• Thursday, April 25, 2024

Results for "singer"

Ayushmann Khurrana to attend TIME100 Gala in New York

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 receives Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award

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: Leading lady who took Bollywood global

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…

‘Biggest moment of my life’: Usha Uthup on receiving Padma…

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…

Sid Sriram becomes first South Indian artist to perform at…

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…

Swifties swarmed at this pub in London, know why

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…

Mumtaz attends party in Pakistan, poses with Fawad Khan, Rahat…

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’s London connection: A timeline of her dramatic relationships

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…

‘Trap’ Trailer: M Night Shyamalan’s new film lets a serial…

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…

‘Christmas Karma’: Gurinder Chadha announces new film; Kunal Nayyar to…

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,…

Scorsese’s next two films to be ‘Life of Jesus’ and…

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…

Marine biologists ‘talk’ to humpback whale, call it ‘breakthrough’

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…

Amitabh Bachchan to receive Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award

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,…

Indian origin South African musician Barry Baldeo dies

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.…

AP Dhillon receives backlash for breaking guitar at Coachella

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…

Met Gala 2024: What to expect from fashion’s biggest night

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…

Shakira to Billie Eilish: Fun packed weekend at Coachella 2024

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…

New ad featuring Rajamouli and cricketer David Warner goes viral

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,…

Tackling age-gap double standard in relationships

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…

Nimesh Sanghoi brings back magic of Mohammed Rafi and Kishore…

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…

Modi’s party ropes in influencers to woo young voters

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…

Billie Eilish reveals title and release date of new album

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…

Nora Fatehi calls her FIFA closing ceremony performance ‘life-changing’

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.…

Billie Eilish gains followers on Instagram after her ‘close friends’…

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…

Jamming together: Rahman and Imtiaz Ali on music, movies and…

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…

Had to unlearn a few things as musician: Diljit Dosanjh…

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…

Mannat Noor: Small town dreams to stardom

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…

Classical celebration of cross-cultural composers

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.…

Brief history of Bollywood break-ups

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…

Sonia Mehta on why she’s back with Salaam & Funk

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…

Taylor Swift declared an official billionaire by Forbes

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…

Shakira says ‘Barbie’ is emasculating to certain extent, her sons…

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 lends voice for new film ‘Tiger’, announces release…

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…

‘Panic is a huge form of creativity,’ says Shekhar Kapur…

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,…

Alia Bhatt hosts Hope Gala in London; Gurinder Chadha joins…

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…

Zayn Malik says he wants to collaborate with Miley Cyrus

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…

Fans select their favourite Sonu Nigam hits ahead of UK…

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,…

Pratibha Singh Baghel headlines a perfect concert

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…

Great celebrity wedding debate

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,…

Indians have so much passion, says American singer Allen Ling

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…

Armaan Malik collaborates with AR Rahman for ‘Goat Life’ track

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 to contest India polls

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…

Reality show winner held in India for selling snake venom…

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…

DJ Alan Walker to perform in India

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…

Priyanka Chopra shares pictures from Ram temple visit

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…

Zayn Malik named as ambassador for Bradford City of Culture…

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.…

My creative process is an ongoing jam session with life:…

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…

Priyanka and Nick offer prayers at Ayodhya’s Ram temple with…

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, Arooj Aftab part of Glastonbury Festival lineup

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,…

Ed Sheeran captivates audience at Mumbai concert

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…

Shah Rukh Khan teaches Ed Sheeran his signature pose

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…

Top 10 moments of Atma Ahir

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…

Shide Boss is back with a big swing

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…

Ayushmann Khurrana meets Ed Sheeran

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’s short film tells story of an immigrant mother…

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…

Channi Singh: Return of the godfather

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.  …

Ed Sheeran returns to India for his second concert after…

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…

Renowned Sufi singer Kailash Kher bid farewell to Parmarth Niketan

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…

Asha Bhosle announces debut of granddaughter Zanai

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,…

TOP 10 British Asian women entertainers

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 delivers a spectacular performance

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…

‘Enjoy Enjaami’ controversy: AR Rahman distances from music label Maajja

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…

Amit Shah meets Asha Bhosle, unveils her photobiography ‘Best of…

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…

My dream is to work with Salman, says Pakistani actress…

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…

SRK, Suhana groove to ‘Chammak Challo’ with Akon, Salman plays…

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 wins Indian Idol 14

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…

Vir Das, Richa Chadha condemn Spanish tourist’s gang rape

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…

Khan trio dances to ‘Naatu Naatu’ at Anant-Radhika’s pre-wedding bash

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…

Rihanna rocks the stage at Anant Ambani-Radhika’s pre-wedding bash

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 releases music video of latest single ‘Dizzy’

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…

Ivanka Trump, Rihanna land in Jamnagar for Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding…

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…

Mark Zuckerberg arrives in Jamnagar for Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding celebrations

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…

Bollywood star Nora Fatehi signs with Warner Music

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…

Tributes paid to Mike Allbut who presented Asian content on…

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…

Manmohan Desai: Magician of the Bollywood masala entertainer

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…

Grammy win an unforgettable memory: violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan

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…

Everything we know about Anant Ambani’s wedding preps

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…

Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan pay last respects to Pankaj Udhas

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…

Tributes pour in for Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas

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…

UK issues special coin to commemorate singer George Michael

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’.…

Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas dies at 72

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",…

‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ to premiere on April 12 on Netflix

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…

British Indian doctor’s rock band embarks on nationwide tour

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…

V&A Museum London seeks Taylor Swift superfan for advisory role

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…

Suresh Wadkar receives Lata Mangeshkar Award

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…

Lillete Dubey’s new play portrays love in a time of…

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…

Ameen Sayani: The man who romanced the radio, took it…

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: Master of rhythm and melody

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…

Enduring legacy of ‘Kabhi Kabhie’

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…

Kanda: Musical power of meaningful songs

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.…

‘Dillagi’ UK tour review: British qawwali group delivers a performance…

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…

Asif Kapadia’s doc on Roger Federer set at Prime Video

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…

Deepika Padukone stuns in saree at BAFTA Awards

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.…

‘Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaye’ Review: Guru Randhawa’s acting debut is…

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…

‘Historic moment’: Akshay Kumar on inauguration of BAPS Hindu Mandir

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 seeks blessings at Ram Temple in Ayodhya

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…

Nutan: Bollywood’s timeless icon

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…

Michael Jackson’s nephew recreates ‘Man in the Mirror’ look in…

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…

Javed Ali: Versatile voice of Bollywood

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…

Ed Sheeran to perform in Mumbai

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…

Diljit Dosanjh, Shreya Ghoshal to be part of ‘Coke Studio…

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: ‘I feel more fulfilled in my acting career‘

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…

We did it: Shankar Mahadevan on Grammy win

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…

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan: The fall of a qawwali king

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…

Charli XCX previews new song ‘Von Dutch’

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…

Grammys 2024 Winners list: Women dominate award night

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…

Grammys 2024: Five Indians bag awards, Zakir Hussain gets three

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…

Fusion band Shakti wins best global music album at Grammy

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…

AR Rahman says using AI in music ‘has to serve…

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…

Spotify names Annural Khalid Pakistan’s first ‘RADAR Artist’

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, Sadhguru to appear in Jennifer Lopez’s ‘This Is…

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…

Kavita Krishnamurthy: ‘Very scared of use of AI in music’

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…

Fans select their top Shreya Ghoshal track ahead of UK…

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…

Movie greatness of Gippy Grewal

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 to be recognised at Billboard Women in Music…

