- Saturday, July 27, 2024
It was refreshing to play a woman who is not a "damsel in distress" in Ulajh, says Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor about her upcoming film, which will see her in the role of a young diplomat and spy. Directed by Sudhanshu Saria of Loev and Sanaa fame, the film also…
Further solidifying his image as a global Punjabi icon, singer Diljit Dosanjh unveiled his second international collaboration for 2024 on Friday (26). He teamed up with American rapper NLE Choppa for the track Muhammad Ali. The urban pop anthem, produced by Da Honorable CNOTE, was released on YouTube and written…
Designer Manish Malhotra described it as an "honour" to dress the iconic Hollywood actor and singer Jennifer Lopez. On Thursday (25) morning, Malhotra, 57, took to Instagram to express his gratitude for the opportunity to create a custom gown for Lopez’s Bridgerton-themed birthday party. Lopez, who turned 55 on July…
One of the brightest new stars on the pop music scene is Natania Lalwani. The top talent from Mumbai, now based in Los Angeles, has gone from songwriting collaborations with heavy hitters Bella Poarch, Eric Nam, Gucci Mane, Skrillex, Armaan Malik, Ali Sethi, Nick Jonas and Jared Leto to a…
Singer-songwriter Charli XCX is among the nominees for this year's Mercury Prize, as announced by the organisers of the British music award on Thursday. The Mercury Prize, first awarded to Primal Scream in 1992, annually shortlists 12 albums released by British and Irish acts in the United Kingdom. The prize…
THE INDIAN government has released a commemorative stamp celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary singer Mukesh. This special stamp was unveiled at a ceremony hosted by India's Ministry of Culture at Akashwani Bhawan in Delhi on Wednesday (24). Federal minister of culture and tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who…
Mukesh Ambani’s staff and employees at Reliance Industries are considered as family, of course THE Ambani family threw a special warm reception to thank their staff at Antilia and employees of Reliance Industries who helped make the big occasion a success. The bash, which took place on July 15 at…
MAYA LAKHANI has quickly gone from creating rock songs in her bedroom to performing on the live circuit and making a dynamic debut at the recent Glastonbury music festival. By lighting up the stage at the mammoth annual music event on the BBC Introducing stage, the British singer, songwriter and…
THERE is a lot more to talented teenager Maahi than being the son of massively popular singer Shaan. Having been connected to music from a young age, the 18-year-old has turned all that hard work into a newly launched music career that has got off to a flying start. The…
The wedding celebrations for the son of Asia's richest man continued Saturday with a guest list including Hollywood celebrities, global business leaders, and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. Mukesh Ambani's youngest son, Anant, and his fiancée, Radhika Merchant, both 29, are getting married in Mumbai. The weekend events follow months…
BILLIONAIRE Indian tycoon Mukesh Ambani celebrates the lavish finale of his son's wedding this week, highlighting his staggering wealth, as well as India's rapid economic growth and stark financial inequalities. Ambani's younger son Anant and fiancee Radhika Merchant, both 29, are set to marry in a three-day Hindu ceremony in…
ACCLAIMED singer Swati Natekar will pay a heartfelt tribute to her late mother Dr Sushila Pohankar at the Utsav 2024 concert taking place at Harrow Arts Centre next Sunday (21). The show will see leading artists from different disciplines, including Natekar, Kathak dancer Ashwini Kalsekar and sarod virtuoso Debasmita Bhattacharya,…
ARMENIAN singer-songwriter Rosa Linn has once again captured hearts worldwide, as her latest single Universe becomes even more international. Teaming up with Mumbai-based artist Denny, Rosa Linn has unveiled a Hindi rendition of her hit single Universe, titled Universe (Mil Jaana Tu). Released under Nvak Collective, this new version showcases a beautiful blend…
The haldi ceremony of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant was a star-studded affair. Several Bollywood celebs attended the event including Salman Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, and Khushi Kapoor, among others. These celebs brought their fashion A-game to the celebrations. Sara, Ananya, and Janhvi stunned everyone with…
Business mogul Anand Mahindra recently found himself captivated by the stunning performance of nine-year-old Indian-origin singer Pranysqa Mishra on the famed reality show America's Got Talent (AGT). Known for his keen eye for talent and frequent commentary on social media, Mahindra expressed his admiration for Mishra's exceptional musical prowess and…
A nine-year-old Indian-origin girl is wowing American audiences with her singing prowess, receiving rave reviews for her performance on a popular US talent show. Pranysqa Mishra from Florida took the TV talent show America’s Got Talent by storm last week when she belted out the Tina Turner classic “River Deep,…
Filmmaker M Night Shyamalan says the concert at the center of his upcoming suspense thriller will feel like a real one as he likes the idea of “cinema as windows within windows”. The thriller master's new film has taken some of its ideas from a real-life sting operation from 1985…
The Indian music scene has undoubtedly made a mark on the global map over the years. In recent times, many people from all across the world opened up about their love for Indian songs. Like several others, British actress Anna Chancellor, too, loves listening to Indian songs, especially those crooned…
Pop star Justin Bieber brought the house down at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding festivities, which also saw film stars Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor light up the stage with back-to-back memorable performances. Bieber arrived in Mumbai on Friday morning before setting the stage at…
Singer and former One Direction member Zayn Malik sported traditional Indian outfits by the celebrated designer Manish Malhotra for a magazine cover shoot. His first look featured a black sequined blazer with a black shirt and pants. The stunning jacket boasted silver sequin embellishment and notch lapel collars. Accessorising himself…
International pop sensation Justin Bieber, known for chartbusters such as "Baby", "Sorry", "Love Yourself", and "Boyfriend", flew in from Los Angeles here on Friday morning. The singer will reportedly perform at Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant's upcoming sangeet ceremony. Bieber, who last visited India in 2017 for his maiden concert in the…
Television personality, record executive, and judge, Simon Cowell recently spoke about his upcoming nationwide search to assemble a new British boy band. He is looking to recreate the success of the popular boyband One Direction and find the next Zayn Malik. For those not in the know, the former X…
Ahead of their big fat wedding, stunning visuals from Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's 'Mosalu' ceremony have been released. The family organised the spectacular event at their Mumbai residence, Antilia. Visuals from the event show stunning decorations and happy moments shared by the family. Antilia was beautifully adorned with colourful…
As Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant are set to tie the knot on July 12, the celebrations have started in full swing. The family organised a spectacular mameru ceremony on July 3. Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani with mother Purnima Dalal, Akash Ambani with wife Shloka, Anant and…
Zayn Malik, the former One Direction member and solo artist, has recently opened up about the heartwarming bond he shares with his three-year-old daughter Khai, whom he shares with ex Gigi Hadid. In a recent interview obtained by E! News, Malik revealed the adorable way Khai perceives his music. According…
KAVITA KRISHNAMURTHY has become an integral part of people’s lives with the stunning songs she has delivered across the decades. The timeless tracks like Pyaar Hua Chupke Se, Mera Piya Ghar Aaya, Dola Re Dola, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Hawa Hawai, Tu Hi Re and many more have turned…
THERE is no denying that Khanzaadi is currently one of the most exciting talents on the Indian music scene. The singer, rapper, songwriter and musician, real name Firoza Khan, has made a huge impact in a short space of time with top tracks like Azaadi. Having appeared on popular reality…
THE pressure of being legendary sarod maestro Pandit Debasish Bhattacharya’s daughter did not deter Debasmita Bhattacharya from pursuing the same path. The naturally gifted talent grew up in a musically rich environment, which included her acclaimed vocalist mother Sangita Bhattacharya and used all that learning to become one of the…
ASIA'S richest man, billionaire Indian tycoon Mukesh Ambani, launched Tuesday the start of the lavish finale of his son's wedding celebrations with mass nuptials for 52 "underprivileged" couples. Pre-wedding parties for his son have already included multi-day galas, a European cruise for 1,200 guests, a specially-built Hindu temple, and entertainment…
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be feted with the career achievement honour at the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, the organisers announced on Tuesday. He is also the first Indian personality to be honoured with the 'Pardo alla Carriere Ascona-Locarno Tourism'. Italian filmmaker Francesco Rosi, American singer-actor Harry…
Several prominent artists will be performing at Glastonbury 2024 on Saturday, as the second day of music gets underway at the world-famous festival. Coldplay will be taking to the Pyramid Stage from 10pm until 11.45pm on Saturday 29 June, with country pop superstar Shania Twain, Eric Prydz and American singer…
Preparations are in full swing for the wedding of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of industrialist Viren Merchant. Mumbai is abuzz with excitement as Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant are set to tie the knot soon. The Ambanis are planning…
Sagar Bhatia has redefined Qawwali for the younger generation with his fresh take on it. He revived their interest in this genre which was once so popular amongst Hindi music listeners. And now, he is set to take it to feature films as well, with his first qawwali track in…
The soulful voice of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan will be heard once again by his fans all over the world as a new album of unheard recordings by the late Qawwali legend is set to be released in September. Titled 'Chain of Light', the album was discovered in the archives…
During her PARTYGIRL DJ set at a São Paulo nightclub on Sunday, Charli XCX confronted fans who shouted “Taylor (Swift) is dead!” in Portuguese. On Sunday, June 23, the “360” singer, 31, took a moment to address a portion of her fandom that’s made the “Fortnight” pop star, 34, the…
RISING Indian music star Azadd has shown off his impressive talent on songs like the recently released ballad Umarien. The singer/songwriter draws in diverse inspirations for his songs, ranging from classic Bollywood to contemporary pop music. Eastern Eye found out more by getting him to select 10 songs he…
AT BESTWAY’S traditional day at Royal Ascot last Friday (21), Sir Anwar Pervez, the group’s founder and chairman, set the standards in sartorial elegance in a top hat and morning suit. His nephew, Lord Zameer Choudrey, the group’s chief executive, also chose similar attire, as did his sons, Haider and…
RENOWNED Indian opera singer Anando Mukerjee has said that Byron Jackson’s diverse production of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman will break barriers in opera. The play is the UK’s first ethnically led Wagner production with artistic direction from Jackson and stage direction by Iqbal Khan. Jackson, a dramatic baritone of British…
WHETHER it is soulful ballads, Sufi classics, spiritual songs or big upbeat numbers, Harshdeep Kaur has delighted fans around the world with an in - credible array of hits. These top tracks are all elevated to an even higher level when the superb singer performs them in front of a…
Hollywood star Will Smith is reportedly in talks to star in Sony Pictures' upcoming project Resistor, following the success of his recent blockbuster Bad Boys: Ride or Die. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is being developed under the banner of Escape Artists and is based on Daniel Suarez's…
ACCLAIMED Kathak exponent Ashwini Kalsekar is known for her expressive performances and ability to create magic on stage. The London-based dancer, choreographer and teacher is one of three leading female artists headlining the Utsav 2024 show taking place at Harrow Arts Centre in London on July 21. She joins sarod…
Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh recently made a sensational debut on Jimmy Fallon’s popular show, The Tonight Show, where he performed on his hit tracks “G.O.A.T” and “Born to Shine.” He even treated viewers to a special snippet of “Main Hoon Punjab” from his recent film Amar Singh Chamkila. While his…
As the release date of Nag Ashwin's highly awaited film, Kalki 2898 AD, approaches, the makers are ramping up their promotional efforts with a series of exciting announcements. Taking to their official X account, on Wednesday, makers unveiled a new poster featuring Malayalam actress Shobana, who will be joining the…
Pop star Justin Timberlake was charged early Tuesday with drunken driving in a village in New York's Hamptons, after police said he ran a stop sign and veered out of his lane in the posh seaside summer retreat. The boy band singer-turned-solo star and actor was driving a 2025 BMW…
THE hit channel four comedy returned for a six episode second season. After having grown in popularity on the live circuit, the female Muslim punk band is ready to record their debut album. They need finance or the backing of a major record label and must make difficult decisions professionally.…
BRITISH-ASIAN music icon, Kuljit Bhamra, has urged creators to produce music that was capable of “grabbing listeners’ hearts.” Bhamra told Eastern Eye it was crucial to create something that captured attention in the first few seconds, as people had short attention spans nowadays. “I think the way music is consumed has…
Playback singer Alka Yagnik has revealed that she has been diagnosed with a rare hearing disorder. In a post on Instagram on Monday night, Yagnik said she has been diagnosed with "sensory neural nerve hearing loss" due to a viral attack. "To all my fans, friends, followers and well-wishers. A…
In a historic moment for Indian music on the global stage, Diljit Dosanjh made his debut appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show, delivering a sensational performance that left audiences mesmerized. Dosanjh performed his hit songs 'Born To Shine' and 'G.O.A.T.,' showcasing his signature blend of energy and charisma. The…
Singer Maithili Thakur captivated the audience in her debut performance at the Watford Bhaktivedanta Temple in London. The event on Sunday marked her first visit to the United Kingdom. The temple was filled with a large gathering of devotees and music enthusiasts, all of whom deeply enjoyed the spiritual ambiance…
Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has made an announcement about the conclusion of her ongoing sixth concert tour. During her 100th show at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, the pop superstar shared with the audience that she is going to wrap up the Eras Tour at the end of the year, reported…
Bollywood star Sunny Deol on Thursday announced the sequel to Border on the 27th release anniversary of the 1997 blockbuster film. According to the makers, the upcoming movie is "India's biggest war film" which will be directed by Anurag Singh, known for Kesari and the first two films in the…
BRITISH bhangra legend KS Bhamrah is celebrating Father’s Day this week with his newly released single Daddy. The Apna Sangeet frontman has sung, written and composed the heartfelt solo song that expresses the inner feelings of a father, along with all they do. What makes this family friendly track special…
Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh is set to make an appearance on American talk show The Tonight Show, presented by Jimmy Fallon. Fallon will host Dosanjh, a popular name in Punjabi cinema and music industry, on the June 17 episode of the long-running show which airs weeknights on the US broadcaster NBC.…
Behind the scenes, many Bollywood celebrities have had their fair share of controversies and confrontations, some of which have unfolded in the most public and dramatic ways. The latest example is the award-winning actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut who was slapped by a CISF female jawan at the Chandigarh airport on June…
Anshul Garg has been bringing the best of global music to India by combining it with amazing Indian musical talent. He first teamed up with Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred for the chartbuster “Guli Mata,” then he created the viral sensation “Yimmy Yimmy” with French singer Tayc. Now, completing a hat…
WITH her deeply meaningful album Qasr, Sheherazaad beautifully explores displacement, the complexities of diaspora, the struggle to reclaim lost cultural roots, human experiences, and deep human emotions. Grammy award winner Arooj Aftab has produced the genre transcending five-track LP that enables American composer and vocalist Sheherazaad to show off her…
CHIRAG RAO has shown off his impressive range with performances across diverse platforms. The talented British singer has added to his musically rich life story with Bollywood Time Machine, which recently started a UK tour that runs through June with shows in Leicester on Saturday (8), Harrow (21 and 28),…
A SERIES of global super hit songs turning Aastha Gill into hot property on the live music scene meant that a debut UK tour was always going to be inevitable for the popular Indian singer. The talented performer is set to deliver shows at Athena in Leicester next Friday…
With voters favouring many celebrity faces -- trusted and new -- this election season, eyes will be on the performance of first-time MPs like Kangana Ranaut and Arun Govil as they take their place in the 18th Lok Sabha along with returning star politicians Hema Malini and Manoj Tiwari. The…
FUSION music perhaps played one of the biggest parts in shaping British Asian culture and one of the early pioneers was Najma Akhtar. Blending south Asian music rooted in centuries of rich culture with modern western contemporary sounds and performing on the biggest global stages enabled the path-breaking singer to…
More than 100 British celebrities, including actors Riz Ahmed and Steve Coogan, have urged Labour leader Keir Starmer to “take a stand against the ongoing atrocities committed by Israel” in Gaza, The Guardian reported on Sunday. In a letter coordinated by Artists for Palestine UK, Starmer was urged to “demonstrate…
Charli XCX, who is currently gearing up for the release of her sixth studio album, Brat, has revealed her hit song “Von Dutch” is a diss track. Her confession has left TikTokers guessing over whether it's about another artist or Rishi Sunak. The 31-year-old posted a video on TikTok where…
The pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Indian business tycoons Mukesh and Nita Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of Viren and Shaila Merchant, continued with grandeur in the picturesque locales of Italy and France. Following their traditional ceremonies in India, the couple's second round of festivities blended…
Indian singer Sonu Nigam has been bestowed the Honorary Fellowship of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU). The honour was presented during his live concert at the iconic Wembley Arena, witnessed by thousands of ecstatic and moved fans. Sanam Arora, chairperson of NISAU, highlighted Sonu Nigam’s transformative…
Pop sensation Charli XCX has recently opened up about how she has often been told that she is an outsider and that she never really felt accepted into the British music industry, despite her significant global success. In a candid interview with The Guardian, the singer-songwriter said, “The industry has…
American media personality Paris Hilton has finally announced her new album Infinite Icon, which will be released on September 6, reported People. The album is releasing nearly two decades after her 2006 debut album Paris, which featured the hit single “Stars Are Blind”. The DJ also shared that the first…
Mumbai is abuzz with excitement as Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of industrialist Viren Merchant, prepare to tie the knot. The highly anticipated wedding will take place on July 12 at the prestigious Jio World Convention Centre in Bandra Kurla…
PERFORMING live has had a huge impact on Bhavik Haria as an artist and shaped him as a person. Apart from filling him with joy, feeding off the energy of audiences has motivated the British bhajan maestro to create a unique sense of unity through live spiritual music. That special…
BRITISH singer Rekha has consistently shown her brilliant best on stage. The versatile artist with a magnificent voice adds to her many musical projects with new show Bollywood Time Machine, which embarks on a UK tour in June. She performs alongside singing talent Chirag Rao at a concert filled with…
BRITISH girl group Rouge made a great impact during a whirlwind time in the music industry. For many fans, the pop act’s giant heartbeat was singer/songwriter Legha and why they were sorry to see her take a step back after the trio finally broke up. After a long break, the…
REPRESENTATION of minority artists in the UK theatre scene has been increasing, but there is still room for improvement, said British Asian actor Purvi Parmar. Parmar, who has been part of the theatre scene for the past decade, stated that there needs to be greater exposure of theatre in the…
Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez, who stars as a data analyst in her latest film Atlas, says she has experienced the "scary" side of artificial intelligence (AI) with skincare advertisements using manipulated photos of her face. Lopez further said there are two sides to technological advancements and her Netflix movie does a…
A PROLIFIC cinema journey has turned Karan Johar into one of the most influential Bollywood filmmakers of this generation. The producer, director and writer has also carved out a thriving career on TV as a judge and successful talk show host. The creative talent affectionately known as K-Jo turns…
PERHAPS the most path-breaking British Asian music act of recent years has been the brilliant Orchestral Qawwali Project. The culturally rich group, combining Sufi poetry with grand orchestral arrangements and a music rooted in centuries old tradition, have drawn in cross-cultural audiences of all ages with their performances. A giant…
After years of speculation and growing excitement, former One Direction star Zayn Malik finally performed his first concert, marking a significant milestone in his journey as an independent artist. The sold-out concert was held on Friday, May 17, at London’s Shepherd's Bush Empire. It was not only the singer’s first-ever…
It was "a night to remember", said actress Kiara Advani, who was honoured at the Women In Cinema Gala, which was held alongside the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. Advani was one of the six women to be felicitated at the dinner, hosted by the Red Sea International…
Critics' Week is one of the few sections of the 77th Cannes Film Festival that do not officially include an Indian entry. But dig just a little into the selection of the parallel segment and one finds an Indian name attached to an exceptional short fiction film. The film is…
Indian designers are undoubtedly taking global fashion by storm. Rahul Mishra is one of them. After creating waves at Met Gala 2024 with her floral outfit designed for Isha Ambani, Director, Reliance Industries Limited, Rahul's creativity once again got an international touch - all thanks to American singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani.…
The 77th Cannes Film Festival, the grand celebration of cinema, commenced two days ago with a ten-day extravaganza of content and glamour. Amidst this cinematic splendour, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India, hosted the first-ever Bharat Parva, an evening to celebrate the rich culture, cuisine, and handicrafts…
Zayn Malik opened up about his current relationship status in a new interview. "I am really content and happy with being single for the first time in my life," he said. The 31-year-old singer continued, "It's not been too successful for me, I'll be honest. Everyone accused me of catfishing.…
After facing a tumultuous start to the year due to water damage and mold infestation in their lavish Los Angeles mansion, power couple Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have finally returned to their luxurious abode. The renowned actress and the Grammy-nominated singer were forced to vacate their residence earlier this…
Taylor Swift's worldwide Eras Tour will boost the UK economy by almost £1 billion as fans splash the cash to see the US music star, Barclays bank estimated Wednesday. A study entitled "Swiftonomics" said almost 1.2 million fans would each shell out about £848 on tickets, travel, accommodation, and merchandise…
The upcoming episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show got an international touch with the presence of singer Ed Sheeran. On Wednesday, Netflix released the episode's promo and surprisingly, the 'Perfect' hitmaker could be seen speaking in Hindi. The clip features Ed Sheeran performing a desi version of 'Shape Of…
CELEBRATED actress Shabana Azmi has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her prolific contribution to Indian cinema and as a campaigner for women’s rights. The 73-year-old actress, who was in London for a celebration of her 50 years in cinema at the annual UK…
HAVING studied drama at school and carved out a successful career as a singer/songwriter, acting on stage was always going to be an inevitable next step for Navin Kundra. The popular British music star has combined his acting, dancing and singing skills for brand new musical Frankie Goes To Bollywood.…
DIRECTOR Prakash Mehra’s blockbuster hit Zanjeer (1973) had turned struggling newcomer Amitabh Bachchan into an overnight superstar and launched the greatest acting career in Bollywood. Not surprisingly, Bachchan would become the filmmaker’s favourite lead star and they would team up again in blockbuster hits like Sharaabi, which released in cinemas…
PUNJABI singer Maninder Buttar has gained popularity with hit songs that have collectively clocked up billions of views on YouTube and been streamed all over the world. He recently added to top tracks like Yaari, Ik Tera, Pani Di Gal, Laare and Sakhiyaan with recently released EP Panchatantra, which has…
Singer Zayn Malik has opened up about his time in One Direction, saying that he regrets his “teen angst” while in the band. In a May 8 interview with Zach Sang, the singer revealed he wished he appreciated that era more. “The main thing that I always feel bad about…
American singer and actress Jennifer Lopez has expressed her desire to work with the Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel. She was recently in conversation with the Indian portal, News18. When asked about her favourite Indian actor, she named Dev Patel. “I love Dev Patel. I just love his work. Every…
JAGDISH SHARMA, the councillor for Hounslow Council, completes a milestone this month as it was 50 years ago in May that he was elected as a councillor for the first time. The veteran has held several responsible positions since then, including cabinet member, chief whip, deputy leader, leader of the…
Despite Britney Spears’ denials, Charli XCX has confirmed that she did write some songs for the singer, though she admits Britney may not have been aware of it at the time. Appearing on the Watch What Happens Live! After Show, the 31-year-old singer was asked if there was any truth…
BRIGHT British music talent TRXBL has lit up the music scene with sparkling songs that have mixed up a melting pot of influences. The Leicester based singer and rapper added to his growing reputation with recently released track Habibi (My Lover), which has received a positive response. Eastern Eye…
AN EXCITING generation of independent Indian artists like YSOBLUE are adding a new dimension to commercial music with songs that cross cool creative horizons. The multi-genre music producer has teamed up with eclectic artists for his accomplished debut album Shown In Blue, which has diverse songs with cross-generational appeal. The…
THERE is no denying that Dr Zeus has been unstoppable since bursting onto the music scene 25 years ago. One of the greatest British Asian music producers of all time, he has entertained all ages around the world with top tracks that have become a part of popular culture. Having…
The timeless allure of Kesariya, from the movie Brahmastra, continues to captivate audiences worldwide as it achieves a monumental milestone. With its heartfelt lyrics and enchanting tunes, the love anthem becomes the first Indian song to cross 500 million streams on Spotify, solidifying its place in music history. “Kesariya” is…
UNICEF India on Saturday announced Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan as its new National Ambassador. The Crew star, who has been associated with UNICEF India since 2014, will support the not-for-profit organisation in furthering every child’s right to early childhood development, health, education, and gender equality, a press release said.…
Nick Jonas, singer and husband of actress Priyanka Chopra, recently dropped a video revealing that he has influenza A. Nick took to his Instagram account on Friday, to explain that he won't be able to perform onstage due to his sickness. The singer apologized to his fans for 'disappointing' them…
In a tribute to Bengaluru-born legendary actor-director Guru Dutt, the city will host a two-day film festival and a musical evening featuring his hit songs this weekend. The event is being organised by Rotary Needy Heart Foundation, said Rotarian Rajendra Rai, former district governor of District 3190. “The proceeds from…
Belgium-set Indian immigrant drama Minimum opened the 26th UK Asian Film Festival at the BFI IMAX in London on May 2. The film stars Saba Azad, Naseeruddin Shah, Moushumi Chatterjee, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Namit Das, Tasneem Ali, and Vansh Luthra in lead roles and is directed by Rumana Molla. Indian origin,…
Zayn Malik has announced that he is set to perform at O2 Shepard’s Bush Empire for his first-ever solo London show. Former One Direction member will play his first ever live solo show “ZAYN Room Under The Stairs” after a long gap of eight years. The 31-year-old set the internet…
NAUSHAD ALI delivered stunning soundtracks, timeless songs and brilliant background scores during a path-breaking music career filled with magic moments. His granddaughter Umarah Naushad Ali is rightly proud of the late composing maestro’s work and discussed his legacy with Eastern Eye. The talented pastry chef, and expert in animation, VFX…
HIT theatre comedy Mrs Kapoor’s Daughter’s Wedding 2: Mauritius recently returned for another successful UK tour. The story of a dysfunctional family planning a destination wedding has been delighting audiences nationwide and gearing up for a history-making performance in London’s West End at the Adelphi Theatre on July 16. …
A court in Punjab’s Mansa district framed charges against jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and 26 other accused in connection with the Sidhu Moosewala murder case. Singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, who was popularly known as Sidhu Moosewala, was shot dead in Punjab’s Mansa district on May 29, 2022. The prime accused…
NAUSHAD ALI helped to shape commercial Hindi cinema with superb songs in some of the greatest Indian movies ever made. The legendary composer raised the bar for all those who followed in his giant footsteps, and left behind timeless musical classics that continue to entertain millions, many decades after they…
Recently, in an interview with Maryam Nawaz Sharif, chief minister of Pakistan's Punjab province, spoke about her Punjabi identity while advocating better ties with India. While having a meal with 3000 Sikh pilgrims at Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib, Sharif told Indian media: “You are from Punjab [India], I am from Pakistan,…
Fans of Billie Eilish are in for a double treat this year as ahead of the release of her new album 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' the singer announced that she is embarking on a world tour with the same name in support of the new musical project. The Live…
The traditional Indian sitar played by Beatles’ George Harrison on the band's hit song “Norwegian Wood" has recently been sold at auction for a little over £53,000 in the United States. The said sitar, a quintessential instrument in Indian classical music, was crafted in a music shop in Kolkata and…
Actress-singer Selena Gomez says taking a four-year break from Instagram was one of the best decisions she made for her mental health. The 31-year-old artiste, who is the most followed woman on the platform with 429 million followers, said staying away from social media made her “happier”. "I took four…
Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has scripted history by selling out the "largest ever Punjabi show outside India" on the North American leg of his 'Dil-Luminati Tour'. Kicking off his tour on Saturday night, Dosanjh regaled over 50,000 concertgoers at the BC Place stadium in Vancouver, Canada, with songs such as "GOAT",…
Actor Ayushmann Khurrana is set to attend the prestigious TIME100 Gala event in New York. Ayushmann has been honoured twice by TIME Magazine. In 2023, he was honoured with the TIME100 Impact Award. He was the only Indian to be chosen for the award. In 2020, he was chosen as…
Amitabh Bachchan was honoured with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar on Wednesday and the megastar said he is fortunate to receive the award in the memory of the singer whose voice connected listeners to a higher power. The family and the trust instituted the award in memory of the melody…
NARGIS made a remarkable impact with winning performances in classic films. Her fearless approach introduced girl power into Indian cinema. The superstar actress helped take Bollywood global and was one half of an iconic lead pair with Raj Kapoor. After retiring from acting, the wife of legendary actor Sunil Dutt…
Veteran singer Usha Uthup expressed her immense happiness upon receiving the prestigious Padma Bhushan award. Usha Uthup told ANI, "I am so, so happy. I am overflowing with joy... tears are visible in my eyes; you all can see. For me, this is the biggest moment of my life... to…
Playback singer Sid Sriram, who shot to overnight fame with his popular song “Srivalli” from the 2021 film Pushpa: The Rise, became the first South Indian artist to perform at Coachella 2024. He ended his set at the prestigious music festival with “Thiruppugazh”, a Tamil-language religious song dedicated to Lord…
Taylor Swift is popular amongst all generations of all nations. While, Swift recently dropped her new album, The Tortured Poets Department. Her album's 17th track gives a reference to a pub in London named 'The Black Dog.' The lyrics of the song called 'The Black Dog' are: "I am someone…
Bollywood veteran Mumtaz appears to be in Pakistan, sharing photos and videos from her time there on social media. Mumtaz, on Friday, took to her Instagram to post pictures from her visit to Pakistan, including snapshots with actor Fawad Khan. In the pictures, Mumtaz is seen wearing a black top…
Taylor Swift has often referenced London in her music, making it clear that the city holds a special place in her life. She has spent significant time in England, recording music and engaging in several romantic relationships based in the city. Here's a timeline of Taylor Swift's relationships in and…
Warner Bros has unveiled an official trailer for the next M Night Shyamalan film titled Trap, days after it was first shown during the Warner Bros. CinemaCon presentation in early April. Josh Hartnett stars as a father who takes his teenage daughter to a pop star concert. The cast also…
Filmmaker Gurinder Chadha on Friday officially announced her new film Christmas Karma, a contemporary Bollywood musical, inspired by Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol. The Big Bang Theory alum Kunal Nayyar will portray the lead role of Scrooge in the movie, which also features a star-studded cast of Eva Longoria,…
After garnering 10 Oscar nominations for last year's historical crime epic Killers of the Flower Moon, the 81-year-old director Martin Scorsese has charted his next several projects. Sources reveal he plans to shoot two films in succession: one centred on the life of Jesus and the other a biopic about…
In an unprecedented scientific breakthrough, marine biologists have successfully communicated with a humpback whale, demonstrating the potential for cooperation and understanding between humans and these majestic ocean creatures. The groundbreaking encounter took place in Southeast Alaska, where an adult female humpback whale, known as Twain, responded to a recording of…
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan will be honoured with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar award, the Mangeshkar family announced on Tuesday. The family and the trust instituted the award in memory of Lata Mangeshkar, who died on February 6, 2022, following multiple organ failure. Bachchan, 81, will receive the recognition on April 24,…
Surabjit Jaybelly Baldeo, a noted South African musician of Indian origin, has died at the age of 66. Popularly known as 'Barry' Baldeo, the guitarist, who passed away on Sunday morning, was a key participant in almost every Indian musical show in South Africa, according to close friends and collaborators.…
Indo-Canadian singer AP Dhillon's maiden performance at Coachella 2024 did not go down well with many. During the weekend, Dhillon tried his best to enthrall the audience with his gig at one of the most famous music festivals. However, his act of breaking the guitar left netizens disappointed. Taking to…
Anticipation for this year's Met Gala, often dubbed the Oscars of fashion, has peaked with the unveiling of the star-studded guest list that promises an evening of glamour, style, and high-profile appearances. According to Page Six, among the luminaries set to grace the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of…
