Leamington-based Indian music maestro selects 10 songs he loves right now
By Eastern EyeAug 17, 2024
SINGER, songwriter, composer, and popular YouTuber Arjuna Harjai added to his fast growing body of great work with recently released pop single Zikar Hai. The multi-talented artist teamed up with Pakistani singer Natasha Noorani on a emotion-filled composition about love, longing and anticipation, which blends nostalgic vibes with contemporary musical influences.
Eastern Eye got the Leamington-based Indian music maestro behind hits like O Soniye, Choti Choti Gal and Winter Ayun Waliye, to select 10 songs he loves right now.
Oh Raaya by AR Rahman: I love O Raaya for its pure melodic bliss. The combination of acoustic guitars, pizzicato strings, and Ganavya Duraisamy's heavenly voice creates an enchanting experience perfectly epitomises Rahman’s musical genius. It captures the essence of his incredible talent and artistry.
Aasa Kooda by Sai Abhyankar: I love this track for its intricate composition, the earthy yet airy timbre from the flange in the female voice, and the memorable bass line. Another great piece by Sai, showcasing his exceptional musical talent and creativity.
Zikar Hai by Arjuna Harjai: My latest song Zikar Hai has stayed on my playlist. The blend of synth-wave and amapiano-style log drum sling with its infectious rhythm keeps me hooked, making it a standout track.
Commas by Ayra Starr:I listen to Commas by Ayra Starr for the incredible detailing in her singing. Her vocal nuances and emotive delivery effortlessly draw me into the song’s narrative with each listen, showcasing her impressive musical artistry and depth. I find myself returning to listen to this song often.
Blockbuster by Faris Shafi, Umair Butt and Gharwi Group: Blockbuster from Coke Studio has a great rustic vibe and rawness that makes it pure gold. The song’s catchy melody and unique contribution of the Gharwi Group add an interesting twist, making it a standout piece that blends traditional and contemporary elements seamlessly.
Maar Udari by Adnan Dhool: This great follow-up to the original Pardes Katenda is loop-worthy for me. The bass progression is especially captivating, adding depth to the song’s rhythm. It’s a track I can’t get enough of, blending traditional elements with modern musicality seamlessly.
Millon Dollar Babyby Tommy Richman: This superb song captivates me with its unique style, catchy beats and Tommy's distinct musical approach, creating an irresistible blend. This ultimately making it a standout track. It’s definitely a feel-good anthem.
Sadqay by Aashir Wajahat: This top track has a youthful yet mature vibe. The fresh singing styles and arrangement make it an excellent listen. The song showcases Aashir Wajahat’s talent and creativity, making it a standout in contemporary music.
Ve Haaniyaan by Avvy Sra:Ve Haaniyaan captivates with its innocence. The music is good, but it’s the composition that truly shines. The melodies and harmonies together create a captivating atmosphere that lingers long after the song ends.
Jhol by Maanu and Annural Khalid: Jhol from Coke Studio is another great one. Its melody and arrangement are loop-worthy, creating an ambience of bliss. The combination of amazing lyrics and outstanding voices adds depth, making it a song I never tire of listening to.
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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