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 Asian Sounds Festival attracts megastars for inaugural festival

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…

One Republic enthralls Mumbai crowd with their debut gig

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,…

AR Rahman recreates voices of dead singers using AI for…

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…

Filmfare Awards: Ranbir, Alia win top honours; see full winners…

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…

Sting closes Lollapalooza India with energetic performance

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 criticised for assaulting ‘protege’

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…

Nadine Shah: Rehab was the ‘best thing I did’

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.…

Balraj Samrai, Satnam Galsian awarded Opera North Resonance residencies

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,…

Top 30 under 30 to watch in 2024

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…

Chand Ali Khan: ‘Qawwalis are spiritual conversations’

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 returns to Paris Fashion Week

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…

Modi is the ‘best leader’ for India, says US singer…

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…

‘Oppenheimer’ leads nominations at BAFTA Awards

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…

Coachella 2024 lineup announced

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,…

Riar Saab: Rebel without a pause

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…

‘Our beloved Lata Didi will be missed on Jan 22’,…

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,…

Filmfare Award noms: ‘Jawan’, ‘Pathaan’ vie for top honours

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.…

Zayn Malik teams up with Pakistani trio AUR

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 release date out

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 laid to rest

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…

Sania Salan: Singing to success

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,…

Chronicles of singing superstar KL Saigal

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…

Rekha-Vishal Bhardwaj among others to attend SpokenFest 2024

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…

Ahmed Kaysher: Merging traditions to define modern sensuality

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 world mourns the loss of Ustad Rashid Khan

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’s next features an unexpected protagonist

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…

Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan dies at 55

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…

‘Fauda’ actor seriously injured in Gaza

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 Ali Sethi collaborates with Jonita Gandhi

'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’ to premiere at the Int’l Film Fest of Rotterdam

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…

Movies that stood out in an action-packed 2023

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…

24 entertaining things to look forward to in 2024

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: Memorable moments of a self-made star

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 writing songs for Britney Spears’ new album

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 breaks Elvis Presley’s record

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…

Dua Lipa feels ‘beyond lucky’ to end 2023 in India

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…

Dua Lipa visits Bangla Sahib and Humayun Tomb in Delhi

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…

Dua Lipa shares pictures from Rajasthan trip

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…

Sonu Nigam receives Mohammed Rafi Award

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,…

Charli XCX working on new music with fiancé George Daniel

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…

Akshay Kumar marks 16 years of ‘Welcome’

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.…

50 things we learned about Bollywood in 2023

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…

Month-by-month guide to Hindi film highs and lows from the…

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…

DJ Shai Guy selects the biggest dance anthems of a…

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…

Best British Asian moments of 2023 in music

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…

The best of 2023

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…

A glance at top Bollywood songs of 2023

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…

Jackie Shroff celebrates 40 years of ‘Hero’

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…

Indian Mission embraces Christmas with carols and millets

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…

‘Barbie’ leads at Critics Choice Awards 2024 nominations

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 tops Global Asian Celebrity List 2023

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…

Top 50 Asian stars of 2023

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 Amrita Sher-Gil museum

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…

‘A year of serenity’: SLB’s ‘Sukoon’ continues to soothe souls

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…

K-Pop singer Aoora to enter ‘Bigg Boss 17’

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…

Charli XCX drops update on next project

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 ranks Taylor Swift as Person of the Year

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…

Nalini Jaywant: Rise, romance and tragedy of a movie legend

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…

Kissinger’s south Asia policies a ‘strategic fiasco’

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…

Kavi Pau: Combining contrasting music cultures

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…

Oxford University Press declares ‘Rizz’ Word of the Year

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…

Kissinger advocated strong ties with India during Modi’s leadership

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…

Irish music legend Shane MacGowan dies

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.…

Charli XCX engaged to George Daniel

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…

Coolie: 40 years of an all time classic

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…

Abby V: ‘I would love to keep on making relatable…

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…

Gippy Grewal confirms gunfire outside Canada residence

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…

‘Om Shanti Om’ one of my favourite films: Catherine Zeta-Jones

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…

Anuradha Juju on creating UN COP28 concert theme

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,…

Fatal stampede in Kerala claims four lives

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…

Shekhar Kapur’s daughter gears up for acting debut

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…

Modi reacts to Mick Jagger’s social media note in Hindi

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…

Anoushka Shankar, Jonas Brothers to perform at Lollapalooza India

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…

Jerry & Marge Go Large: Full and Honest Review

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…

Kumar Sanu: A special kind of music romance

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…

V Shantaram: Life and times of a cinema giant

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…

Priyanka Chopra-Nick Jonas host Diwali bash in Los Angeles

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…

Billie Eilish says she is ‘physically attracted’ to women

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…

‘Pippa’ makers on controversy surrounding Kazi Nazrul Islam’s song

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…

Hindi film songs that celebrate the joyous spirit of Diwali

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…

Modi meets Saira Banu

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…

Oscar Castellino: The Barber of Seville is a must-watch

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…

‘Sushmita Sen a force to reckon with’: Raja Kumari

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…

Baazigar bad guy that turned Shah Rukh Khan into a…

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.…

Salman, Arijit and a Tiger 3 table turn

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…

Raja Kumari raps for Sushmita Sen in ‘Aarya 3’

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…

KBC Arts celebrates Indian poets Kabir/Tulsi/ Surdas through various art…

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,…

Boom Shack Apache Indian

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…

‘Dear Jassi’ review: Powerful drama inspired by real-life events packs…

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…

Sashadhar Mukherjee: Most influential Bollywood legend you are unaware of

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…

Asian artists hit the high notes with social media

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…

Westlife singer Nicky Byrne talks about India tour

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…

Diljit Dosanjh, Sia collaborate on fusion track ‘Hass Hass’

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",…

Harrdy Sandhu announces maiden India tour

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",…

Beyonce to hold premiere of her concert film in London,…

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…

Atif Aslam halts concert mid-way after fan throws money at…

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 onboards mocktail brand Mixoloshe as co-owner

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”.…

Qawwali Flamenco: Powerful musical fusion provides a unique live experience

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…

Taha G: Making music for the mind, heart and soul

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…

Angad Bedi issues statement after demise of father Bishan Singh…

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…

Indian court rejects plea to ban Pakistani artists from working…

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…

UK musician Tanya Wells, named Bhakti as a child, feels…

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,…

Ed Sheeran sets final gig of new tour in Mumbai…

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…

Kashmiri singer speaks about his journey to Top 20 on…

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…

Ejaz Rahi: We need more singers to keep folk music…

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…

Aditya Prakash: Introspection and an immersive search for identity

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.…

Shammi Kapoor: Bollywood’s original rock’n’ roll rebel

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…

Waheeda Rehman, Alia Bhatt, Allu Arjun and other winners honoured…

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…

Anushka, Arijit, Sachin arrive for Cricket World Cup match against…

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…

World Cup 2023: Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth to attend Ind…

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…

Arijit Singh to perform at Modi stadium before India-Pakistan Cricket…

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…

Jada Pinkett says she and Will Smith have been separated…

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…

MY TOP 10 with Gubzy Singh Lackhanpal

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,…

Saloni: The language of making magical music

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 firm linked to Blackburn Rovers has assets seized

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…

Gurdas Maan’s Canada tour postponed amid ‘diplomatic unrest’