The first day of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2024 has come to a close, leaving festival-goers with unforgettable performances and surprise collaborations. Headliner Lana Del Rey took centre stage on Friday night, joined by special guests Billie Eilish and Jon Batiste. Meanwhile, Shakira and Becky G made…
Can CRED ads get more creative? CRED is more famous for the advertisement campaigns they have had since their launch. Be it taking Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra or casting the 90s singers in their advertisement, trending yet nostalgic, CRED has won the hearts of all generations. This time again,…
INTERESTING new dance production Mehek revolves around the love story between a mature older woman and a younger man. The taboo-busting show, headlined by world-renowned dancers Aditi Mangaldas and Aakash Odedra, embarks on a UK tour in April, offering plenty of food for thought. The passion-filled dance production shines the…
MUSIC has been a constant companion to Nimesh Sanghoi from the moment he sang his first note and had a profound impact on his life. Every song learned by the singer and each live performance has been a stepping stone in his growth as an artist and person. The countless…
Indian folk singer Maithili Thakur thought she was successful, with millions following her Hindu devotional tunes on social media - but then Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent her popularity into the stratosphere. With India's marathon general elections set to start on April 19, critics say Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party…
Music sensation Billie Eilish's third studio album is titled 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' and will be released globally on May 17, the singer has announced. The 22-year-old singer-songwriter has been teasing the album for the past few days and finally shared the details on her Instagram page on Monday…
Actress-dancer Nora Fatehi recently opened up about her experience of performing at the FIFA closing ceremony. In an exclusive conversation with ANI, the actress said, "It feels amazing; it's a fantastic, life-changing experience." "I think it was a mind-blowing experience when I was performing in front of billions of people.…
American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish stirred up a frenzy among her 114 million Instagram followers by adding them all to her close friends list. This move, reportedly made on Thursday, was met with widespread excitement and speculation among fans. Shortly after the addition, followers received notifications about a cryptic Instagram story…
One is a director, the other a composer. And together Imtiaz Ali and A R Rahman, the duo behind hit albums of films such as Rockstar, Highway, and Tamasha, are just two music aficionados jamming together. The two, back together for Amar Singh Chamkila, say theirs is a connection that…
The best thing about acting is that one can start from zero, says singer-star Diljit Dosanjh who had to "unlearn" certain things to play the character of slain Punjabi musician Amar Singh Chamkila in the upcoming Imtiaz Ali film. Dosanjh, who is a popular name in not just Punjabi and…
SINGING sensation Mannat Noor shot to fame globally when her song Laung Laachi became the first commercial Indian music video to cross one billion views on YouTube in 2019. However, the silken-voiced talent isn’t defined by the super hit track alone and has delivered marvellous music releases across a range…
THIS year’s Leeds Lieder Festival, taking place from April 13 to 21, is filled with musically rich shows across the city that includes the world premiere of Punjabi Proverbs at the Sikh Centre. The brand-new work by Cheryl Frances-Hoad features soprano Nina Kanter, baritone Oscar Castellino and pianist Keval Shah.…
FOR many decades, divorce was such a taboo in Bollywood that many couples remained unhappily married – but that has all changed in spectacular fashion in the past 15 years. [caption id="attachment_287584" align="alignright" width="300"] Asha Bhosle and RD Burman[/caption] With actress Esha Deol recently separating from her husband of 11…
LISTENING to music played on tape decks and vinyl as a youngster first connected Sonia Mehta to music. It enabled her to find safety, happiness, and a way to express emotions through the compositions and poetry of Indian film songs. Later, while pursuing her studies in London, she bonded with…
The star pop singer, Taylor Swift, who has not just won the hearts of 2000s but 90s and 80s kids, has been declared a billionaire by Forbes. Her wealth, attributed to her music career, global tours, and multiple releases has solely contributed to her billionaire status. She once started with…
Popstar Shakira says she and her sons aren't fans of Greta Gerwig's Barbie as they found the 2023 summer blockbuster “emasculating”. The singer, who shares sons Milan (11) and Sasha (9), with former husband footballer Gerard Pique, shared her criticism about the film. Regarded as a cultural phenomenon that explored…
Priyanka Chopra Jonas announced the release date of her new project titled Tiger and shared how it was fun lending her voice to this incredible story and exploring the jungles through this film. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Priyanka treated fans with the film's poster along with a note. The…
Celebrated filmmaker Shekhar Kapur opened up about his hidden fears at the recently concluded Cinevesture International Film Festival in Chandigarh, India, and said that he finds panic is a huge form of creativity. Kapur, the director behind such notable films as Masoom, Mr. India, Bandit Queen, Elizabeth, The Four Feathers,…
Actress, producer, and entrepreneur Alia Bhatt hosted her first charity event Hope Gala on March 28 in partnership with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. At the event, she raised money for underprivileged adolescents in India, to help the Salaam Bombay Foundation. “I am…
Singer Zayn Malik wants to collaborate with Miley Cyrus. Ever since launching his solo career in 2016, the former One Direction star has collaborated with such artists as Taylor Swift, Sia, and Timbaland, among others, and now he is open to joining forces with the Wrecking Ball singer. In a…
SONU NIGAM, one of the greatest Indian singers of all time, is renowned for his wonderful voice, huge catalogue of hit songs, numerous accolades, and millions of fans globally. He is also an exceptional live performer who delivers sold-out arena shows around the world. Nigam returns for another UK tour,…
THE recent South Asian Sounds festival at the Southbank Centre in London included a stunning concert headlined by the superb Indian singer Pratibha Singh Baghel. The sensational talent teamed up with the brilliant British act Chineke! Orchestra and top Indian musicians for a grand, sold-out concert at the Royal Festival…
LEGENDARY singer Asha Bhosle sparked an intriguing debate when she disclosed her iconic elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar, had turned down over a million dollars to sing at a wedding. Speaking on a dance reality show, Bhosle said, “She was offered one million dollars to sing at a wedding. They said,…
Music connects people, says American singer-songwriter Allen Ling, who was recently in India along with Flipsyde guitarist Dave Lopez to promote their latest single "Closer" in the country. The artist, primarily a physical therapist who began his music career a year ago, has swiftly climbed to the top of the…
Singer Armaan Malik has collaborated with music composer AR Rahman for a soulful track for survival drama movie The Goat Life. The track, titled "Khatti Si Woh Imli", is part of the Hindi version of the Malayalam movie, which is set to be released in theatres on March 28. Penned…
Actors Kangana Ranaut and Arun Govil, who were named as part of the list of 111 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls by the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) on Sunday, expressed happiness and gratitude to the political party for nominating them for the upcoming elections. Ranaut said she is…
Gone are the days of mundane drugs like cocaine, marijuana, or even injectable drugs; the Indian ravers are more interested in experimenting with snake venom! Yes, as untrue as it sounds, the winner of Indian Bigg Boss season 2 on OTT, also a Youtuber, Elvish Yadav, has been arrested for…
Renowned DJ Alan Walker is set to enthrall the Indian audience. Alan Walker will perform from September to October this year, covering places like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad, Pune, Shillong, Chennai and Kolkata. The Norwegian musician will be touring in support of his WalkerWorld, the first installment of…
Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who offered prayers at the Ram temple in Ayodhya with her husband, American singer Nick Jonas, says she went to the shrine to seek blessings for their daughter Malti Marie Jonas. Two-year-old Malti accompanied her parents Priyanka, 41, and Nick, 31, on Wednesday to the temple…
Bradford-born singer Zayn Malik is set to become the face of Bradford’s City of Culture year. The former One Direction star will be the city's ambassador and will attend some of the 1,000 events due to take place. Malik, 31, said, "Bradford is and always will be home to me.…
At just 19 years old, indie pop singer-songwriter Ridi Oswal captivates audiences with her unique blend of Indian heritage and Western influences, showcased in hits like Merry Go Round and Happier, garnering over 65,000 monthly listeners on platforms like Spotify, while her latest single, Guilty Feet, is a vibrant testament…
Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas and her husband, American singer Nick Jonas, on Wednesday offered prayers at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The couple was accompanied by their two-year-old daughter, Malti Marie Jonas. Priyanka, who was dressed in a yellow sari, and Nick, wearing a kurta set, were photographed at the…
Nitin Sawhney and Arooj Aftab are among the leading South Asian talents at this year’s Glastonbury Music Festival. The popular British festival returns to Somerset’s Worthy Farm from June 26-30. Nitin, an award-winning musician, producer, and composer, will be one of the performers for the West Holts Stage. Singer-songwriter, producer,…
Thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of Ed Sheeran, who set the stage on fire with his electrifying concert in Mumbai, which also saw the British music sensation perform with Indian artists Diljit Dosanjh and Armaan Malik. Sheeran, who arrived in India on March 12 as part of the Indian…
With arms wide open and a dimpled smile flashing brightly, superstar Shah Rukh Khan has been leaving the audience in awe with his iconic signature pose for over three decades now. From fans to members of showbiz, people never leave a chance to imitate his romantic pose especially when they…
BRITISH Asian music veteran Atma Ahir has been lighting up the bhangra scene ever since the early 1990s. His interesting career has seen him go from founding the award-winning act Geet The Mega Band to carving out a solo career. The singer recently released his catchy Punjabi track, Morni, written…
AFTER a short break, popular singer Shide Boss has made a welcome return with his new single, Swing My Way – Sohniye. The fabulous fusion track has received a positive response and adds to his impressive number of hit songs. With an action-packed year ahead, filled with more top tracks…
British singer Ed Sheeran is in India and ahead of his Mumbai gig, he met Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana on Tuesday. Interestingly, Ayushmann made Ed Sheeran taste his mother's homemade pinni. Talking about his meeting with the 'Perfect' hitmaker, Ayushmann said, "I have admired Ed Sheeran as an artiste for…
KAUSHIK RAY has been drawn to creativity from a young age, a passion he finally pursued last year by quitting a full-time job as a lawyer to focus on filmmaking. This bold step led him to direct the short film, The Lime Green Shirt, which is being screened as part…
BRITISH music hero Channi Singh has been entertaining audiences for nearly 50 years as a singer, songwriter and composer. The frontman of the iconic bhangra group, Alaap, has achieved many milestones in his career, including countless hit songs, game-changing albums and pathbreaking collaborations with legends such as Asha Bhosle. …
Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, who is in India for his second concert tour, spent the first day of his India trip on Tuesday by visiting a school and playing music for young children here. The 33-year-old singer's concert, part of his "+ - = ÷ x Tour", is slated to take…
In a harmonious blend of spiritual melodies and divine encounters, the renowned spiritual Sufi singer Padma Shri Kailash Kher and the mesmerizing Kailasa Band bid farewell to the International Yoga Festival (IYF) at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh. This momentous occasion, marked by blessings from Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, unfolded against the…
Legendary singer Asha Bhosle's granddaughter Zanai Bhosle is set to make her cinematic debut. The young girl will be seen essaying the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's wife Rani Sai Bhonsale in filmmaker Sandeep Ssingh's upcoming film The Pride of Bharat - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Announcing the debut of Zanai,…
We are often fascinated when we spot a person of colour in British entertainment, be it cinema, series or any other source of entertainment. On this International Women's Day, we made a list of women who have brought colours to the British entertainment sector and have not only won the…
JAVED ALI’S extensive repertoire spanning diverse languages makes him one of the most versatile singers of this generation. From emotive love ballads to soul-stirring Sufi compositions and lively dance numbers, his voice exudes sheer power. While his contributions to hit songs in numerous Indian films are remarkable, it’s on the…
On the third anniversary of the “Enjoy Enjaami” song on Tuesday, 5 March, well-known music director Santosh Narayanan took to Instagram and X and put out posts claiming that the artists involved in making the song had not made any revenue. For those not in the know, “Enjoy Enjaami” is…
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday met with veteran singer Asha Bhosle and unveiled the latter's photobiography 'Best of Asha'. Conceptualised and initiated by Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president and MLA Ashish Shelar, 'Best of Asha' is a compilation of photographs of the singer captured by ace photographer…
Pakistani actress Sarah Khan, who has a huge fan following in India courtesy her shows Hum Tum, Khirkiyan, and Sabaat, says her dream since the time she began acting has been to star opposite Bollywood star Salman Khan. Sarah, 31, who currently features in Zindagi show Abdullahpur Ka Devdas, a…
American singer Akon set the stage on fire with his special performance at the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. On day three of the gala event, Akon also performed his hit track 'Chammak Challo' from the sci-fi action thriller film Ra.One which got superstars Shah Rukh Khan…
Kanpur's Vaibhav Gupta has won the singing reality show Indian Idol 14 after besting co-contestants Subhadeep Das Chowdhary from Kolkata and Rajasthan's Piyush Panwar. Gupta, 19, was awarded with a cheque of ₹25 Lakh (approximately £23,791) from Sony Entertainment Television and a Brezza from co-sponsors Maruti Suzuki India Ltd in…
Actors Vir Das, Richa Chadha, and Dulquer Salmaan on Sunday expressed shock over the gang rape of a Spanish tourist in Jharkhand's Dumka district and demanded that perpetrators be brought to justice. The woman from Spain was allegedly gang-raped at Kurumahat in Hansdiha police station area, around 300 km from…
Bollywood's three Khans -- Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir -- showed off their bromance on-stage on the second day of the grand pre-wedding event of billionaire Mukesh Ambani's son Anant and his fiancée Radhika Merchant. And what better than grooving to the tune of "Naatu Naatu", the high-spirited Oscar-winning Telugu…
In her first performance in India, pop star Rihanna set the stage on fire on day one of the lavish pre-wedding event of billionaire Mukesh Ambani's son Anant and his fiancee Radhika Merchant. The international music sensation, who belted out hit songs such as "Diamonds", "Where Have You Been", "Rude…
Olly Alexander, the artist, has officially released the music video of the latest single, Dizzy, set to represent the United Kingdom at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, in May. The music video for Dizzy can be enjoyed on the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel, featuring captivating…
United States former President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump and pop sensation Rihanna reached Jamnagar, Gujarat, to attend the pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant that begin today on Friday. Ivanka was spotted at the airport and joins a long list of global celebrities who have been invited…
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday arrived in Jamnagar for the three-day pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. Zuckerberg arrived along with his wife Priscilla Chan and the couple received a warm welcome at the airport with white garlands and a traditional dance performance. Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani's…
Nora Fatehi, who is known for her work in Bollywood, has signed a global deal with Warner Music Group (WMG), her first agreement with a major global record company. The partnership aims to elevate Nora’s international music career, collaborating with teams worldwide to broaden her fanbase through various projects and…
MIKE ALLBUT was a broadcasting pioneer who played a major role in the transition of Asian programmes on BBC local radio in England from targeting first generation immigrant communities to reaching out to young British Asians. Born in Scotland and raised in Suffolk, Allbut moved to Leicester in the 1970s…
LEGENDARY filmmaker Manmohan Desai was at the forefront of popularising the masala entertainer in Bollywood, which is a genre that incorporates everything from comedy to romance, drama, deep emotion and action, all in one film. He was, at one time, the undisputed king of the box office and had a…
It was as if time had stopped, says violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan as he recalls walking up to the Grammy stage with his Shakti band members to receive the golden gramophone for ‘Best Global Music Album’. Shakti won the Grammy for "This Moment", the band's first studio album in over 45…
One of the world’s richest men, Mukesh Ambani is gearing up for the big fat Indian wedding of his younger son Anant Ambani with Radhika Merchant. The pre-wedding ceremonies are set to start on March 1-3 in Jamnagar, Gujarat, the home of Ambani’s massive oil refineries. Several high-profile personalities from…
Ahead of the funeral of legendary singer Pankaj Udhas, several celebrities arrived at his residence in Mumbai to pay their condolences to the bereaved family. Musicians Shankar Mahadevan and Ustad Zakir Hussain were spotted arriving at the house of the singer, who passed away on February 26 after a period…
