
