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…

Selena Gomez shines in Indian designer Rahul Mishra’s purple ensemble

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…

Grammy winner Ricky Kej slams comedian Trevor Noah

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…

All about Aaliyah Qureishi

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…

The Great Indian Family review: Comedy-drama misses the mark despite…

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…

MY PLAYLIST by Pratibha Singh Baghel

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…

Music preview of live UK concerts, featuring top talents, in…

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…

Zayn Malik likely to collaborate with BTS’ Jungkook

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…

Birthday Special: Top 5 best-rated films of Ranbir Kapoor on…

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…

Modi remembers Lata Mangeshkar on her birth anniversary

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…

TOP 10 SD Burman songs

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…

First pictures from Parineeti Chopra-Raghav Chadha wedding out

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.…

Guru Randhawa signs with international talent agency CAA

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…

Priyanka Chopra wishes Parineeti, Raghav for new beginnings

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 spotted filming her next project in London

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…

AP Dhillon reacts to cancellation of Shubh’s India tour

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…

Rapper Shubhneet Singh’s India tour cancelled over alleged support to…

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…

Feroz Khan: From an Indian extra to a real life…

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…

Lucky Ali’s London concert should have been so much more

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…

Bohemian Rhapsody as Freddie Mercury auction nets millions

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…

Exodus by Inder Paul Sandhu: The divine style statement

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…

Zubeida: India’s first talkie star

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…

MY PLAYLIST by Raahul Jatin

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…

Power of poetry praised as Javed Akhtar gets literary award

“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…

Lalit Pandit, Daler Mehndi, Anees Bazmee wish Asha Bhosle on…

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…

Asha Bhosle at 90: I faced difficulties but when I…

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…

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner confirm separation, ask for privacy

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…

British singers pick their best Asha Bhosle songs

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…

Gita takes opera form in Mahabharata adaptation at Barbican

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…

Asha Bhosle, who changed face of Indian commercial music, turns…

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…

Madhuri Dixit ecstatic as ‘Khalnayak’ re-releases in theatres

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…

BFI London Film Festival 2023 announces full programme line-up

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…

Camilo teams up with Diljit Dosanjh for track ‘Palpita’

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…

India’s music scene has changed drastically, artists are empowered: Shreya…

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…

Kaykay Chauhan: AR Rahman changed the face of Indian film…

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 2023: Songs to dedicate to your siblings

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 make it to contestants list for…

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…

Gaurav Gupta on dressing up Beyonce for world tour

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…

Obama, global leaders concerned over ‘threats to democracy and human…

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: The K-pop girl group with no Korean members has…

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 Bollywood lyricist Dev Kohli passes away at 80

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,…

69th National Film Awards: Kriti Sanon, R Madhvan, Bhansali and…

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…

69th National Film Awards: Alia, Kriti share Best Actress, Allu…

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…

10 reasons to get excited about Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Jawan’

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…

Saphron: I found my voice through writing

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…

Abira Shah: I will pick old classics over any genre…

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…

Brown community is getting the light it deserves globally: AP…

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…

Birthday Special: 5 remarkable performances of veteran actor Chiranjeevi

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,…

Michael Jackson sexual abuse lawsuits revived by appeals court

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…

Birthday special: Iconic songs of Daler Mehndi

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…

Priyanka Chopra steps away from her New York-based restaurant

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…

Grammy winner Arooj Aftab conferred with Pride of Pakistan Award

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…

MY PLAYLIST with Spectra

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…

Why ‘Dil Se’ is a movie masterpiece

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…

‘Bradford is a rough diamond that’s beginning to be polished’

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…

Modi reacts to Ricky Kej’s rendition of Indian National Anthem

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…

‘We are a new India’: Ricky Kej on recording Indian…

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,…

Freddie Mercury ‘treasures’ go on show

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…

Guru-Murthy can’t wait to learn dance as he joins Strictly

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…

DJ Lady G: A full dance floor shows you’re playing…

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…

30 years of ‘Khalnayak’: Subhash Ghai says it was shocking…

“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…

‘It’s very difficult for anyone to copy Lata didi’: Asha…

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…

Krishnan Guru-Murthy confirmed to participate in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’

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…

AP Dhillon to come up with his docuseries

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…

Birthday Special: The 5 best Charli XCX songs

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.…

The magic of Koi Mil Gaya

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. …

Chahat and Mahmood Ali: ‘Qawwali helps audiences connect to a…

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 magic at London Proms show

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…

K-pop group TXT to headline Lollapalooza music festival

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…

Adnan Sami: A playlist of his greatest hits ahead of…

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…

Akshata Murty tops Tatler’s list for Britain’s best dressed

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…

Birthday Special: Top 5 soulful songs of Sonu Nigam

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…

Timeless magic of Mohammed Rafi

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…

Singing praises of migrant workers

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 dies

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’ Jimin thanks Ryan Gosling for ‘Barbie’ movie guitar

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…

Modi remembers “maestro of melody” Mukesh on his 100th birth…

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…

Remembering Mukesh on his 100th birth anniversary, a look at…

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…

Birthday special: Timeless melodies of singer Armaan Malik

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…

X Factor star Lucy Spraggan’s rapist deported to India

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.…

How music shaped British Asian identity

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…

‘Abhimaan’: A movie that is still relevant and relatable

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…

Singer Asees Kaur makes perfect UK live debut

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…

Jannat Zubair Rahmani: Stardom, songs and social media success

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…

‘I love celebrating you’: Nick Jonas wishes Priyanka on her…

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.…

‘Anand’ to ‘Aradhana’, a look at Rajesh Khanna’s iconic films…

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…

Dev Patel, Sonam Kapoor and Aamir Khan watch epic Djokovic-Alcaraz…

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…

Zayn Malik teases new single ‘Love Like This’

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…

Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas watch Wimbledon women’s final

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 responds to Reneé Rapp exiting ‘The Sex Lives…

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…

Zayn Malik reveals why he left One Direction

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…

Madan Mohan: Maestro with a Midas touch

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…

Kami Paul: Drumming up big success

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…

Danielle Jonas says she feels “less” than sister-in-law Priyanka Chopra

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…

Farhan Saeed: Performance and perfection

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 quits Mindy Kaling’s ‘Sex Lives of College Girls’

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 seeks music-makers of colour for ‘life-changing’ residency programme

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…

Here’s why Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is ‘ready to roll’ for a…

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…

‘Bob Marley: One Love’ trailer unveiled

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…

Here’s why Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’ has been pushed to Dec…

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…

Bhansali’s ‘Baiju Bawra’ to be biggest musical film India has…

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…

Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan receives major university honour

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…

Popstars could be powering inflation as concert prices surge

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,…

Dhanush unveils first look of his next ‘Captain Miller’

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)…

Indian-American Ajay Banga named ‘great immigrant’

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…

Live performances and tours to look forward to in the…

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…

First king of comedy: Story of Noor Mohammed Charlie

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,…

Kavita Seth: Power, passion and finding perfection

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 wipes his Instagram feed ahead of new studio…

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…

Pasoori: Bollywood remake of Pakistani song leaves fans divided

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…

We will definitely kill Salman Khan: Gangster Goldy Brar

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…

5 most anticipated Netflix Hindi films and shows in 2023

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 to perform at concluding event of PM Modi’s…

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…

Harry Styles stops concert for pregnant fan to use washroom

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…

Modi meets eminent Indian Americans during US visit

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 announces line-up for its Summer Festivals series