Celebrated ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, whose velvet smooth voice gave expression to the many colours of love, longing, and heartache in songs such as "Chitthi Ayee Hai" and "Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein", died on Monday after prolonged illness. He was 72. Udhas, who also made a mark as a playback…
The UK’s Royal Mint on Monday unveiled a new collectible coin celebrating British singer-songwriter George Michael, famous as a member of the group WHAM! and for hit singles such as ‘Last Christmas’. The new coin features Michael’s signature look and music from his debut solo album and second single ‘Faith’.…
Renowned ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, best known for "Chitti Ayee Hai" and "Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein", died in Mumbai on Monday following prolonged illness, his daughter Nayab said. He was 72. Udhas, who also made a mark as a playback singer in many Hindi films, including "Naam", "Saajan" and "Mohra",…
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali's upcoming film Amar Singh Chamkila is set to premiere on April 12 on Netflix, streaming platform announced Monday. The upcoming drama will narrate the untold true story of the late Punjabi singer, who is referred to as the “Elvis Presley of Punjab''. Punjabi movie star-singer Diljit Dosanjh…
A 25-year-old British Indian doctor, who combined his passion for music with his medical career by forming a band with fellow healthcare professionals, has kicked off his first nationwide tour in the UK with the launch show in London recently proving a sell-out. Gulzar (Gulz) Singh Dhanoya started the indie-rock…
London's prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has announced its search for a dedicated Taylor Swift superfan to join its advisory team. The museum is on a mission to tap into the insights of passionate fans, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of specific cultural trends and expand its connection…
Veteran playback singer Suresh Wadkar has been honoured with the Gansamragini Lata Mangeshkar Award. Wadkar was felicitated with the award at an event in Mumbai on Thursday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented him with special mementos. In 2021, he also became a recipient…
THEATRE veteran Lillete Dubey’s new play is an ode to the human spirit and resilience – with a touch of humour and lots of love, as she puts it, exploring the dynamics of relationships during the Covid-19 lockdown. After receiving rave reviews and standing ovations across India as well as…
His was the voice that ruled the airwaves for decades and will forever echo through the winding roads of nostalgia. Ameen Sayani, who invited millions each week to tune into Binaca Geetmala, was India’s radio man for the ages - and will continue to be. Sayani, who died in Mumbai…
DEVI SRI PRASAD made history in London with back-to-back arena concerts in Telugu and Tamil over an action-packed weekend in January,. The two blockbuster shows confirmed that the musician is one of India’s most popular and talented artists. It added to the singer, songwriter and composer’s impressive achievements, which include…
WHEN Kabhi Kabhie was released in cinemas on February 27, 1976, it took everyone by surprise. It was a great romantic movie made during an era dominated by action and presented a reigning superstar in a way thought unimaginable. By combining the rule-breaking approach with a strong storyline, a big…
RISING British music star Kanda has garnered attention with top tracks like Latino Heat, his collaboration with Panjabi MC, and the poignant IHGYN. The singer-songwriter from Coventry has sustained that momentum with the release of his latest song, Unanswered Questions, which is a slower, emotionfilled number inspired by a break-up.…
LIKE an athlete, who puts in maximum effort and can barely walk after a race, Chand Ali Khan gave it his all in a high-intensity performance that lasted more than two hours without a break. The young British singer, backed by an equally hardworking group, enthralled a sell-out audience at…
Oscar-winner Asif Kapadia is directing a Prime Video documentary about the last days of tennis legend Roger Federer's career, reported Deadline. The feature-length documentary will follow the final 12 days of the career of the man considered by many to be the greatest tennis player of all time. Federer talked…
Actress Deepika Padukone, who presented an award at the 77th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), ditched the usual award season gown look for a glittering saree. The actress presented filmmaker Jonathan Glazer with the Bafta for the film not in the English language category at a ceremony here on Sunday.…
Known for belting out such chartbusters as “Banja Tu Meri Rani”, “Naach Meri Rani”, and “Ishare Tere”, the well-known singer and songwriter Guru Randhawa makes his big screen debut with this week’s release Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay. Helmed by G. Ashok, the film also features Saiee Manjrekar, Anupam Kher, and…
Actor Akshay Kumar, who attended the inauguration of Abu Dhabi's first Hindu stone temple on Wednesday, says he was "blessed" to be part of the ceremony. The BAPS Hindu Mandir, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been built using ancient architectural methods clubbed with scientific techniques. Kumar…
Sreerama Chandra, who is known for his soulful voice and amazing stage presence, visited the newly consecrated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on Tuesday to seek Ram Lalla’s blessings. The popular singer-turned-reality dance star Sreerama embarked on a spiritual journey with his visit to the Ram Temple. The actor can be…
WHEN lists of Bollywood’s greatest leading ladies are compiled, Nutan is always featured prominently. What set her apart from most other iconic heroines in Hindi cinema history was her acting prowess, which took precedence over more superficial aspects such as glamour, fashion, dancing and sex appeal. Her remarkable talent for…
The first look of the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic has been revealed, and it depicts one of the singer's most memorable outfits, Variety reported. In the biopic titled Michael, the late singer's nephew, Jaafar Jackson portrays the King of Pop. Set to hit theatres on April 18, 2025, the film is…
POPULAR Indian singer Javed Ali has consistently showcased his impressive range through songs in diverse genres, languages and styles. The marvellous musical numbers delivered by the naturally gifted singer have included Bollywood hits Nagada Nagada, Jashn-E-Bahaara, Guzarish, Araziyan, Kun Faya Kun and Tu Jo Mila. Having beautifully balanced top tracks…
British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is set to perform in India once again with singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad. The gig will take place at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai, on March 16. Excited about the show, Kuhad took to his Instagram Story and wrote, "Excited to join @teddysphotos +-=/ x 2024 Tour! See…
The lineup for the second season of Coke Studio Bharat has been announced and music aficionados are definitely in for a treat. As per a statement, singers like Diljit Dosanjh, Shreya Ghoshal, Neha Kakkar, Digvijay Singh, Kanishk Seth, Cyli Khare, and MC Square will feature in the second season. Ankur…
PRITAM SINGH’S fascinating journey unfolds from being a revered radio host to leaving an imprint on television and carving out a new career in acting. Affectionately known as Pritam Pyaare, Singh now showcases his acting prowess in films such as the recently released Punjabi musical, Munda Rockstar. He also hosts…
Dreams do come true, an elated singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan said after his fusion music group Shakti won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album. The group, which also includes founding member, guitarist John McLaughlin, as well as tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram, won…
THE late great singer Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan took qawwali to unimaginable heights before he prematurely passed away aged 48 in 1997. After his death, there was a void that had to be filled. His nephews, Rizwan and Muazzam, headed a qawwali group that should have been the natural…
Good news for the fans of Charli XCX! The British singer-songwriter has dropped a short preview of her new song ‘Von Dutch’. She took to the social media platform TikTok and shared a 20-second snippet of her forthcoming song with lyrics that ooze confidence, set to a catchy and high-energy…
From Singer Taylor Swift creating history at the Grammys 2024 by becoming the first person to win Album of the Year four times to Miley Cyrus winning the award for Record of the Year, women dominated the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. Check out the full list of winners: ALBUM OF…
India shone at the 2024 Grammy Awards with five Indian musicians, including tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, picking up the coveted prize at a glittering ceremony in Los Angeles. While Hussain was India's big winner with three Grammys, Rakesh Chaurasia picked up two. Singer Shankar Mahadevan, violinist…
Shakti, a fusion music group comprising tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and singer Shankar Mahadevan, has won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album for 'This Moment'. The 2024 Grammy Awards were held on late Sunday night at Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena. 'This Moment' features Shakti founding member, guitarist…
The use of technology cannot be "gimmicky" and should be done with proper permissions, says music maestro AR Rahman, who has used AI software to recreate the voices of late singers Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed for a new track. Rahman is happy that artificial intelligence technology, which is a…
Rising singing sensation Annural Khalid has been named Pakistan’s first female RADAR musician of 2024 by Spotify, marking a significant career milestone in her career. Khalid has been acknowledged as Artist of the Year for 2024 by the leading audio streaming platform, under its RADAR Pakistan program. RADAR Pakistan, a…
Jay Shetty and Sadhguru are set to appear in Jennifer Lopez’s upcoming musical film This Is Me…Now: A Love Story. The American singer and actress recently released the trailer for This Is Me…Now: A Love Story. The trailer has the Hustlers star journeying through dreamscapes and real-world hurdles in search…
Even as some artists have started using Artificial Intelligence to push their music amid the debate over the challenges and opportunities it offers, legendary singer Kavita Krishnamurthy has said that there can be a lot of misuse of AI and she feels scared. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Krishnamurthy…
BOLLYWOOD queen Shreya Ghoshal excels in captivating live audiences, evident in the sold-out tours she has performed worldwide. The superb singer with a bank of brilliant songs returns to the UK in February for big arena shows in London (9) and Manchester (11). Ahead of the tour, Eastern Eye asked…
IT WAS only a couple of decades ago when Punjabi cinema struggled, with few films being made and those produced facing challenges in global distribution. Music icon Gurdas Maan had been one of those who kept the sinking industry afloat with films like the acclaimed 1999 romantic drama, Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Boota…
Charli XCX is set to be honoured with the Powerhouse Award at 2024’s Billboard Women in Music Awards. Each year, the awards ceremony honours innovative artists who are successfully shaping the music landscape. The “Visions” singer will be honoured for her work alongside the LGBTQIA+ icons Kylie Minogue, Maren Morris,…
South Asia's finest musical stars are set to perform at the first South Asian Sounds Festival at London's Southbank Centre. From the 7th to the 10th March, a stunning programme of both classical and contemporary South Asian music features some mega stars of the South Asian music scene such as…
The second day of the music festival Lollapalooza in Mumbai witnessed some captivating performances from One Republic, Sting, Anoushka Shankar, The Rose, Eric Nam, Keane, and Prabh Deep among others. It was One Republic's debut gig in India. The band members of the American band are Ryan Tedder, Zach Filkins,…
Music composer AR Rahman has said that his team took due permission to use AI software for recreating the voices of late singers Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed for a track in veteran actor Rajinikanth's new film Lal Salaam. The two artists, who had worked with Rahman on multiple projects…
Actors Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt walked away with top acting honours at the 69th Filmfare Awards for their roles in Animal and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani while Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail won the Black Lady for Best Film and Director. The 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024…
Music legend Sting wowed audience members across ages and genders with his electrifying performance at the finale of the two-day Lollapalooza India festival on Sunday in Mumbai. Held at the open area of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in the heart of South Mumbai, the show was a treat for music aficionados,…
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan found himself at the centre of a controversy after a video of him allegedly slapping a person went viral on social media on Saturday, following which the renowned Pakistani singer said it was an attempt to tarnish his image. In the purported video, Khan can be…
British singer-songwriter Nadine Shah has said that her decision to go to rehab in 2022 turned out to be “the best thing I ever did”. She is presently writing a memoir about her time in rehab. Talking about the same, she told a publication, “I was ashamed about being there.…
Opera North has announced the five artists chosen to take part in its Resonance Residencies programme, including two Asian artists. Working in genres from folk, jazz, and soul to electronic club and improvisation, and rooted in traditional music from across Africa and Asia, Balraj Samrai, Satnam Galsian, Rory A Green,…
AN EXCITING young generation of south Asian creative talent is continuing to add new elements to popular culture with a cool approach. While some have already made an impressive mark with a brilliant body of work, others are showing real potential to be future gamechangers. They are all making themselves…
DESPITE being centuries old, qawwali music remains massively popular with live audiences around the world. One of its top British exponents, Chand Ali Khan Qawwal and Party, is set to embark on another UK tour in February. The Midlands-based group has already sold out some shows, and their Dillagi tour…
Zayn Malik, who keeps a low profile when it comes to public appearances, recently made his first public appearance in years at the Paris Fashion Week. The last time he was photographed in public by photographers was way back in April of 2021 when he went to a food cart…
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the "best leader" for India and for the relationship between the two countries, Mary Millben, a prominent African-American Hollywood actress and singer, has said noting that many in the US desire to see him re-elected so the ties can continue to be strengthened to…
The nominations for the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards have been announced. And as expected, Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer led nominations, securing 13 nods. Yorgos Lanthimos' black-comedy science fantasy Poor Things also grabbed the top spot in the list as it earned 11 nods. As per The Hollywood Reporter, Oppenheimer, which had…
April will be extremely exciting for music lovers as Coachella is returning with its new edition. Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat, Tyler, The Creator and No Doubt will headline the 2024 Coachella festival, promoters Goldenvoice announced on Tuesday, Variety reported. Pluma, Blur, J Balvin, Ice Spice, Sublime, Lil Uzi Vert,…
AN EXCITING new generation of artists, such as the late great singer Sidhu Moose Wala, has pushed Punjabi music across new horizons around the world. Riar Saab falls firmly into that new wave of pathbreakers. Having started off as a member of the successful hip-hop quartet Aavrutti, the singer and…
Ahead of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at Ayodhya Ram Temple on January 22, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the country will miss the beloved legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. PM Modi took to social media platform X to state "As the nation awaits January 22 with great enthusiasm,…
It is Shah Rukh Khan versus Shah Rukh Khan at the 69th Filmfare Awards, where two of the superstar's three hits of the year are nominated in the best film (popular) category. Other nominees in the same segment include 12th Fail, OMG 2, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.…
Former One Direction member Zayn Malik, who turned a year older on January 12, gave an exciting surprise to his fans on his birthday. The singer has teamed up with the rising Pakistani group AUR to reimagine their 2023 hit single “Tu Hai Kahan.” Malik lends his voice to the…
Michael Jackson's biopic Michael is set to release on big screens on April 18, 2025, as per Variety. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the biopic stars the late King of Pop's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in his first major role. Lionsgate will release the film in the US, while Universal will handle…
Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan, who passed away on Tuesday afternoon, was laid to rest with state honours in Kolkata on Wednesday. He also received a gun salute as part of his final rites. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was in attendance at Rabindra Sadan, where the mortal remains…
BORN and brought up in Amritsar, British Asian singer Sania Salan has been connected to music from a very young age. Having moved to the UK in 2010, she started recording songs during lockdown and made a winning debut with top track Ranjhna. Since then, she has delivered more songs,…
KL SAIGAL was arguably the most influential singer in Hindi cinema history. The first singing superstar of India helped define Bollywood music and inspired all those who followed in his giant footsteps, including music icons like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi and Mukesh. Born on April 11, 1904, Saigal…
In a convergence of stories, shayari, music, comedy, and art, SpokenFest '24 will see the participation of director-singer couple Rekha and Vishal Bhardwaj, comedian Zakir Khan, singer-lyricist Swanand Kirkire, and writer-comedian Varun Grover among others. Organised by cultural storytelling hub Kommune, the festival will be held here at Jio World…
MUSIC DIRECTOR Ahmed Kaysher has brought together artists from around the world to create “a new meaning of sensuality” through his show, Songs of Sringar and Seduction – Thumri to Troubadour. Produced by Saudha, the Society of Poetry and Indian Music, the concert features fresh interpretations of erotic and sensual…
Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan has died at the age of 55. The musician had been battling cancer, and on Tuesday, he breathed his last at a hospital in Kolkata. Ustad Rashid Khan is the great-grandson of the legendary Ustad Inayat Hussain Khan Sahab, the founder of the Rampur Sahaswan…
