A A Dhand: Bradford’s Crime Fiction Powerhouse Awarded Doctor of Letters

The University of Bradford has awarded A A Dhand, the acclaimed crime writer and screenwriter, the title of Doctor of Letters, recognising his outstanding literary career, his dedication to increasing representation in the arts, and his role as a cultural ambassador for the city of Bradford.

Amit Dhand, known professionally as A A Dhand, is a proud alumnus of the University, where he earned his MPharm in 2002. Raised behind the counter of a small convenience store in Bradford, he enrolled at the University in 1997 and spent over two decades working as a pharmacist before fully embracing his passion for storytelling.

Dreams and ambitions

"I spent 21 years as a full-time pharmacist," he reflects. "In 2006, I started penning a novel and spent the next 10 years failing forwards until I landed a publishing contract in 2016 with my debut, Streets of Darkness. I've now written seven novels, and in 2025, Virdee was broadcast on BBC One, adapted by me from my third novel, City of Sinners."

His Harry Virdee series, inspired by Bradford's vibrant culture, has earned national acclaim and was recently adapted into a BBC One crime drama, with key scenes filmed across the city, including at the University itself.

"With writing, it was the craft of creating new, exciting worlds we hadn't seen before, either in literature or on screen," he says. "It gave me the ability to immerse myself in dreams and ambitions that once felt impossible for South Asian creatives. It's about opening new doors and challenging the status quo."

Deep roots

Despite his success, Dhand remains deeply connected to Bradford. In February 2025, he returned to the University to speak at the BBC Young Reporter Festival, inspiring future writers, and he is a regular at the Bradford Literature Festival, where he shares his journey and champions local voices.

His work has had a tangible impact on the region's creative economy. The Virdee series supported 26 full-time roles in TV production, including two University of Bradford graduates.

"I've featured the University in my novels and returned many times for panels and festivals," he says. "It's a place that shaped me, and I'm proud to give back."

Creative obsession

Dhand's contributions to British crime fiction have earned him a CWA Steel Dagger Award shortlist, and he currently has three novel brands in active development with TV broadcasters.

When asked what advice he'd give to aspiring creatives, his message is simple but powerful:

"Write what you love and love what you do. Creativity is an obsession, not a vocation."