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…

RD Burman: Life, love and legacy

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…

The magic of Shankar Mahadevan

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…

Modi’s first US state visit: Top 5 highlights

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…

Get ready for Proms tribute to Lata Mangeshkar by Palak…

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:…

Mary Millben to perform at diaspora event to be attended…

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…

Modi joins Grammy-winning singer Falu for a special song

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…

Joe Biden: Our freedoms have been put at risk by…

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,…

Why Priyanka Chopra can break the silence

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…

BTS: Seoul landmarks lit up to celebrate K-pop band’s 10th…

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…

AR Rahman’s daughter Khatija to debut as composer

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…

Ammy Virk: The Punjabi history maker

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…

My Playlist by Brooke Law

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…

Singer, songwriter and musical SeineSation

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…

Book on Sidhu Moosewala’s death to release on Monday

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…

The Jaipur Literature Festival makes its debut in Madrid

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…

Zayn Malik posts a gratitude note for fans

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: ‘It’s fun to make readers gasp’

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…

Shaan remembers KK on his first death anniversary

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,”…

Gilska’s top 10 favourite songs

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…

Top 10 Dimple Kapadia moments in movies

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…

Nick praises Tiger for recreating Maan Meri Jaan Afterlife song

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…

Netflix unveils first look of Amar Singh Chamkila

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…

Cinema is instrument of social change: Dia Mirza 

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…

‘Visionary titan’ SP Hinduja mourned

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…

Celebrating Amar Akbar Anthony

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…

‘Jodi’ steals thunder of biopic planned by Imtiaz Ali

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…

Tanika Gupta: Colonial play ‘The Empress’ still relevant and more…

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…

Rishi Singh: ‘Music has given me hope that I can…

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…

Nick Jonas on being called ‘jiju’ in India

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…

Charli XCX to make acting debut; more deets inside

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.…

Norah Jones announces a new London show

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…

Nick Jonas open to making more music for Bollywood movies

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…

Eurovision 2023: Here’s who won the song contest

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…

Bombay Jayashri recovering well after health setback

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…

Kumar Sanu’s daughter Shannon to make her Cannes debut

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'…

Know everything about Parineeti Chopra’s engagement

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…

Parineeti Chopra’s home lit up as engagement rumours swirl

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…

How Shehnaaz Gill is self-sabotaging

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…

Asians star in coronation concert at Windsor Castle

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…

Street parties, concert held to mark historic coronation

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…

Katy Perry, Lionel Richie attend King Charles III’s coronation

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 crowned in historic ceremony

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…

Coachella 2023: Pakistani actor feels his country didn’t cheer for…

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…

Coronation: All you need to know about showbiz side of…

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…

Backstreet Boys deliver ‘larger than life’ performance in Delhi-NCR

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…

Ed Sheeran wins Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On copyright…

'Shape of You' singer Ed Sheeran won the copyright trial case on Thursday which alleged that he plagiarized the Marvin Gaye hit 'Let's Get It On' for his 'Thinking Out Loud' song. According to Variety, a US-based media house, after just a few hours of discussion on Thursday, the jury…

Secondary bacterial infection, not cytokine storm, primary cause of Covid…

New research indicates that the deaths of Covid-19 patients are not caused by the widely believed "cytokine storm," but rather by secondary bacterial pneumonia that goes unresolved. The study showed that nearly half of the Covid-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation also developed pneumonia. This secondary bacterial infection in the lungs…

Ali Azmat: Stairway to rock ‘n’ roll heaven

From global fans to artists following in his giant footsteps, Ali Azmat became the voice for an entire generation as the lead singer of legendary band Junoon. The Pakistani icon helped shape popular music in the 1990s and lay the foundation for a thriving pop industry in South Asia. The…

Met Gala 2023: Meet Prabal Gurung, the designer who dressed…

The Met Gala 2023 is one of the highlights of fashion calendar and this year's event was held in tribute to Karl Lagerfeld. Asian designer Prabal Gurung was among those who dressed a few high profile guests at the exclusive gathering. He is the creative mind behind the outfits of…

King Charles III’s Coronation to welcome Indian charity champions as…

The upcoming Coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in London on Saturday (06) will host a congregation of 2,200 attendees, including royal figures, global leaders, and several Indian community workers who have been involved with the monarch's charitable initiatives during his tenure as the Prince of Wales, Buckingham…

Met Gala 2023: Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas twin in…

Indian star Priyanka Chopra Jonas and her husband, American singer Nick Jonas, opted for the colour black for their Met Gala 2023 appearance here. For the gala, which takes place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the couple wore matching Valentino attires. The theme was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of…

Gangubai Kathiawadi, Badhaai Do, Brahmastra bag top honours at Filmfare…

Stories and characters that challenged stereotypes were honoured at the 68th Filmfare Awards, with Alia Bhatt-starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi and LGBTQ comedy-drama Badhaai Do emerging as top winners. Gangubai Kathiawadi, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, won 10 awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) for…

Who won at Filmfare Awards 2023? Here’s complete winners’ list

Filmfare Awards is one of the oldest and most prominent film events dedicated to the Hindi film industry. The awards were first introduced in 1954 and on Thursday it marked its 68th edition. The latest event saw many young artists fulfilling their dreams of winning the iconic Black Lady. From…

Freddie Mercury’s ‘shortest, tightest’ hotpants worn at 1980 Birmingham gig…

A pair of skintight leather hotpants worn by Freddie Mercury has sold for £18,000 ahead of a huge auction featuring 1,500 items from the rock legend’s personal collection. Mercury, then 34, wore the tailored black shorts, which ‘didn’t leave much to the imagination’, on several occasions, most noticeably during an…

UK Asian Film Festival: Breaking barriers with cinema

The annual UK Asian Film Festival returns for another action-packed line-up in May. The longest running celebration of south Asian cinema globally, previously known as Tongues On Fire, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with film premieres and special events. [caption id="attachment_229610" align="alignleft" width="297"] Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry[/caption] Festival director and…

The ‘Jeevan Naiya’ love affair and how it changed the…

Long forgotten 1930s classic Jeevan Naiya inadvertently changed the course of commercial Bollywood with a domino effect triggered by an extramarital affair that can still be felt today. To mark the 87th anniversary of the film, which was released on May 2, 1936, Eastern Eye went back in time to…

Asha Bhosle, Vidya Balan remember Lata Mangeshkar at award ceremony

The sister wished she was there in person and the fan wore a sari she had gifted her. For playback singer Asha Bhosle and actress Vidya Balan, being honoured at the Mangeshkar family awards was bittersweet, a moment to be treasured but also remember late melody queen Lata Mangeshkar. Bhosle…

Eurovision 2023 hopeful Mae Muller meets junior Eurovision star Freya…

Popstar Mae Muller, who is representing the UK in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, recently met UK Junior Eurovision star Freya Skye. Skye visited Muller to interview her and get some exclusive updates on her show. Muller said she wanted her performance to “feel like a party”. She, however, chose…

Independent singer-songwriter Jyoti Kavi releases new single Sukoon

Independent singer-songwriter Jyoti Kavi recently released her latest single Sukoon. After entertaining us with her previous singles like Dagar Dagar, Aazma, Saaware Sun, and more, this will be her next single which is inspired by her personal life experiences. Speaking about the track, Jyoti says "Sukoon" was born from a…

Be more inclusive, don’t have such polarised thoughts: singer Shaan…

Singer Shaan has called for "respect and tolerance" after being trolled over a selfie he posted on Instagram to wish everyone on Eid. The selfie, a screen grab from one of his songs 'Karam Kar De', shows the singer in a skullcap offering namaaz. The singer said he posted the…