M Night Shyamalan needs no introduction. He is one of the most successful filmmakers in Hollywood whose films often employ supernatural plots and twist endings. Shyamalan has directed 15 feature films throughout his career. Some of the most successful films in his filmography include The Visit (2015), Split (2016), Glass…
Ustad Rashid Khan, the celebrated voice that made Hindustani classical music accessible to countless listeners, died at a Kolkata hospital on Tuesday after a four-year battle with prostate cancer. The classical singer was 55. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. "We tried our best but…
Israeli actor-singer Idan Amedi, best known for starring in the hit Netflix series Fauda, was seriously injured while fighting as an IDF reservist in Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip. Israeli diplomat Avia Levi shared the news of Amedi's injury in a post on microblogging site X. "Idan Amedi, one…
'Pasoori' fame singer Ali Sethi has collaborated with 'What Jhumka' hitmaker Jonita Gandhi for a new track. The duo is set to come up with a song titled 'Love Like That'. Excited about the song, Ali Sethi in a statement said, "Jonita is a pioneer and is doing something bold,…
Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust, a sci-fi animation movie from first-time filmmaker Ishan Shukla, will have its world premiere at the 2024 edition of the International Film Festival of Rotterdam (IFFR). The movie, which features an ensemble voice cast of Golshifteh Farahani, Asia Argento, Soko, Shabaz Sarwar, Tibu Fortes, King…
WHETHER it was in cinemas, streaming sites or at festivals around the world, audiences were offered an interesting variety of films from diverse genres and languages. From artistic gems and groundbreaking narratives to huge blockbusters, they entertained film fans from different backgrounds. Eastern Eye revisited 2023 to reveal 21 entertaining…
WITH so many great-looking concerts, theatre productions, films, comebacks of popular stars and more already in the pipeline, 2024 looks set to be a thrilling and action-packed year. There will also be new talent, surprises, horizon-expanding moments, great music, free shows, and events celebrating the best in south Asian popular…
MEIYANG Chang’s remarkable ascent has led him from a career in dentistry to becoming a popular singer, TV host and actor in India. This included making a mark on Indian Idol, winning the reality TV show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4 and becoming runner-up on the equally challenging series Fear Factor:…
Charli XCX and Britney Spears are joining hands. If reports are to be believed, Charli is writing songs for Britney’s new album. The 31-year-old singer, who has also been working on new music with her fiancé – George Daniel of The 1975, has reportedly received “pointers” about the sound Britiney…
Taylor Swift has surpassed Elvis Presley for most weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart by a solo artist. Presley logged 67 weeks at No. 1 across 10 chart-topping albums spanning 1956-2002. Only The Beatles have more weeks at No. 1, with 132 weeks on top, across 19…
Pop singer Dua Lipa, who is on vacation with her family in India, on Sunday, penned a heartwarming note about ending 2023 in the country The Grammy winner, known for songs such as "Levitating" and "Houdini", also thanked the Indian people for extending their love and hospitality to her and…
Singer Dua Lipa is currently enjoying her vacation in India along with her family members. After recently visiting Rajasthan, she headed to New Delhi and sought blessings at the famous Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and visited the Humayun's tomb. Taking to Instagram, Dua Lipa's father Dukagjin Lipa shared a string of…
Global singer Dua Lipa surprised some fans in India with her Instagram post on Sunday. She wished everyone a happy holiday season with pictures from Rajasthan. In the first photo, Dua is posing against the backdrop of a beautiful painting of the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna. The next picture…
Singer Sonu Nigam was felicitated with the Mohammed Rafi Award and that too on the 99th birth anniversary of the legendary musician on December 24. On Sunday, a special program was organised to celebrate the remarkable contribution of Mohammed Rafi to the Indian music industry in Mumbai. At the event,…
Well-known English singer and songwriter Charli XCX has shared a major update on her upcoming project. She has revealed that she has been working on new music with her fiancé – George Daniel of The 1975. The popstar had announced the news of their engagement on social media on November…
Superstar Akshay Kumar on Thursday marked the 16th anniversary of the hit movie Welcome and announced that Sanjay Dutt has joined the franchise's upcoming third part. Kumar posted a photo from the sets of the movie, which is titled Welcome To The Jungle and is being directed by Ahmed Khan.…
BOLLYWOOD celebrities unveiled various details about themselves this year, ranging from unique personal anecdotes to past experiences. Keeping our ears to the ground, we learned more about the lives of well-known stars than just their on-screen personas. Eastern Eye looks back on the events of the last 12 months to present…
EVERY month of 2023 had its winners and losers, with successes being balanced out by less-than-memorable moments. Eastern Eye looks back on some of the Bollywood highs and lows from the past year, with a month-by-month guide. January Good: Shah Rukh Khan reclaimed his crown as the king of Bollywood…
WITH the party season being upon us, it is the perfect time to reflect on the power-packed dance anthems that were released in 2023. Eastern Eye requested DJ Shai Guy from one of the UK’s leading club night promoters, Bombay Funkadelic, to select the most upbeat songs from this year…
A THRILLING year for British Asian music saw everything from much-awaited single releases to world-class performances by international artists in sold-out arenas. Newcomers breaking through, the rise of devotional music, established names making headlines, melas, music festivals and an interesting comeback were among the noteworthy events. Eastern Eye decided to…
AN ACTION-PACKED year saw everything from stunning live performances to delightful drama serials, marvellous music and fabulous films. There was also perfectly pitched comedy, new talent, path-breaking projects and plenty of entertainment. Eastern Eye celebrated the many creative moments of 2023 with the annual Eye Spy awards which include extra…
2023 has been a great year for Bollywood in terms of films and music. The film industry has delivered several big hits that ruled the charts the entire year. Be it the album of Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone-starrer Pathaan or Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna's Animal, music taking…
It's a special day for veteran actor Jackie Shroff as his hit film Hero has completed 40 years on Saturday. Celebrating his four-decade-long journey, Jackie took to Instagram and shared a video featuring memorable moments from the film. "From Dust to Star...#Hero #40years," he captioned the post. Directed by Subhash…
The festivity of the Christmas season was brought to life at India House, adorned with radiant decorations and trees. The renowned Choir of King's College orchestrated the carol singing, filling Gandhi Hall with the spirit of the season. The celebration at the Indian High Commission on Tuesday (12) evening, which…
The nominations for the 2024 Critics Choice Awards have been announced. Greta Gerwig's Barbie leads the list with a record-breaking 18 nominations surpassing Everything Everywhere All at Once and The Shape of Water which landed 14 during their respective years, as per Variety. Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer and Yorgos Lanthimos' Poor…
Shah Rukh Khan has added to a year of stunning achievements by topping the Top 50 Asian Celebrities In The World list for 2023. The Bollywood superstar beat off strong competition from around the world in this year’s edition of the popular list, published annually by UK based Eastern Eye…
A GROUND-BREAKING year in entertainment saw glass ceilings shattered, greater heights conquered, creative horizons expanded, and new paths carved globally. There was also ground-breaking work, international crossovers, and exciting new talent announcing their arrival. Top south Asian talent from diverse fields were at the forefront of the marvellous moves being…
HUNGARY plans to turn Hungarian Indian painter Amrita Sher-Gil’s Ganga Ram Mansions on The Mall in Lahore into a museum, a top diplomat of the country said. Sher-Gil was born in Hungary and was one of the most distinguished visual artists from the Indian subcontinent. At an event to mark…
In the illustrious career of Indian auteur Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his opulent visual storytelling and astute musical sensibility, the release of his first non-film music album, 'Sukoon,' marked a significant milestone. As 'Sukoon' turns one, we revisit this ghazal album that not only showcases Bhansali's remarkable talent as…
Popular K-pop singer Aoora is set to enter Salman Khan’s controversial reality show Bigg Boss 17 as a wild card contestant. On Thursday, Colors TV shared a new promo of the upcoming episode. In the video, only Aoora's partial face was revealed. He was seen singing the track 'Woh Kisna…
Well-known English singer and songwriter Charli XCX has shared an update on her upcoming project. The 31-year-old recently graced the popular British Fashion Awards, where she was asked a few questions on the red carpet. Talking about her forthcoming project, she said, “I finished a record but it’s not out.…
Time magazine on Wednesday named American Grammy-award-winning singer Taylor Swift as its Person of the Year. "Picking one person who represents the 8 billion people on the planet is no easy task. We picked a choice that represents joy. Someone who's bringing light to the world," said Sam Jacobs, the…
THE fabulous 1950s delivered more Bollywood movie icons than any other decade is why it’s regarded as the golden age of Hindi cinema. When leading ladies from that era are mentioned, names like Nargis, Meena Kumari, Madbubala, Waheeda Rehman, Geeta Bali and Vyjayanthimala come to mind, but another who made…
DR HENRY KISSINGER, who died last Wednesday (29), aged 100, was an American diplomat of Jewish-German extraction who served as national security adviser and secretary of state to US presidents Richard Nixon and his successor, Gerald Ford. Kissinger’s long life was proof of the old adage, “You can fool all…
ONE of the best kept secrets in British music is Third Culture Collective. The orchestra founded by London based composer, singer and producer Kavi Pau brings together Indian and western classical music, with commercial sounds to create a genre that attempts to go beyond fusion. The talented musicians and great…
The Oxford University Press (OUP) announced "Rizz" as the Word of the Year 2023 on Monday (4), signifying its resonance with the mood, ethos, and preoccupations of the past year. The word rizz which implies romantic appeal is a colloquial noun defined as “style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to…
HENRY KISSINGER, known for his disdain for India's leadership in the 1970s, has been advocating stronger US-India ties in the past decade under prime minister Narendra Modi. After Modi came to power in 2014, Kissinger, also the former US National Security Advisor, has been advocating strong ties with India. When…
Singer-songwriter Shane MacGowan, the legendary frontman of the Irish band, the Pogues, died early Thursday, his family announced online. He was 65, reported the New York Post. The songwriter of 'Fairytale of New York' died at 3 a.m. with his wife and family by his side, his band reported online.…
Popular English singer and songwriter Charli XCX, 31, is now engaged to her longtime boyfriend, George Daniel, a British drummer, singer, songwriter, and record producer. She revealed on Instagram that she and George Daniel of the 1975 are engaged and will soon get married. "Charlie XCX and George Daniel are…
CLASSIC film Coolie captured the attention of Bollywood fans around the world when it was released on December 2, 1983 because an accident on the set had nearly killed lead star Amitabh Bachchan, after a stunt went wrong. The story of a boy separated from his mother, who grows up…
SEEING his father listen to top tunes and sing around the house first connected Abby V to music. That interest turned into a passion after being exposed to its deeper aspects and led the terrific talent towards a singing career. After gaining popularity on social media, he teamed up with…
Hours after gangster Lawrence Bishnoi fired gunshots at his Canada residence, Indian actor and singer Gippy Grewal has confirmed the incident informing that he was not present at his residence at the time of the firing. The firing took place on Saturday at the actor’s residence in the White Rock…
She has seen it multiple times, her son has watched it, and his school friends too... Catherine Zeta-Jones says Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Om Shanti Om is one of her favourite films along with The Lunch Box. The Hollywood star on Monday attended the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in…
Indian-American singer Anuradha Juju Palakurthi says music has always been a powerful tool for social change and with "Chal Phir Sajaayein", the theme song for the upcoming UN COP 28 concert in Dubai, she is trying to draw the world's attention towards the issue of climate change. The musical event,…
FOUR students were killed, and over 60 were injured in a stampede during Cochin University’s annual festival in Kochi on Saturday (25) night, police said. Officials said the stampede occurred before renowned singer Nikita Gandhi was to perform at a musical festival in the open-air auditorium of the university. Four…
Award-winning filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and actress Suchitra Krishnamoorti’s daughter, Kaveri Kapur, is gearing up to make her acting debut. If reports are to be believed, Kaveri has already kick-started her preparations to set foot in Bollywood. For those not in the know, Shekhar’s daughter is already proficient as both a…
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to a ‘Thank you’ note by the legendary rockstar Mick Jagger. After concluding his India trip, the British rock band The Rolling Stones lead vocalist shared a note written in Hindi on X. His note accompanied a video of him singing 'Dreamy Skies' from…
Music aficionados are in for a treat as legendary singer Sting as well as popular bands Jonas Brothers and OneRepublic are set to perform at Lollapalooza India in 2024. The organisers on Friday unveiled the line-up of renowned artists from around the globe and India for the two-day festival in…
The aroma of an aviation-themed film lingers in the air of Paramount+ comedy Jerry and Marge Go Large, though it fails to leave a lasting impression. While it provides a decent airborne diversion when other options are limited, justifying its viewing becomes more challenging on solid ground. This week's plethora…
MAGNIFICENT songs, multiple awards and amazing musical achievements mean Kumar Sanu needs no introduction. The massively popular music star ranks among the most celebrated Indian playback singers of all time and is the voice behind songs that defined a generation. The once-undisputed ‘king of romance’ is currently judging the 14th…
THERE is enough compelling evidence to suggest that V Shantaram was perhaps the most important Indian filmmaker of the 20th century. Whether it was technical innovations, pathbreaking work, expanding the horizons of Indian cinema or an incredibly fearless approach, he left behind an impressive body of work and countless magic…
Actress Priyanka Chopra and her husband-singer Nick Jonas hosted a Diwali bash for their family and friends in Los Angeles. The pictures went viral on social media in which the couple can be seen walking hand in hand and looking gorgeous in Indian outfits. Priyanka can be seen wearing a…
Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish says she is physically attracted to women and also intimated by their presence. The 21-year-old musician, known for chartbusters such as "No Time To Die", "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" and "What Was I Made For?", said she shares "deep connections" with women…
The new rendition of "Karar oi louho kopat" in Pippa is a sincere artistic interpretation and done after securing necessary adaptation rights, the film's team said on Monday, days after AR Rahman's version of the beloved Kazi Nazrul Islam poem attracted controversy for its alleged "distortion". The poet's grandson and…
Diwali is celebrated with fervour across India, and Hindi films have been capturing the joyous essence of the festival of light since the golden era. From black-and-white films to contemporary cinema, many music directors, writers, and singers have portrayed the spirit of the festival through countless songs. Here is a…
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday morning met veteran actor Saira Banu, during which the two discussed a wide range of subjects. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi shared pictures featuring Saira Banu from their meeting. https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1723026258580086874?s=20 Sharing the pictures, he wrote, "It was wonderful to meet Saira…
BRILLIANTLY talented baritone Oscar Castellino has had a beautiful journey that has taken him from working as a software engineer in Mumbai to becoming an acclaimed opera singer. He will add to his impressive stage achievements with a lead role in a new The Barber of Seville adaptation, which will…
Rapper Raja Kumari on Wednesday shared her experience of working with actor Sushmita Sen. After singing the Jawan theme for superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the Indian-American singer has now come up with a song called 'Sherni Aayi' in Sushmita Sen-starrer Aarya 3. Talking to ANI, she spoke about her experience…
ALTHOUGH Shah Rukh Khan made his Bollywood debut in 1992, it was his 1993 release Baazigar, which gained him big global attention. His dastardly portrayal of a duplicitous individual, who goes on a murderous revenge mission, kick-started a rapid rise to the very top of Hindi cinema for the actor.…
THERE is one fascinating aspect about this week’s big Bollywood release Tiger 3 you may not have realised and revolves around fortunes changing over time. Back in 2014, Arijit Singh was a newcomer, who had suddenly found fame after his fabulous Aashiqui 2 song Tum Hi Ho became a worldwide…
Rapper Raja Kumari is on a roll. After singing the Jawan theme for superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the Indian-American singer has now come up with a song 'Sherni Aayi' from Sushmita Sen-starrer Aarya 3. The song's video shows Sushmita Sen in a fierce avatar as Aarya Sareen. Raja Kumari undoubtedly…
Kaza Business Consultants, operating under the banner of KBC Arts, organised an event at the East Ham Mahalakshmi Temple on October 29 2023 dedicated to exploring and acknowledging the works of 15/16th Century poets Kabir/Tulsi/ Surdas, highly-respected Indian saints/poets/composers. KBC organises two annual events at the Mahalakshmi temple in London,…