Shivali Bhammer: ‘The common ingredient in all my albums is…

It was 13 years ago that Shivali Bhammer won acclaim for taking devotional music across a new frontier with her debut album The Bhajan Project. By combining commercial music with bhajans rooted in centuries-old tradition, he successfully connected cross-generational listeners to spiritual sounds in a contemporary way and inspired others…

Ramadan: ‘Eid in the Square’ returns to Trafalgar Square

London is gearing up for a spectacular celebration as the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has officially announced the return of Eid in the Square on Saturday 29 April, a press release stated. The free annual event, marking the end of Ramadan, promises to be bigger and better than ever…

Micky Sethi: I portray that Kishore Kumar spirit in my…

The enduring legacy of Kishore Kumar is demonstrated by his songs still being deeply loved many decades after they were recorded, and singers still being influenced by his magical voice. That heavy demand for the late great singer’s impressive body of work is illustrated by concerts like Crazy For Kishore,…

South Asian artists take over Coachella 2023

The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, which takes place over two consecutive weekends every April in Indio, California, had some major attractions for South Asian music fans during its first weekend as it saw some breathtaking performances from popular South Asian artists. If you missed their performance, don’t worry.…

Amar Khan: Being her own Hero

There perhaps isn’t a young talent as unique as Amar Khan in Pakistan. The versatile actress is also an accomplished writer and trained filmmaker, who is always looking to do things differently. The daughter of famous actress Fareeha Jabeen has starred in hit drama serials, and made her film debut…

Pamela Chopra cremated; Karan Johar, Hrithik Roshan attend last rites

Pamela Chopra, singer, and wife of late filmmaker Yash Chopra, was cremated at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle, Mumbai on Thursday. The official social media handle of the Yash Raj films shared the news of her demise. The post read, "With heavy hearts, the Chopra family would like…

King and Nick Jonas unveil Maan Meri Jaan teaser

Indian artiste King and American singer Nick Jonas recently announced their collaboration for a new version of 'Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife)'. On Wednesday night, taking to Instagram, the duo unveiled the teaser of their song which they captioned, "'Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife)' music video drops tomorrow at 10am ET /…

Diljit Dosanjh treats Diplo to chai and laddo – check…

After creating history by performing at Coachella 2023, singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh on Thursday enjoyed "chai time" with American DJ-record producer Diplo. Taking to Instagram, Diljit shared a video enjoying tea and feeding laddo to Diplo.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) As…

Yash Chopra’s wife and playback singer Pamela Chopra dies at…

Pamela Chopra, playback singer, writer, and late filmmaker Yash Chopra's wife, died on Thursday at a Mumbai hospital. She was 74. Pamela Chopra breathed her last at Lilavati Hospital where she was admitted after being diagnosed with pneumonia. She is survived by her sons, filmmaker Aditya Chopra and actor Uday…

Irrfan Khan’s last film The Song of Scorpions to hit…

Irrfan Khan left the world on April 29, 2020, leaving millions of fans mourning. But still, the dream of witnessing his iconic acting once again on the big screen can be possible. His last film Songs of Scorpions is set to hit the theatres on April 28 ahead of the…

Pakistani singer Ali Sethi’s song ‘Pasoori’ huge hit at Coachella

Ali Sethi's song "Pasoori" whose title roughly translates to "difficult mess" has taken the world by storm, blending traditional poetry with contemporary beats to elevate the Pakistani singer's stardom. The Punjabi track, which explores the complexities of forbidden love, became the most-searched song on Google in 2022 and has amassed…

I have men in my life who are insecure because…

Actress Priyanka Chopra's journey has been an inspiration for millions of people across the globe. From winning the coveted title of Miss World at the age of 18 to putting India on the global map with her acting talent like no other, Priyanka is undoubtedly one name that is synonymous…

Nick Jonas joined by daughter Malti during his London concert

Nick Jonas and his brothers Joe and Kevin recently performed at the famous Royal Albert Hall in London. Jonas’s wife and global star Priyanka Chopra gave fans a glimpse of the concert by sharing some pictures and videos on Instagram. And now, Jonas has also dropped some pictures from the…

Diljit Dosanjh creates Coachella history, makes people groove to bhangra…

It was a historic moment for Indian artists as actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh became the first Punjabi singer to perform at the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in the US. The music and arts festival, taking place in the Coachella Valley in California's Indio, is scheduled to take place…

Coachella 2023: From Diljit Dosanjh to Ali Sethi, the south…

The Coachella Festival, which is also known as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, began with a bang at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, on April 14, 2023. The first of its 2023 weekends is being held from April 14-16, with headliners Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK, and Frank…

Katy Perry to perform at King Charles III’s coronation

King Charles III's upcoming coronation concert will have a musical element as many singers will perform live there. As per Page Six, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Andrea Bocelli have agreed to perform at the coronation event. Perry, 38, Richie, 73, and Bocelli, 64, are among the brightest stars on…

Great New Play on Album

ONE of the most interesting looking theatre pieces being staged is To Be A Young Man at Queen Elizabeth Hall, The Southbank Centre, in London on May 26. The original play inspired by British Asian singer Nadine Shah’s debut album, Love Your Dum and Mad, dives into the themes of…

Lucy Nolan: Creating a classical new combination of Carnatic vocals…

This month sees the launch of live jazz improvisation project Sonic Threads, which sees internationally acclaimed Carnatic vocalist, Supriya Nagarajan, teaming up with award winning harpist Lucy Nolan. The new show innovatively merging vocals, harp, and electronic sounds, draws influences from jazz, Carnatic and western classical music. Eastern Eye caught…

Top 10 reasons to watch Shaakuntalam

The major Indian movie release of this week is mega-budget Telugu language historical Shaakuntalam. The eye-catching drama headlined by popular actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu is the latest film adaptation of a story rooted in ancient Indian tradition. To mark the marvellous looking movie, which will also be released in multiple…

‘The Six of Calais & Ruth’: Musical harmony in diversity

Brixton-based opera company Pegasus has led the way for 30 years when it comes to diversity in classical musical theatre. They continue that ethos of ‘harmony in diversity’ with new double-bill show The Six of Calais & Ruth. This production sees Sri Lankan Avishka Edirisinghe as conductor and adds to…

Lucky Ali apologises to ‘Hindu brothers’ over ‘Brahman’ post

Popular Indian singer Lucky Ali has issued an apology for his now-deleted Facebook post he had made on Sunday. In his Sunday post, the singer had said that the word “Brahman” is derived from the name “Abraham or Ibrahim”. After many disagreed with his post, Ali clarified that he only…

Priyanka and Nick watch daughter Malti Marie play in new…

American singer and actor Nick Jonas on Tuesday shared a couple of pictures from their Easter celebration. Taking to Instagram, Nick shared the pictures which he captioned, "Happy Easter." The first picture showcases Nick and his wifey Priyanka Chopra looking at their daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas playing. The little…

Ayushmann Khurrana to embark on solo music tour to US…

Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana is heading to the US for an eight-city tour in July. The actor, also a singer known for "Paani Da Rang", "Nazm Nazm", and "Haareya", said he is proud to represent Hindi music in North America. “Music has enabled me to connect with countless people and…

Priyanka with daughter Malti Marie seek blessing at Siddhivinayak temple…

Global icon Priyanka Chopra who is busy promoting her upcoming web series Citadel in Mumbai, on Thursday, visited Siddhivinayak Temple with her daughter Malti Marie to seek blessings. In the pictures, Priyanka can be seen holding Malti in her arms and was seen dressed in a traditional outfit. The mother…

‘I forgave and moved on…’ Priyanka on speaking about being…

Global star Priyanka Chopra does not hold any grudges against people in Bollywood who "cornered" her in the past. The actress recently made headlines with her explosive interview against Bollywood. In an international podcast, she opened up about how some people pushed her into a corner, eventually leading to her…

Singing hit songs and saving lives

AN amazing ability to do justice to every genre of music in diverse languages has enabled Palak Muchhal to become one of the most successful Indian playback singers of the past decade. Her electric mix of songs, including Laapata, Meri Aashiqui, Jumme Ki Raat, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, and Kaun…

Chand Ali Khan’s Top 10 inspirations

BRITISH qawwali maestro Chand Ali Khan regularly entertains audiences with amazing live shows. He leads a group of incredibly talented performers and is part of a new generation, keeping centuries old tradition alive. The talented singer, currently on another UK tour, revealed his top 10 inspirations to Eastern Eye. Nusrat…

Sunak, Yousaf have ‘big responsibility’ to leave behind a positive…

Humza Yousaf on Monday (27) became the first Muslim to be elected as a national leader in any western democracy, five months after Sunak walked into Downing Street as the UK’s first Asian and Hindu prime minister. A prominent Asian parliamentarian told Eastern Eye on Tuesday (28) that both appointments…

Singer Amaal Mallik reacts to Priyanka Chopra’s podcast

Priyanka Chopra seems to have empowered many voices in the Hindi film industry since she revealed her experience of having "beef with people" as the prime reason behind her exit from Bollywood. Reacting to a news article covering Chopra's version of the truth, singer-composer Amaal Mallik wrote on Twitter, "Well,…

Was being pushed into corner in Hindi film industry: Priyanka…

After spending almost two decades in Hindi cinema, actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she decided to move to Hollywood as filmmakers back home were "not casting" her, and she needed a break from the exhausting politics of the industry. "I had beef with people," Priyanka said on the comedy podcast…

Playlist of special Sonu Nigam songs ahead of his hotly…

WHETHER it is singing classics from the golden era of Bollywood or his immense body of work in diverse languages, genres and musical styles, Sonu Nigam has a phenomenal number of hit songs to his name. That brilliant body of work combined with a natural vocal ability and mastery on…

Yousaf pays tribute to grandparents as he vows to deliver…

Scotland's next first minister Humza Yousaf has pledged to deliver independence for his country and return it to the European Union. In his acceptance speech on Monday (27), when he became the first Asian elected to lead the Scottish National Party (SNP), Yousaf also paid tribute to his grandparents and…

Mindy Kaling remembers late mother after accepting National Medal of…

On Wednesday, actress, producer, and screenwriter Mindy Kaling was honoured with a National Medal of Arts from US President Joe Biden for her work across television, film, and books. The Office star was honoured alongside other authors, singers and artists at the White House on 21 March for their contributions…

Bombay Jayashri Ramnath stable after health setback amid tour in…

Singer Bombay Jayashri Ramnath suffered a "health setback" in the UK, her spokesperson said on Friday. According to the statement posted on the renowned singer's Instagram Stories, Jayashri Ramnath, who is in the country for a music tour, received "timely medical intervention" from the National Health Service (NHS) and is…

Here’s why Spotify has removed hundreds of Bollywood songs from…

Spotify has pulled out hundreds of Bollywood songs from the music platform. The songs have gone missing due to a licensing dispute between Zee Music Company and Spotify. The audio streaming and media services provider said that it has not been able to reach an agreement with the owners of…

Atif Aslam and wife Sarah welcome a baby girl

Renowned singer Atif Aslam and his wife Sarah Bharwana have been blessed with a baby girl. On Thursday, the singer took to Instagram and shared the good news with his fans and followers. The couple has named their daughter Halima. Sharing a picture of the newborn in a pink outfit…

BAFTA TV Awards 2023: Here’s the full list of nominees

BAFTA has announced the nominees for its TV Awards, scheduled to be held on May 14 at the Royal Festival Hall. The event will be hosted by comedians Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett. The BBC/AMC co-production This is Going to Hurt, based on the book of the same name by…

Naatu Naatu singer Rahul Sipligunj recalls meeting Rihanna after Oscar…

Singer Rahul Sipligunj is on cloud nine these days. He did not only perform his globally successful track “Naatu Naatu” from RRR (2022) on the stage of the recently concluded 95th Academy Awards along with co-singer Kaala Bhairava but the MM Keeravani-composed song also bagged Best Original Song honour at…

Raja Kumari dominates the Wireless Music Festival in Abu Dhabi

Raja Kumari opened the first-ever Wireless Music Festival Middle East in Abu Dhabi for international performers like M.I.A, Wegz, Central Cee, Roddy Ricch, and Travis Scott over the weekend. Dressed in a yellow dress and overcoat paired with thigh-high boots the singer resembled the Abu Dhabi sunshine. The talented artist…

‘RRR’s historic win at Oscars marks a significant milestone for…

South Asian entertainment witnessed a new dawn at the 95th Academy Awards as mega-blockbuster RRR, currently streaming on ZEE5 Global across the globe, etched a historic win for Best Original Song for Naatu Naatu. Naatu Naatu, composed by MM Keeravani, didn't just win the Oscar, the largest and most prestigious…

Malala lauded for her response to Jimmy Kimmel’s query about…

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai has earned praise on social media for her graceful response to American television host Jimmy Kimmel's odd query during the 95th Academy Awards ceremony. Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for girls education who miraculously survived a bullet to the head by the Taliban in October 2012, attended…

Oscars 2023: Deepika to the RRR team, here’s what the…

As the “champagne” carpet was rolled out, the 2023 Oscars saw the latest trends in fashion as showcased by A-list stars and celebrities. India had a successful run at the awards, with SS Rajamouli’s movie, RRR, winning Best Original Song for 'Naatu Naatu,' and The Elephant Whisperers taking home the…

Naatu Naatu singer Rahul Sipligunj’s parents react to Oscar win:…

Indians in every part of the world are celebrating the big win of the RRR (2022) song “Naatu Naatu” at the Oscars 2023. Sung by Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava, the song has made every Indian groove to its energetic beats. Rahul gave a live performance of the song along…

Oscars 2023: SRK calls RRR and The Elephant Whisperers win…

As India celebrates the historic win of RRR (2022) and The Elephant Whisperers (2022) at the 95th Academy Awards, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan took to his social media handles and congratulated the winners. Taking to Twitter, Khan wrote, "Big hug to @guneetm & @EarthSpectrum for The Elephant Whisperers. And…

Deepika stuns in a purple dress at Oscar after-party (Photos)

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone left everyone impressed with her appearance and speech at the 95th Academy Awards. If you thought that Padukone in the classic black dress was her most glamorous avatar at the Oscars, hold your breath, there is more to it. Taking to Instagram on Monday, the actress…

‘This is just the beginning’: Jr NTR on Oscar win…

The team RRR (2022) is on cloud nine after the film's song "Naatu Naatu" won Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards. The men of the hour, Ram Charan, Jr NTR, and SS Rajamouli have taken to social media to express their gratitude. Expressing his joy, RRR star Jr…

Ram Charan on RRR winning Oscar: ‘It still feels I’m…

Expressing gratitude and thankfulness after RRR won an Oscar for its song "Naatu Naatu," the film's star Ram Charan took to his Twitter account and shared a long note. "We have won! We have won as Indian Cinema! We won as a country! The Oscar Award is coming home!" he…