AN INCREDIBLE career has seen Apache Indian become a great British music icon. Whether it has been creating a new musical genre, monster hits like Boom Shak-A-Lak, world-class collaborations, trailblazing moments or setting up an academy for new talent, he has had three decades of brilliance. The singer, songwriter and…
THIS powerful drama based on real life events had an award-winning world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and then screened at the recent London Film Festival. The story revolves around a Canadian girl from an affluent family, who, while on a trip to Punjab, falls in love with…
ONE of the most important figures in Hindi cinema history you likely have never heard of is Sashadhar Mukherjee. From producing record-breaking Bollywood blockbusters to launching new talents who would go on to become legends and founding a film dynasty, the bigthinking movie mogul helped lay the foundation for the…
TIKTOK can help make the next generation of British Asian musicians popular and the scene more ethnically diverse, according to leading industry figures. Highlighting the lack of support for south Asian artists, record label bosses believe social media can allow upcoming musicians to gain audiences and therefore become mainstream. New…
It will be a couple of hours of letting your hair down, enjoying a night out, and reliving the special memories of teenage years, says Westlife member Nicky Byrne about the Irish band's upcoming three-city tour to India. The global best-selling pop band, comprising Byrne, Kian Egan, Shane Filan, and…
Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh and Australian singer Sia on Friday released their maiden musical collaboration "Hass Hass", an upbeat fusion of Indian pop and international beats. Diljit and Sia worked with music producer Greg Kurstin for the song. For Sia, known for global chartbusters such as "Cheap Thrills" and "Unstoppable",…
Singer-actor Harrdy Sandhu on Friday announced his first ever all-India tour titled In My Feelings. The musical tour, which will kickstart on November 18 and conclude in December, will travel to cities such as Delhi, Indore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Pune, and Bhubaneswar. Sandhu, known for songs such as "Bijlee Bijlee",…
American singer Beyonce is holding two premieres for her highly anticipated concert film Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce, reported The Hollywood Reporter. The world premiere will take place in London on November 30 and the U.S. premiere will be held in Los Angeles on November 25. Days before Beyonce's Parkwood…
The popularity of Pakistani singer Atif Aslam is not restricted to just his home country. The singer, who has sung some unforgettable songs for Bollywood films also, is popular in several parts of the world. Atif Aslam is currently celebrating 20 years of his eventful music career and to mark…
Zayn Malik has announced that he is joining alcohol-free drink brand Mixoloshe as the chief creative officer and co-owner. To celebrate the announcement, the 30-year-old singer launched his first flavour for the brand—a non-alcoholic Lychee Martini. The new flavour is described by the brand as “sweet, floral and slightly tropical”.…
LATE great maestro Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan connected qawwali music to contemporary audiences in a way no artist had done before and took it across new horizons. Like much of the pathbreaking work he did, this unique collaboration has done just that since it first premiered and returned to…
FAST rising music star Taha G has made a big impact in a short space of time with more than 25 single and album releases over the past three years. With a growing fanbase around the world, the Pakistani singer/songwriter is turning a childhood dream of music stardom into a…
Legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi passed away on Monday at the age of 77 in Delhi after a prolonged illness. A day after his demise, his son Angad Bedi and daughter-in-law Neha Dhupia paid tribute to him via an official statement. The heartwarming note read, "Isn't it completely in Dad's…
The Bombay High Court has ruled against a petition that aimed to ban Pakistani artists from working or performing in India and observed that in order to be a patriot, one does not need to be inimical to those from abroad, especially from the neighbouring country. The plea was filed…
The earliest memory that UK musician Tanya Wells has is as a five-year-old in the foothills of the Himalayas where she and her sisters would start the day with meditation at a school, with Hindustani classical music at the heart of its Sahaja Yoga meditation practice. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi,…
British pop star Ed Sheeran will be returning to India after six years with his new tour ‘+ - = ÷ x’. The 32-year-old musician will perform at Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Racecourse on March 16, 2024, as part of the Asia and Europe tour, also called The Mathematics tour, the organisers…
What could be more satisfying than attaining your dream? The same thing happened to a young Kashmiri singer Afaq Shafi, who made it to the Top 20 of the singing reality show Indian Idol 14. Hailing from Shalimar, Afaq has longed to perform on the stage of the singing reality…
HAVING been born into an ultra-religious family, Ejaz Rahi wasn’t supposed to pursue singing or make it a part of his long-term life plan. But music found him through great artists he admired and pushed him towards pursuing his singing passion from a young age. He went from performing cover…
WHETHER it was his first music class as a six-year-old, debut Carnatic music concert at 12, collaborating with world-class artists, releasing music and receiving wide acclaim, Aditya Prakash has had a career filled with memorable moments. The first great high was touring with music legend Ravi Shankar as a teenager.…
ROCKING revolutionary Shammi Kapoor introduced the kind of swagger into Bollywood that enabled the Hindi film hero to connect with a more globalised audience. From his cool style and good looks to high energy performances, he became a magnificent movie icon and delivered marvellous musicals filled with magical moments. Then…
Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday presented screen icon Waheeda Rehman with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award and honoured other winners of the 69th National Film Awards, including popular stars Allu Arjun, Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon. The National Film Awards were announced in August honouring the best in cinema…
Ahead of the most awaited match of the ODI World Cup 2023 between India and Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, actor Anushka Sharma-the wife of Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, Singer Arijit Singh, cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik arrived in Ahmedabad to cheer India…
This Sunday, October 14, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is set to host the much-anticipated match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. Apart from thousands of fans, a number of celebrities from various walks of life are also set to attend the…
Cricket fans have been waiting for the hotly anticipated India- Pakistan cricket match with bated breath. And now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has added more excitement to the much-awaited clash and fans will be greeted by a special performance by well-known Indian playback singer Arijit…
Talk show host and actress Jada Pinkett Smith has revealed she and actor-husband Will Smith have been separated and have lived "completely separate lives" since 2016. The actors got married in a quiet ceremony in Baltimore, Maryland in the US on New Year's Eve in 1997. They are parents to…
MASTER percussionist Gubzy Singh Lackhanpal has had a magnificent career filled with magical moments. The dynamite dhol player and tabla maestro has performed in over 46 countries, with leading artists that include Malkit Singh, DCS, Apache Indian, Beverly Knight, AS Kang, Sukshinder Shinda, Hans Raj Hans, Surinder Shinda, Balwinder Safri,…
A WIDE array of songs in different languages and genres has demonstrated that Saloni is an exciting young British Asian music talent. The versatile singer has shown off her impressive range on stunning cover versions, superb solo singles and cool collaborations in a relatively short space of time. With more…
INDIA’s Enforcement Directorate on Monday (9) said it has issued a fresh order to seize assets worth more than Rs 240 million of a hatchery company as part of an investigation relating to alleged violation of the foreign exchange law. Six immovable properties belonging to Venkateshwara Hatcheries Pvt Ltd in…
Renowned Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan's Canada tour has been postponed in the wake of the India-Canada diplomatic row, the promoters of the show have announced. As part of the 'Akhiyaan Udeekdiyan' tour, Mann was supposed to perform four shows on October 22, October 28, October 29, and October 31 in…
Ace designer Rahul Mishra is putting Indian textiles and craftsmanship on the global map through his designs. International artistes such as Zendaya and Gigi Hadid have worn his ensembles on several occasions. And now singer-actor Selena Gomez has turned his muse. Selena recently attended the Rare Impact Fund Gala wearing…
Three-time Grammy award-winning musician Ricky Kej on Wednesday slammed Trevor Noah, a few days after the comedian's Off The Record show in Bengaluru got cancelled due to "technical issues" which left his fans disappointed. Taking to X, Kej responded to Noah's farewell post and wrote, “While I do agree that…
BOLLYWOOD blockbuster Jawan has swept across the globe like a giant tidal wave. Apart from breaking box office records, the action entertainer headlined by Shah Rukh Khan has introduced singer turned actress Aaliyah Qureishi to a wider audience. The naturally gifted talent, known under the musical moniker Jhalli, has followed…
WRITER and director Vijay Krishna Acharya is largely known for high-profile action entertainers like Dhoom 3 and his last film, the disastrous Thugs Of Hindostan. That is why it was strange to see him helm this comedy-drama, which was released in cinemas recently. The story revolves around a successful bhajan…
A GREAT year has seen Pratibha Singh Baghel deliver delightful albums Ghazals & Thumris From The Musical Heart of Budapest and the recent release Lafz Bheege Hain. Both ghazal-inspired albums from the Sufiscore record label have shown the acclaimed singer’s immense versatility and ability to inject heartfelt emotion into beautifully…
AN ACTION-PACKED year of live music has seen blockbuster concerts from huge international names and despite there only being three months left, there is still plenty to look forward to before 2023 ends. With that in mind, Eastern Eye prepared a preview of some great live music events to look…
BTS member Jungkook and former One Direction singer Zayn Malik are set to collaborate on a musical project, according to some reports. As per a post on X from Zayn’s fan page, the musical duo is working on a song titled, Backseat Kiss, which is expected to release on December…
Ranbir Kapoor, who is considered one of the finest actors working in Bollywood, is celebrating his birthday today. On the occasion of his 41st birthday, the makers of his next Animal launched the trailer of the film which has received a thunderous response from the audience. As the actor turns…
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on her birth anniversary. He took to X and wrote a special message while recalling the contribution to Indian music of the late singer PM Modi wrote, “Remembering Lata Didi on her birth anniversary. Her contribution to Indian music…
LATE great composer and accomplished singer SD Burman is one of Bollywood’s greatest ever music icons. An incredible career saw him compose some of the best soundtracks in Hindi cinema history. He mentored new talent, including his music maestro son RD Burman, who also became a legend. He was born…
Actress Parineeti Chopra and MP Raghav Chadha on Monday posted pictures from their fairytale wedding in Udaipur. The couple which tied the knot on Sunday in the presence of their families and close friends today took to their respective social media handles to share the first set of wedding photos.…
Popular singer-songwriter Guru Randhawa has signed with the US-based Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for international representation. The singer, who started his career as an independent musician in the early 2000s, is known for his Punjabi and Bollywood chartbuster songs such as "Same Girl", "Patola" and "Lahore". "More than anything, I'm…
Actress Priyanka Chopra wished her younger sister and actress Parineeti Chopra and AAP leader Raghav Chadha for their new beginnings. Raghav and Parineeti will tie the knot at The Leela Palace in Udaipur over this weekend. According to certain media reports, there is uncertainty over whether Priyanka Chopra and her…
Charithra Chandran, along with India Amarteifio, PinkPantheress, and Yara Shahidi, is presently filming a secret project in London. Chandran was spotted in a chic wine-coloured jumper and matching baker-boy style hat as she chatted away to the others while making her way down the streets of the British capital. She…
Punjabi-Canadian rapper Shubhneet Singh’s ‘Still Rollin India tour’ was cancelled earlier over his alleged support to the Khalistan cause. A day after Shubh's tour was cancelled, Indo-Canadian singer AP Dhillon took to Instagram stories and broke his silence on the fury over Shubh's tour. Dhillon wrote, “I try to stay…
Punjabi-Canadian rapper Shubhneet Singh’s (popularly known as Shubh) ‘Still Rollin India tour’ has been cancelled over his alleged support to Khalistan. “Singer Shubhneet Singh’s Still Rollin Tour for India stands cancelled. To that end, BookMyShow has initiated a complete refund of the ticket amount for all consumers who had purchased…
A FABULOUS career saw Feroz Khan go from playing supporting roles to headlining films as an actor, director and producer. Born on September 25, 1939, he left behind an impressive body of work including all-time classics before passing away on April 27, 2009, aged 69. Eastern Eye decided to mark…
THERE is no denying that Lucky Ali is one of the finest music talents India has produced, but he is also someone who hasn’t delivered nearly enough songs or live performances in recent years. While on one side, it has left his fans frustrated, but at the same time given…
QUEEN frontman and rockstar Freddie Mercury’s Parsi heritage was celebrated more than 30 years after his death, as Sotheby’s in London conducted the first of six auctions of his belongings last Wednesday (6). A 16th-century Indian miniature depicting A Prince on Horseback With His Entourage sold for £266,700, against an…
BRITISH music talent Inder Paul Sandhu has carved out his own path as an accomplished singer and songwriter. That creative journey led him towards setting up his own designer fashion label Exodus, Pas De Ce Monde (PDCM), which offers eye-catching clothes, awesome accessories and cool footwear. He has used the…
THE greatest difficulty in the earliest days of Indian cinema was to get local women to act in films. For India’s first film Raja Harishchandra (1913), producer/director Dada Saheb Phalke had to get a man in a sari (Salunke) to play the leading lady. Although women slowly started to step…
TALENTED composer and gifted singer Raahul Jatin has made great strides in the music industry with superb songs. He has followed in the footsteps of his famous father, who was one half of the iconic composing duo Jatin-Lalit, with songs that are delighting cross-generational audiences. Eastern Eye got the fast…
“IT IS not just the responsibility but the right of every poet andwriter to speak freely, challenge the status quo and usher in social change in the world”, proclaimed the Indian poet, lyricist, screenplay writer and activist Javed Akhtar. He was speaking after being honoured for his contribution to the…
As Asha Bhosle celebrated her 90th birthday on Friday, many of her colleagues from the film industry, including music composer Lalit Pandit, singer Daler Mehndi and filmmaker Anees Bazmee wished the legendary singer "good health and happiness". Bhosle, known for singing 12,000 songs in multiple languages that includes chartbusters like…
Music, like an ever-flowing river, never ends, says Asha Bhosle. And as she turns 90 on Friday with a live concert in Dubai, India’s singer for all times and ages could well be describing her own career that started an incredible eight decades ago. “At the age of 90, I…
After days of speculation, American singer Joe Jonas and British actor Sophie Turner on Wednesday confirmed they have mutually decided to "amicably end" their marriage of four years. The former couple released a joint statement on Instagram, requesting privacy for them and their two daughters. "After four wonderful years of…
ASHA BHOSLE has inspired different generations of singers around the world, with her talent, songs and allround awesomeness. With that in mind, Eastern Eye got British singers to select their favourite Asha Bhosle song from the many thousands she recorded. Hemina Shah: I’ve always been a big Asha Bhosle fan…
LONDON’S Barbican Theatre will soon reverberate to the sounds of “operatic telling” and dramatic, ancient Indian dances as it is set to host a fresh two-part adaptation of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, on October 1. Canada-based Why Not Theatre has adapted this ancient work into a “more accessible form…
IN TERMS of ability, longevity, versatility, body of work and global impact, Asha Bhosle is regarded by most as India’s greatest singer of all time. Born on September 8, 1933, the most recorded artist in history changed the face of commercial music in India and entertained countless people across different…
Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit-starrer iconic movie Khalnayak is re-releasing in theatres on September 5 to celebrate 30 years of the film. Madhuri felt ecstatic about it and said, “Congratulations to Mukta Arts, Subhashji, and the whole team of Khalnayak on completing thirty years. We had a great time filming…
The 67th BFI London Film Festival, which is scheduled to be presented over twelve days from 4 to 15 October 2023, has announced the full programme line-up. The London Film Festival will invite audiences to return to its flagship venues in the heart of London – BFI Southbank and the…
Colombian singer Camilo has collaborated with actor-musician Diljit Dosanjh for his new song, titled "Palpita". The track, which features Camilo singing in Spanish and Dosanjh in Punjabi, was released for the second season of Coca-Cola’s global music campaign Coke Studio, according to a press release. Camilo, known for hits tracks…
Ace singer Shreya Ghoshal says digital platforms have changed the Indian music landscape drastically, making it easier for independent artists to break through and thrive. The singer, who recently collaborated with Egyptian rapper Afroto for Coke Studio Global's new release "Sunn Beliya", said great artists now don't lack exposure. "Music…
HAVING versatile vocalists and an amazing ability to put a contemporary spin on classic songs has enabled cool collective Kayak & Co to stand apart from other British Asian music acts. They will add to their impressive number of live shows with the forthcoming Rahmanisce: The Songs of AR Rahman…
Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, commemorates the connection of love and friendship between siblings. Including popular Bollywood songs that celebrate this special bond is a great way to enhance the festive atmosphere and create lasting memories. Here are a few such songs: Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka ‘Phoolon Ka Taaron…
Two Indian-origin singers Lara Raj and Ezrela are among the 20 contestants vying for a shot at stardom as they compete to become a part of a new global girl group, South Korean music giant HYBE and American record label Geffen Records have announced. Hybe, which manages the global K-pop…
Fashion designer Gaurav Gupta says creating three strikingly glamorous looks for pop diva Beyonce for her ongoing world tour was an opportunity to put forth India's traditional designs that beautifully encapsulate the "aura and magnanimity" of the singer. Beyonce has been on a concert tour since May in support of…
MORE than 160 global figures, including Barack Obama and Ban Ki-moon, published a joint letter on Monday (28) warning of "threats to democracy and human rights" in Bangladesh ahead of upcoming elections. The letter decried the "continuous judicial harassment" of Nobel prize winner and micro-credit pioneer Muhammad Yunus and said…
Blackswan is one of the most popular K-pop groups in the world. It is the only all-women-led K-pop group that has no Korean members. It is not unusual for K-pop groups to include foreign members, typically from other Asian countries. Blackpink, which is considered to be K-pop’s biggest girl group,…
Veteran Hindi film lyricist Dev Kohli passed away in Mumbai on Saturday, He was 80. Kohli is famed for his songs in over 100 films including Maine Pyar Kiya, Baazigar, Judwaa 2, Musafir, Shoot Out At Lokhandwala, and Taxi No. 9211. He has collaborated with music directors like Anu Malik,…
Mimi actress Kriti Sanon, Gangubai Kathiawadi filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Sardar Udham director Shoojit Sircar on Thursday expressed happiness after their films won big at the 69th National Film Awards. Sanon and Pankaj Tripathi won the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor honours, respectively, for their film Mimi. Sanon…
The 69th National Film Awards were announced at a press conference in New Delhi today. Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon share the Best Actress award for their performances in Gangubai Kathiawadi and Mimi, respectively. Telugu superstar Allu Arjun, on the other hand, was named Best Actor for his successful film…
THE next big Bollywood blockbuster release is action entertainer Jawan. Shah Rukh Khan headlines the unique looking film and will be hoping to carry on the momentum generated by his super hit thriller Pathaan earlier this year. The September 7 release has been shrouded in secrecy since it went into…
AFTER working as a successful songwriter for other artists and clocking up over 20 million Spotify streams, Saphron recently ventured out as a solo artist with her debut single Nice Try. The British Asian talent has followed up the terrific track with her newly released debut EP Identity Crisis, which…
SOME of the greatest British music talent is on the UK live circuit and versatile singer Abira Shah firmly falls into that category. The daughter of acclaimed singer Sittara Shah has carried on her mother’s legacy with superb songs and great live performances. She headlines the Retro Future show with…
India-born Canadian artiste AP Dhillon, a rising global star in the hip-hop scene with songs such as "Brown Munde", "Excuses" and "Summer High", believes the brown community is finally getting the appreciation it deserves. The musician, whose journey from Punjab's Gurdaspur to Vancouver in Canada to finally tasting popularity is…
Veteran actor Chiranjeevi needs no introduction. He is among the most successful stars of Indian cinema and had worked in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi films. Chiranjeevi debuted as an actor in the Telugu film Punadhirallu in 1978. He got the Raghupathi Venkaiah, the top film honour in Andhra Pradesh,…
A California appeals court has revived lawsuits from two men who accused late pop singer Michael Jackson of abusing them as children in the HBO documentary 'Leaving Neverland'. On Friday, the 2nd District Court of Appeal reversed a ruling from a Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissing the suits from…
Well-known Indian singer, songwriter, and record producer Daler Mehndi has had a significant impact on the music industry, especially with his contributions to Bhangra music and his popular tracks in a number of Bollywood films. Mehndi, who was born on August 18, 1967, in Patna, Bihar, India into a Sikh…
Actress-producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas is no longer associated with Sona, her Indian cuisine restaurant which was opened in 2021 in New York City. A spokesperson for the Citadel star confirmed the news to People magazine. “Priyanka has stepped away from her partnership at Sona. Bringing Sona to life will invariably…
Pakistani-American singer Arooj Aftab, who won her first Grammy award for her song “Mohabbat” in 2022, was honoured with the “President’s Pride of Performance” award on the 77th Independence Day of Pakistan in Washington on Monday. The decoration was presented to Aftab by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood…
EXCITING new rapper Spectra is captivating audiences with electrifying live performances, turbo-charged tracks and explosive collaborations. Real name Shubham Pal, the young talent is injecting a different energy into the Indian hip hop scene and quickly making himself one to watch. Eastern Eye found out more by getting him to…
WHEN Dil Se was released in cinemas on August 21 1998, it surprisingly didn’t do well at the box office in India and received negative reviews. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the romantic thriller became a big hit internationally and the first Bollywood film to officially crack…
A CITY which has one of the country’s largest and youngest south Asian communities has become a hotspot for Hollywood producers and music chiefs. Bradford in Yorkshire, famous for its textile mills and the setting for Riz Ahmed film Four Lions, was named the UK’s City of Culture in 2025…
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reacted to three-time Grammy award-winning musician Ricky Kej’s instrumental rendition of the Indian national anthem which he created in collaboration with the 100-member British Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi wrote, “Wonderful. It will certainly make every Indian proud.” https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1691101478293786624 Kej…
To commemorate Indian Independence Day 2023, three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej released a teaser of the instrumental rendition of the Indian national anthem with the 100-member British Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Taking to Twitter, Ricky shared the video and captioned it, “A few days ago, I conducted a 100-piece British orchestra,…
FROM fanciful costumes and working drafts of Bohemian Rhapsody to ashtrays and art, hundreds of items Freddie Mercury owned went on show in Britain last Friday (4) before being sold next month. Sotheby’s has transformed its central London gallery to resemble the Queen frontman’s former home in the city for…
CHANNEL 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy has been announced as a celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing’s 21st series. Produced by BBC Studios, the popular show will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn. The news was revealed on Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman’s show on BBC Radio 2 last…
A VIBRANT personality mixed with a superb selection of songs and an ability to spin multiple genres has enabled DJ Lady G to entertain cross-cultural audiences. Whether it is explosive live sets or getting listeners on Solar radio to choose their favourite song, she beautifully balances DJing and presenting. Next…
“Choli Ke Peeche” was originally conceived as a folk song and the brouhaha over its lyrics was shocking, says filmmaker Subhash Ghai as he remembered his 1993 film Khalnayak, which turned 30 on Sunday. It was a trademark Ghai movie — full of entertainment, elaborate musical pieces, and a star-studded…
Legendary singer Asha Bhosle is set to turn 90 in September. And guess what? She has a musical feast in store for her fans as her birthday gift to them. Next month the “Chura Liya Hai Tumne” singer will perform at the ‘Asha 90 Live Concert’ in Dubai. Ahead of…
Strictly Come Dancing has announced Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy as the fourth celebrity contestant for its much-awaited 21st series. Produced by BBC Studios, the popular dance show will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn. The news was revealed on Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman’s show on…
Punjabi-Canadian rapper AP Dhillon is all set to give a sneak peek into his life via a docuseries. The four-part series is helmed by Jay Ahmed. Titled AP Dhillon: First of a Kind, the project will be out on Prime Video. As per a statement, the series follows his remarkable…
Singer and songwriter Charli XCX, whose real name is Charlotte Emma Aitchison, is celebrating her birthday today. Born on 2 August 1992, in Cambridge, England, Charli started posting songs on Myspace in 2008, which soon led to her discovery and she signed a recording contract with Asylum Records in 2010.…
ONCE in a generation movie Koi Mil Gaya took everyone by surprise when it was released on August 8, 2003. From the unique subject matter to the leading man’s remarkable transformation, special effects and introducing an extra-terrestrial into Bollywood, the sci-fi spectacular became a landmark movie and won multiple awards. …
WHETHER it is Rahat Fateh Ali Khan selling out big arenas, iconic festivals like Womad featuring qawwali concerts or compositions from major names like AR Rahman, Sufi music has been red hot in recent years. The next big breakout act in the devotional genre, rooted in over 700 years of…
LATA MANGESHKAR, the “Nightingale of India”, died in February last year, aged 92, but her songs definitely live on. This became apparent when a 31-yearold singer from Mumbai, Palak Muchhal, and her brother, Palash Muchhal, three years younger, sang many of her golden oldies at a proms concert at the…
South Korean music group Tomorrow X Together is set to take the stage at the upcoming Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago, US, as a first-time headliner. Also called TXT, the band first performed at the gala in 2022. According to a press release, TXT will become the second K-pop act…
POPULAR singer Adnan Sami returns for another UK tour in August with big arena shows in Leeds next Friday (11), London next Saturday (12) and Birmingham next Sunday (13). The singer and master musician will be performing his greatest hits, with a full live orchestra and putting a unique live…
In Tatler magazine's list of Britain's best-dressed personalities, Akshata Murty, wife of Rishi Sunak, secured the top spot and was compared to Jackie Kennedy-Onassis. The 43-year-old businesswoman and fashion designer stood out among esteemed names like the Marchioness of Cholmondeley and actor Bill Nighy, The Daily Mail reported. Tatler's style…
One of the most popular Indian playback singers, Sonu Nigam celebrated his 50th birthday on Sunday with much fanfare. The talented singer, who was born on 30 July 1973, hosted a lavish birthday party in Mumbai on Saturday, which saw the presence of who’s who of the entertainment industry. As…
THIS week marks the death anniversary of one of Bollywood’s greatest male-playback singers Mohammed Rafi, who sadly passed away on July 31, 1980, after suffering a heart attack. Despite being only 55 when he died, the magically voiced icon left behind a magnificent body of work that continues to entertain…
A NATIONAL exhibition celebrating the role of migrants in the NHS opened in Leicester in June and will tour the country later in the year. The Migration Museum’s Heart of the Nation aims to highlight the contribution of those who moved to the UK to work in the NHS, which…
Popular Punjabi singer Surinder Shinda, known for hit songs "Putt Jattan De", "Jatt Deona Morh" and "Truck Balliya", died on Wednesday after a prolonged illness at a private hospital here. Shinda, who was in his 60s, breathed his last at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital. During his singing career,…
BTS member Jimin has thanked Hollywood star Ryan Gosling for gifting him Ken's guitar from the recently released "Barbie" movie. The member of the South Korean pop sensation shared a video on Instagram expressing gratitude to the actor, who plays Ken in the Greta Gerwig-directed film, for the gesture. "Thank…
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a long note remembering maestro of melody Mukesh on his 100th birth anniversary on Saturday. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi wrote, “Remembering the maestro of melody, Mukesh, on his 100th birth anniversary. His timeless songs evoke a wide range of emotions and have left…
Mukesh, proclaimed as 'Voice of the Millennium', is one of the iconic singers who was considered among the most popular and acclaimed playback singers of the Hindi film industry back in the 60s. His song “Kai Baar Yuhi Dekha Hai” from the film Rajnigandha (1973) won him the National Film…
Armaan Malik's soothing voice has won the hearts of many, making him a favourite when it comes to romantic melodies. His music transcends borders, and he has an incredible ability to connect with listeners through his soulful and expressive voice. As the singer turns 28 on July 22, here are…
THE hotel porter who raped X Factor star, Lucy Spraggan, was deported to India in 2017 after serving four years behind bars, the MailOnline has revealed. The singer-songwriter was raped by Soby John after a night celebrating fellow contestant Rylan Clark's 25th birthday at the Mayfair nightclub Mahiki in 2012.…
THE annual celebration of South Asian Heritage Month explores the shared cultures and histories of the UK and South Asia, with a range of activities from film screenings and concerts to workshops, discussions and events bringing diverse communities together. To mark the important month, being held in 2023 from Tuesday…
WHETHER it is multiple Hollywood remakes, including one headlined by Lady Gaga, Bollywood musicals like Aashiqui 2 and many others globally, a lot of movies have been inspired by 1937 classic A Star Is Born. One of the finest is Hindi film classic Abhimaan, which was released on July 27…
THERE had been a set blueprint for Bollywood concerts for decades with singers mixing up their own hits with classic films songs from long ago and taking an interval break. Arijit Singh rewrote the rulebooks by staying on stage for three hours and injecting diverse influences into film songs to…
WITH over 46 million followers, Jannat Zubair Rahmani is one of the most popular Indian celebrities on Instagram. The 21-year-old actress, singer and social media influencer has a bigger following than most major movie stars from her country. Having started as a child actor, the star of popular shows like…
American singer and actor Nick Jonas wished his wife and actor Priyanka Chopra on her 41st birthday. He took to Instagram to share an adorable picture with Chopra in which he can be seen holding her in his arms on a yacht. He captioned the post, “I love celebrating you.…
Rajesh Khanna, who is considered the first superstar of Indian cinema, passed away on July 18, 2012. Famously known as the 'Kaka' of Hindi cinema, Khanna enthralled audiences with his versatile acting skills. His popularity and craze during his time were unmatched. He not only gave impactful dialogues and performances…
Wimbledon 2023 had been attracting a sea of celebrities since its opening day. Several prominent personalities were in attendance to watch the finals on Sunday between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, among them were Dev Patel, Aamir Khan, and Sonam Kapoor. Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan was present at the Wimbledon…
After a long wait, Zayn Malik has finally revealed the title and release date for his much-anticipated new song. Titled “Love Like This,” the single is scheduled to be out by the end of the month. The former One Direction member has dropped a brand-new teaser on Instagram. In the…
Indian film star Priyanka Chopra Jonas and husband-singer Nick Jonas attended the women's final of the Wimbledon Tennis Championship where Czech Republic's Marketa Vondrousova registered her first Grand Slam win. The couple shared pictures from Saturday's match on their respective Instagram handles. "Beautiful day out at the tennis with my…
Mindy Kaling has spoken out about Reneé Rapp exiting the popular HBO Max show The Sex Lives of College Girls ahead of the premiere of Season 3. The news of Rapp leaving the show, created by the 44-year-old The Office alum, was trending yesterday. The “Too Well” singer shared a…
One Direction alum Zayn Malik has revealed the real reason for leaving the popular boy band. For those not in the know, the singer – who formed the group with bandmates Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson in 2010 - decided to go solo and quit the…
THE magnificence of master musician Madan Mohan is demonstrated by songs that remain massively popular decades after they were recorded. Whether it was iconic love song Lag Jaa Gale in 1964 or his compositions being used on the 2004 Veer Zaara soundtrack nearly 30 years after he passed away on…
WHEN a major Pakistani singer wants a musical explosion on stage, then dynamite drummer Kami Paul is called upon to deliver an incendiary performance filled with fire. Having played live with the biggest names in Pakistani music, he did exactly that with Ali Azmat at a London show in May…
Priyanka Chopra’s sister-in-law Danielle Jonas recently opened up about the struggles of having famous sisters-in-law. She appeared as a guest on the podcast LadyGang along with her singer-husband Kevin Jonas and spoke about her equation with the Jonas family and actresses Priyanka Chopra and Sophie Turner. For the unversed, Kevin…
FROM being made the lead singer of iconic rock band Jal as a teenager to forging a solo music career and becoming a hugely successful actor, Farhan Saeed has always shown an amazing ability to take on any challenge. This has enabled him to entertain audiences across diverse platforms and…
Renée Rapp has decided to quit Mindy Kaling’s hit series The Sex Lives of College Girls. She will exit the series during its upcoming third season. Though fans may be disappointed with the news, the 23-year-old actress will still appear as Leighton Murray in a couple of episodes, but as…
Opera North is seeking applications from music creators of colour for its next Resonance residency programme. Resonance was launched in 2017 to offer funding, space, time, and technical support to professional musicians and composers in any genre who are based in the North of England and the Midlands, as part…
Never Have I Ever is one of the most-watched teen comedy series ever. The series, which recently concluded with season 4 on Netflix has everything, right from the endearing characters to an engaging plotline. Not just the lead character of Devi, played by actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, but other characters including…