Eye Spy: ‘Beauty gets the attention, personality gets the heart’

AN IMPACTFUL appearance on the recently concluded reality TV show Bigg Boss 16 combined with winning performances in drama serials has given rapidly rising TV star Priyanka Chahar Choudhary great momentum. The multi-talented actress has seen her fan base skyrocket and is now looking forward to taking on more challenging…

Oscars 2023: RRR song Naatu Naatu wins Best Original Song

The SS Rajamouli directorial RRR (2022) has created history by becoming the first Indian feature film to win an Oscar. Its globally popular song "Naatu Naatu" composed by veteran composer MM Keeravani, has been awarded the Best Original Song Award at the 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, United States.…

Mae Muller set to represent UK at Eurovision Song Contest…

Singer-songwriter Mae Muller has been announced to represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision Song Contest 2023. The 25-year-old Londoner will perform her track “I Wrote A Song” at the competition in May. Muller, who was born in 1997, the year the UK last won, hopes to follow the success of…

Tulsi Kumar talks about her upcoming song series Truly Konnected

Tulsi Kumar has spoken about her upcoming song series 'Truly Konnected' that was announced by T-Series earlier today. Her fans are really thrilled and cannot wait for the whole series of songs to release. During a live, Tulsi Kumar had a lot of fun interactions with her fans and also…

Lakshmi Manchu teams up with Samantha Prabhu to release new…

After the whirlwind celebrations of her brother’s wedding with Mounika Bhuma, Lakshmi Manchu teams up with her long-standing comrade Samantha Prabhu to release a high-octane number, Telusa Telusa from her upcoming film Agninakshatram. The song is about women empowerment and features Lakshmi and her daughter, Nirvana in it. Telusa Telusa…

The 35th International Yoga Festival (IYF) at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh…

The 35th International Yoga Festival (IYF) hosted at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh has welcomed yoga enthusiasts from almost 90 countries. Organised by Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, with the support of Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, the festival…

Rajamouli recalls filming Naatu Naatu at Kyiv’s Presidential Palace

Celebrated filmmaker SS Rajamouli has thanked the people of Ukraine for playing an important part in the creation of the iconic song “Naatu Naatu” from his epic action period drama RRR (2022), starring Ram Charan and Jr NTR in lead roles. Composed by MM Keeravani, "Naatu Naatu" is nominated for…

Eye Spy: Why Yash Chopra deserved better than The Romantics

EVERYONE has been talking about how great recently released Bollywood documentary The Romantics is, without noticing the key elements it missed out, along with flaws that ultimately made it inauthentic. The four-part Netflix series details the iconic rise of legendary Hindi production house Yash Raj Films (YRF), from Yash Chopra…

American host calls Ram Charan ‘Indian Brad Pitt’, actor blushes

The stage is set and the countdown has begun. Ram Charan is enjoying every moment of his Hollywood fame. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the RRR actor shared a picture of himself along with the members of the show KTLA Entertainment. Ram wrote in the caption, "Soaking in the LA vibe!…

Feel like home in India, will definitely come back: Nigerian…

After his first and “amazing” visit to India, Nigerian singer-songwriter CKay – the international music sensation behind the hit single “Love Nwantiti” – said he would love to come back to the country which feels like “home” to him. Chukwuka Ekweani, better known by his stage name CKay, was in…

Asian businessman’s luxury hotel hosted Windsor Framework talks between Sunak…

ASIAN millionaire Surinder Arora's luxury Fairmont Windsor Park Hotel served as the venue for talks between British prime minister Rishi Sunak and the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, to break the Northern Ireland protocol deadlock on Monday (27). Sunak and Von der Leyen proclaimed a "new chapter" in…

Ranbir Kapoor clarifies his statement about working in Pakistani films:…

After the earth-shattering success of Brahmastra (2022), Ranbir Kapoor is presently busy promoting his upcoming film Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. Helmed by Luv Ranjan, the film also features Shraddha Kapoor in the lead role. Kapoor was recently in Chandigarh to promote the film. During a press conference, he was asked…

SS Rajamouli dedicates award to Indian filmmakers as RRR wins…

After bagging 3 awards at the Hollywood Critics Association Film Awards, RRR has also bagged the Best International Film award! Beaming with joy and pride, director SS Rajamouli and actor Ram Charan accepted the award. Ram Charan started his address by saying, "I didn't expect to come up (on the)…

EYE SPY: Why less is not more for Bollywood stars

LAST year I had written extensively about how some Bollywood stars seem to be rushing to do as many movies as possible before producers find out their time at the top is over. This has resulted in Hindi cinema being dragged down to the kind of depths that it has…

What’s love got to do with it? Lead stars reveal…

LONDON-BORN actor Shazad Latif stressed the importance of representation in mainstream cinema as he took on his first leading role on the big screen in this week’s new release What’s Love Got to Do with It? Latif said the film, which is centred around the British Pakistani community, is of…

Who is Harri, the Indian designer who made headlines for…

Harri, whose real name is Harikrishnan Keezhathil Surendran Pillai, is the designer whose striking oufit Sam Smith wore to the 2023 Brit Awards. The renowned British singer donned a bespoke, all-black latex ensemble featuring billowing shoulders and trousers, along with a pair of matching high-heeled boots. Taking to his Instagram…

Arts education programme must be made available to every school-going…

Noted Hindustani classical singer Shubha Mudgal believes a good arts education programme must be made available to every school-going student in India. The vocalist believes engaging with various art forms, including music, will make people more sensitive and lead to a more peaceful society. "One of the main benefits of…

Javed Akhtar calls out Pakistan-sponsored terrorism on Pakistani soil

Veteran screenwriter, lyricist, and poet Javed Akhtar attended the Faiz Festival in Lahore during which he fired potshots at Pakistan in regard to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. In a video posted by GNN YouTube channel, he could be heard saying, "Haqeeqat yeh hai ki hum dono ek dusre ko…

Abhijeet Bhattacharya: Overwhelmed to see massive response to my song…

Renowned singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has given us several golden songs in the 90s that audiences still cherish and enjoy. The recreation of Abhijeet Bhattacharya’s iconic song "Main Khiladi Tu Anari" for the film Selfiee has created a huge buzz among the audience. This is the first time Abhijeet’s mesmeric voice…

EYE SPY: Stand-up pioneer to acting in big projects

BRITISH Asian stand-up comedy is thriving with multiple shows happening on a weekly basis, but it all started with pioneers like Jeff Mirza. The legendary funny man laid the foundation for many fabulous talents, and today he balances making audiences laugh on the live circuit with a thriving acting career.…

My Playlist with Jagtar

RISING music star Jagtar announced himself in the past few years with top tracks like Jaanke, Ho Jaana, Pat Le Geh and Das De Tu. The singer, songwriter and composer has released top tracks, along with big collaborations like the stunning EP Three Chapters. He also regularly uploads cool covers…

Still making you yearn for more

PYAASA is widely regarded as one of the greatest Bollywood films ever made. The Guru Dutt directed classic about a struggling poet, who gains fame after being presumed dead and discarded by loved ones trying to cash in on his success, has left a lasting legacy since it was released…

British singer Shama takes Bollywood fans back in time with…

BRITISH singer Shama is at her very best on stage in front of a live audience and regularly headlines sold-out shows. She is teaming up with terrific music talents Chirag Rao, Joy Bhowmik and The 515 Crew for a Bollywood concert celebrating songs from the 1990s. The Back To The…

Love songs today often lack depth and end up becoming…

  Love songs today often lack depth and end up becoming all about "trivial emotions", says playback singer Shreya Ghoshal, who believes music must not be limited to hook lines and catchy tunes. This is where "Sukoon", the first original music album by her mentor and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali,…

From Tom Cruise to Lady Gaga, here’re some Hollywood celebrities…

It has just been a couple of days since Hollywood star Paul Rudd admitted his love for Indian food. His pictures gorging on an Indian meal with his friend Dan Levy in London set the internet on fire. And when the actor was reminded about one of the pictures, he…

Bigg Boss 16 contestant Abdu Rozik confirms participation in Big…

Bigg Boss 16, one of India's most popular celebrity reality shows, came to an end on Sunday 12 with rapper MC Stan emerging as the winner of the latest season. The latest season of the controversial reality show saw the participation of several popular faces with some of them succeeding…

EYE SPY: ‘It’s played and sung live, just how we…

THE first brilliant album of 2023 has been the recently released masterpiece Ghazals &Thumris From The Musical Heart of Budapest. Leading Indian artists have collaborated with the incredible Budapest Symphony Orchestra (BSO) for the cool collection of ghazals and thumris recorded live. This is the third South Asian led album…

Kailash Kher recalls his suicide attempt: ‘I attempted suicide by…

Kailash Kher needs no introduction! He is one of the most sought-after voices in the music industry when it comes to sufi-rock songs. The singer-composer has several successful music albums to his credit and has also given his mesmeric voice to a number of popular Hindi film songs, including “Yuhi…

The sounds of true romance

WHETHER it is songs about longing, loving, or losing someone, Bollywood has perhaps used music to illustrate all areas of romance the best. Stunning songs have captured a rainbow or romantic emotions and connected with different generations, since the very early days of Hindi cinema talkies in the 1930s. To…

Nitin Sawhney wins top honour at Eastern Eye’s annual Arts,…

ACCLAIMED musician Nitin Sawhney won the top award at Eastern Eye’s annual Arts, Culture and Theatre Awards (ACTAs), which recognise the achievements of Britain’s south Asian community in the arts, creative and media industries. Sawhney, whose latest album, Immigrants, examines the complexities of identities in modern Britain, was presented The…

Decoding Lupus, the disease Selena Gomez is battling

American singer and actor Selena Gomez, has informed her fans about her health condition after they noticed her trembling hands in a recent TikTok video. In the video, she was performing her skincare routine and applying makeup removal products when her shaky hands caught the attention of her fans. Quick…

EYE SPY: Return of the king

A FEW weeks before the release of the 2018 film Zero I went for dinner with a famous Bollywood actor friend, who was praising the trailer and saying it was a sure-fire blockbuster. I disagreed and predicted it would be a huge disaster, even if the movie miraculously turned out…

Mastering the musical minefield

WHETHER it is singing, song writing, composing, or running a record label, Kiranee is always in touch with music. The British talent added to her list of musical projects with new initiative Startist Global, which is a hub for artists and other creative souls. She has teamed up with Rishi…

Such a kind hearted rock star: Hrithik Roshan pens sweet…

After meeting K-pop star Jackson Wang, actor Hrithik Roshan penned down a sweet note for him on Wednesday. Hrithik took to Instagram and shared pictures from Roshan's family meeting with Wang. A day after enthralling the audience with his performance at the Lollapalooza music festival in Mumbai, Wang met Roshan…

Jameela Jamil comes out in support of Sam Smith after…

Actor and activist Jameela Jamil has defended English singer and songwriter Sam Smith after several trolls on Twitter and Instagram body-shamed them. Smith is at the center of trolls after they were seen in a corset and nipple pasties, among other luxe looks, in the new video for “I’m Not…

On the right track for global success

PUTTING your own spin on a hit song is one of the hardest things to do in music, but exciting new artist Malavika rose to the challenge with stunning release Don’t Let Go. Born in India and now based in Los Angeles, the talented singer-songwriter has given the 1990s classic…

My playlist with Fusion

WITH more than 20 music releases to his name, Braford-born Fusion has entertained audiences with songs like Cha Sha, Jaaniye, Aashiqui and Deewani. The singer and rapper started off 2023 by teaming up with acclaimed British Asian music producer Kami K for newly released single Influencer. The dance floor-driven track,…

Top 30 under 30 Asians from the world of entertainment

THE future in the world of arts belonging to the young is perfectly illustrated by a new generation of south Asians who stood out in diverse fields. These exciting talents are breaking boundaries, expanding horizons, shattering glass ceilings, and delighting audiences with their amazing performances. They are inspiring other youngsters…

Making Boss moves

TALENTED actress Tejasswi Prakash has been unstoppable in the past 12 months. She followed up winning India’s biggest reality TV show Bigg Boss 15 at the beginning of last year with a rip-roaring performance in super hit drama serial Naagin 6 and her big-screen debut in acclaimed Marathi film Mann…

‘Will not let the success get to my head’: RRR…

'RRR' lyricist Chandrabose expressed his happiness and gratitude as his music piece 'Naatu Naatu' bagged an Oscar Nomination in the 'Best Original song' category'. Talking to ANI, Chandrabose expressed his happiness and stated, "I will not let the success get to my head. Seeing the RRR casting list on the…

Oscars 2023 nominations: ‘This song will forever hold a special…

SS Rajamouli's magnum opus 'RRR' made it to the official 95th Oscar nominations on Tuesday. The film's song 'Naatu Naatu' has officially entered the Oscars race in the 'Best Original Song' category. To mark this occasion actor Jr NTR, took to his Instagram account and congratulated the whole team for…

RRR song ‘Naatu Naatu’ makes it to Oscars nominations in…

Rejoice all 'RRR' fans! History has been created. SS Rajamouli's magnum opus 'RRR' has made it to official Oscars nominations. The film's song 'Naatu Naatu' has officially entered the Oscars race in the 'Best Original Song' category. This year's Original Song nominees are music to our ears. #Oscars #Oscars95 pic.twitter.com/peKQmFD9Uh…

If you are original, you will be around: Usha Uthup…

Pop legend Usha Uthup believes it is important for singers to maintain their originality as that’s what sets one apart from the crowd. Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival, Uthup, who is known for her distinctive voice and trademark style of ‘bindi’ and saree, said one…

EYE SPY: Ranveer Singh: Real deal or king of lucky…

IS RANVEER SINGH a talented movie star or an over-rated actor who has got lucky? I have always thought it was the latter, but many disagree and believe he is a big screen idol with bags of talent. Now that he has had three epic failures in a row, it…

Bhavik Haria: My mission is to make bhajan music more…

The UK live music has been thriving since lockdown was lifted, with singers from all genres entertaining audiences. One of the most unique has been British Asian singer Bhavik Haria. The talented vocalist has taken bhajans to the live arena, connecting spiritual music rooted in Indian tradition with cross-generational audiences,…

Priyanka Chopra meets SS Rajamouli, M M Keeravani at ‘RRR’…

Priyanka Chopra attended SS Rajamouli and M M Keeravani's 'RRR' screening in Los Angles. She shared pictures from the event along with a congratulatory note. Taking to Instagram Story, Priyanka treated fans with a glimpse of her meeting with the RRR team. Sharing the stage with the RRR team, she…

Return of a music maestro

SHE has delivered stunning albums, sung superb songs, composed amazing music, and done great cross-cultural collaborations, but Bombay Jayashri has always been at her very best on stage. One of the world’s greatest live performers, she has been entertaining global audiences for decades and setting an undeniably high standard for…