The first official trailer for Bob Marley: One Love has been unveiled. The upcoming biopic delves into the life and legacy of the iconic Jamaica musician Bob Marley. Kingsley Ben-Adir is headlining the project. Audiences catch a first glimpse at the varying stages of Marley's life throughout the trailer, leading…
Helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal was one of the most-awaited Bollywood films set to open in cinemas next month in August. However, the makers on Monday announced that they have decided to postpone its release by four months and now the film will release on December 1. Vanga, known…
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, a name that resonates with grandeur and artistic brilliance in the Indian film industry, is often mentioned in the same breath as the cinema greats like Raj Kapoor, K Asif, Mehboob Khan, V Shantaram, Guru Dutt, and Kamal Amrohi. With each project he undertakes, Bhansali not only…
The globally acclaimed singer, composer and actor Shankar Mahadevan has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University (BCU) in recognition of his outstanding services to music and the arts. Mahadevan, who has been described as one of the greatest ever Bollywood vocalists, was given the award at a…
Call it Beyflation. Or maybe Swiftflation. The cost of certain goods is retreating in some places, but that doesn't include live music. Concert tickets have surged in price, to the point where economists are noticing. Fans are shelling out a fortune for tickets to see the world's biggest music acts,…
Actor Dhanush on Friday shared the first look poster of Captain Miller, his upcoming feature with filmmaker Arun Matheswaran. Dhanush unveiled the film’s poster on Twitter. "Captain Miller First look! Respect is freedom," he wrote alongside the poster. Captain Miller First look ! Respect is freedom pic.twitter.com/DDrFjjO46r — Dhanush (@dhanushkraja)…
THE president of the World Bank, Ajay Banga, has been named by a prestigious philanthropic organisation to its annual 'great immigrants' list who have enriched and strengthened America and its democracy through their contributions and actions. Banga, who became World Bank chief in June, is the first-ever Indian-American to lead…
WITH huge concerts headlined by superb singers like The Nooran Sisters, Gurdas Maan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Ali Azmat and Atif Aslam already staged, it has been an action packed year for live music in the UK. There are a lot more concerts on the way in the remaining six months of…
WHETHER it was Mehmood, Johnny Walker, Johnny Lever or lead stars showing off their funny side, there have been many great comedians in Indian cinema across the decades. But the first talented comedian was iconic actor Noor Mohammed Charlie. Armed with his trademark Charlie Chaplin moustache and a natural swagger,…
WHETHER it is singing blockbuster Bollywood songs, composing, releasing awesome albums, or delivering mesmerising live ghazal and Sufi performances, Kavita Seth has done most things in music marvellously well. Instead of basking in the glory of her many impressive achievements, the music talent continues to offer new listening experiences and has…
Zayn Malik is gearing up for a fresh start. The former One Direction star, who released his third album, Nobody Is Listening, more than two years ago, has teased fans with a small teaser of his new studio album, after deleting all his previous social media posts on Instagram. Hours…
The Coke Studio Pakistan production "Pasoori" was one of the most popular songs of 2022 and still continues to enthrall listeners in several parts of the world. Originally performed by Pakistani singers Ali Sethi and Sehbaz Gill, the song has now been remade in India for the upcoming Bollywood film…
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar issued an open death threat to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Brar, who is a part of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang and is the prime accused and the mastermind behind the assassination of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, said…
Netflix, one of the leading streaming media platforms in the world, is home to innumerable blockbuster films and binge-worthy shows. The streamer has launched several hit shows and films in the first half of 2023. Its slate for the second half of the year looks even more electric. Let’s have…
Mary Millben, a prominent African-American Hollywood actress and singer will perform here on Friday at the concluding event for the Official State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Highly popular in India for her singing of the National Anthem Jan Gana Mana and Om Jai Jagdiseh Hare, Millben, 38, will…
British singer Harry Styles is winning hearts with his super sweet gesture during the "Love on Tour" show at Cardiff's Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. The 'Watermelon Sugar' hitmaker on Tuesday stopped his concert to let a pregnant woman use the restroom. The heartfelt moment between Harry Styles and the…
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States has been marked by several key moments that will further strengthen bilateral relations and showcase India’s global influence. Modi is visiting the US from June 21-24 at the invitation of US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden. Modi’s…
Croydon has recently announced the spectacular line-up for its Summer Festivals series. Locals, Londoners, and visitors alike will find new reasons to explore the Borough as festival favourites return bigger and better for 2023, as part of ‘This is Croydon’, our year as The Mayor of London’s London Borough of…
MANY of the greatest songs in the history of Hindi cinema were composed by RD Burman. The late great music maestro had a remarkable career filled with timeless classics that have entertained different generations and helped define Bollywood. He also had great partnerships with singers, lyricists, and lead stars, who…
IT IS no surprise that Shankar Mahadevan is satisfied with his magnificent journey, and is determined to do a lot more. The master musician and versatile singer has a brilliant body of work, which has encompassed all the major genres, including classical, fusion, folk and big commercial film songs, in…
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the United States is expected to be marked by several key moments that will further strengthen bilateral relations and showcase India's global influence. Modi is visiting the US from June 21-24 at the invitation of US president Joe Biden and first lady…
Are you ready for the Proms tribute to the ‘Queen of Melody’ Lata Mangeshkar, whose voice was the soundtrack for generations of cinema-goers? Proms, the world’s greatest classical music festival, is taking place from July 14 to September 9 at Royal Albert Hall in London, and Prom 18: Lata Mangeshkar:…
African American singer and actress Mary Millben, known for her moving rendition of ‘Om Jai Jagadish Hare' and ‘Jana Gana Mana', will perform at a diaspora event to be attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on June 23. Millben, 41, will also attend the 9th International Day of…
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has collaborated with Grammy Award-winning Indian-American singer Falu for a special song to promote the benefits of millets and their potential to alleviate world hunger. The ‘Abundance in Millets' song, performed by Mumbai-born singer-songwriter Falguni Shah known more by her stage name Falu and her…
US president Joe Biden has denounced racism in the US and said the Juneteenth holiday was meant to help underscore American values that he said were under threat. Speaking at the White House's first big Juneteenth celebration, a concert that featured performances by singers Jennifer Hudson, Audra McDonald and Ledisi,…
The unwritten rule in the top tier of Bollywood is that you don’t talk about all the bad things that happen behind the scenes, even if they are incredibly awful. In that regard, some truly terrible incidents have been covered up or swept under the carpet over the years. This…
Skyscrapers, bridges, and other landmarks in South Korea's capital lit up in purple on Monday as the country begins celebrating the 10th anniversary of K-pop band BTS, whose global popularity is a source of national pride. The lights will provide the backdrop for various social media-driven events marking the 2013…
Khatija Rahman, the daughter of Oscar-winning Indian composer AR Rahman, is set to make her debut as a music composer with the upcoming Tamil film, Minmini. Halitha Shameem, who is making her directorial debut with Minmini, took to social media on Monday to announce that she has collaborated with musician…
An amazing all-round ability has seen Ammy Virk balance a music and movie career like a boss. Having started off as a chart-topping singer, the popular star has acted in a string of successful Punjabi films and is also a producer. Entertaining audiences with hit songs, live shows and marvellous…
Brooke Law continued to confirm herself as a great British talent with her new song Wild As I Was. The lyrically strong track is about a mother reminiscing about an adventurous youth, and hoping her child lives life to the full, without being too wild. With more music and performances…
Recently released four-track EP Glimpse has given a good insight into how much of a great new talent SeineSation is. Having grown up in the South of France and Chennai, India, and now based in New York, she has seamlessly incorporated diverse influences, including folk, pop, rock, and indie into…
A new book gives a detailed account of the death and the subsequent investigation into the murder of Punjabi singer-rapper Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu -- popularly known as Sidhu Moosewala. "Who Killed Moosewala?", scheduled to release on Monday, is written by journlaist-author Jupinderjit Singh. Published by Westland Books, it looks at…
Thousands of kilometres away from its city of origin, the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) began on Thursday evening (01). The festival debuted in the Spanish capital with an aim to provide a platform for the exploration of Spanish writing. JLF Valladolid Spain, hosted in the northwestern city, is set to…
Well-known singer Zayn Malik returned to Twitter and posted his second tweet of 2023 on the microblogging site. On Sunday, the singer took to Twitter and shared a gratitude note for his fans. “I would like to say thank you to everyone that has supported me throughout this amazing journey,…
Shalini Boland was signed by Universal music and trying to make it as a singer/songwriter when she took a decision that changed her life. After having her first child, she missed being with family, so decided to give up music, and started writing fiction to remain connected to her creative…
KK, one of the most talented Indian playback singers, died on this day 12 months ago. He died on May 31, 2022, due to a heart attack while he was performing in Kolkata. He sang thousands of songs in his career with songs such as “Yaaron Dosti,” “Tadap Tadap Ke,” “Pal,”…
A great recent release by a British Asian singer has been Don’t Need Your Love. The superb new song from Gilska is an intense alternative-electronic-pop sonic experience, powered by her impressive vocals and meaningful lyrics. It adds to a growing list of achievements for the classically trained singer, including eyecatching…
Legendary actress Dimple Kapadia may have taken a big career break and at times been selective about her work, but that hasn’t taken away from the remarkable impact she has made on popular culture. Whether it is her work in cinema, becoming a role model for single working mothers, breaking…
Singer Nick Jonas lauded actor Tiger Shroff after the latter on Monday sang "Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife)" version of Indian artiste King and Nick. Tiger dropped a video of himself singing the "Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife)" song and captioned it, "My small take on the 'afterlife' #maanmerijaan." View this…
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and Netflix on Tuesday shared the first look teaser of the upcoming film Amar Singh Chamkila, based on the life of the iconic music star of Punjab from the 1980s. Directed by Ali, the film stars Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra in lead roles. It presents the…
Bollywood actress Dia Mirza who is in Abu Dhabi for IIFA 2023 on Saturday discussed the role of cinema and IIFA as a platform in raising awareness and driving action for sustainable development. Dia who is also a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador and United Nations Secretary-General Advocate for Sustainable Development…
What was Srichand Parmanand Hinduja – “SP” to everyone – really like? I will miss our walks in St James’s Park, which were invariably at dawn. He walked briskly, much faster than someone half his age. More than 10 years ago, he decided to tell me his life story. At…
Cult classic Amar Akbar Anthony is always included in the lists of greatest Bollywood films of all time. The highest-grossing Hindi movie of 1977 had a star-studded cast, memorable music, magical moments, and a legendary story of three brothers, brought up in different faiths after being separated as children. The…
New Punjabi movie Jodi has stolen the thunder of a hotly anticipated Bollywood biopic being directed by acclaimed producer/director Imtiaz Ali. The musical, clearly inspired by the lives of late Punjabi singers Amar Singh Chamkila and Amarjot Kaur, was finally released in cinemas worldwide after several delays to great acclaim…
A play – set in 1887 and exploring the lives of Indian ayahs, sailors and servants in the heart of the British Raj – still has a lot to say about modern society, playwright Tanika Gupta MBE has said, as her work is set to return this July. After a…
The recently concluded season of Indian Idol 13 saw Rishi Singh beat off top competition from world-class singers to win the top prize. The 20-year-old rose from humble beginnings in Ayodhya to delight the judges and huge global audience with his voice. The singer with high hopes for the future…
American singer Nick Jonas has acknowledged that a lot of people in India call him 'Jiju' post his marriage to Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra. Nick, 30, recently made an appearance on a BBC chat show, where the host asked him about being called 'jiju', the Hindi term for brother-in-law. "A…
Singer Charli XCX is set to make her silver screen debut in a starring role. She has joined the cast of the upcoming remake of the 1978 cult horror film Faces of Death. She will star alongside ex-Euphoria alum Barbie Ferreira and Stranger Things’ Dacre Montgomery in the upcoming film.…
The Grammy Award-winning singer Norah Jones has announced a new London show. The singer-songwriter and pianist, who is known for her soulful voice and unique blend of jazz, pop, and country music, will headline EFG London Jazz Festival at Royal Festival Hall on November 16, following an opening set from…
American singer-songwriter Nick Jonas recently made headlines when he collaborated with Indian artiste King for the rendition of the popular Bollywood song, “Maan Meri Jaan,” which was originally featured in the 2005 Hindi film, King’s Song. Jonas spoke to BBC Asian Network Breakfast host Nikita Kanda after the release of…
Sweden has won the 67th Eurovision song contest. The Swedish singer-songwriter Loreen was named the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 for her pop ballad “Tattoo,” She beat out 25 other nations at the event’s final on Saturday night and created Eurovision history by becoming the second person in…
Well-known Carnatic musician Bombay Jayashri Ramnath on Monday said she is "recovering well" after suffering a health setback in March. Jayashri Ramnath, who is in her 50s, had a health scare while touring the UK in March. "With all your blessings, prayers, and wishes, I am recovering well. Please keep…
Singer Kumar Sanu's daughter Shannon K is set to make her Cannes Film Festival debut. Shannon Kumar Sanu, who started her career as a singer in 2018 with Poo Bear, added an acting feather in 2020 with The Big Feed in Hollywood and an anti-bullying song, 'Give Me Your Hand'…
Bollywood actress Parineeeti Chopra and AAP leader Raghav Chadha are all set to get engaged after being rumoured about dating for a long time. Here is everything you need to know about the event. When and Where? The engagement vows will be taking place at the Kapurthala House in New…
Bollywood actress Parineeeti Chopra and AAP leader Raghav Chadha are all set to get engaged after being rumoured to date for a long time. Adding up to the suggested date of May 13 set for the engagement, the actress' house in Bandra is all decked up with beautiful lights. On…
Most celebrity careers are defined by the choices they make. The right moves have so much power that even not-so-talented individuals can achieve incredible success, but on the flip side, bad choices can kill promising careers of gifted individuals. Those wrong turns can be the result of poor judgement, bad…
The coronation concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday (7) featured the Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor, the Punjabi poet Daljit Nagra and several Asian women in bright pink outfits from the Bradford-based SongGeet choir. The “wonderful Sonam Kapoor”, described as “one of Hindi cinema’s biggest stars”, introduced a virtual choir from…
King Charles will attend a music concert featuring the likes of singers Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Andrea Bocelli at Windsor Castle on Sunday (7) after street parties are held across Britain as part of celebrations to mark his coronation. Amid scenes of pomp and pageantry, Charles and his wife…
American singers Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, on Saturday, attended the coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in London. Several pictures of the celebs from the ceremony went viral on social media. In the pictures, Perry could be seen dressed head-to-toe in a lilac outfit. She wore a…
King Charles III was anointed and crowned on Saturday in Britain's biggest ceremonial event for seven decades, a sumptuous display of pageantry dating back 1,000 years. In front of a congregation of about 100 world leaders and a television audience of millions, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of…
Indian singer Diljit Dosanjh created history when he rocked the stage at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2023, becoming the first Punjabi singer to ever perform at the music festival in Indio, California. In addition to Dosanjh, there were a couple more South Asian artists who spellbound the audience…
The enthronement ceremony of King Charles III as the 40th monarch will be a historical moment for Britain. The ceremony will be attended by numerous celebrities, a few of whom will also perform at the follow-up coronation concert on May 7. The star-studded ceremony has an exciting lineup to deliver…
Long queues, a wait of several hours, and the humid weather all felt worth it to the fans of Backstreet Boys as the popular American band wrapped the India leg of their DNA World Tour with an exhilarating performance in the Delhi-NCR region. After a gig in Mumbai, the boy…
