If you’re looking for a way to stay active, meet new people, and embrace the vibrant culture of Bollywood all at once, then Bollywood Fitness Classes with Mevy in Highams Park could be exactly what you need. Running every Thursday throughout June—on the 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th—these high-energy sessions combine the fun of dance with the benefits of a full-body workout, all within a supportive and women-only environment. Taking place at the conveniently located All Saints Church on Church Avenue, London E4 9QZ, these sessions are open to women of all ages and fitness levels.
These Bollywood-inspired dance classes are not your typical gym workout. Led by the charismatic and experienced instructor Mevy, each class fuses traditional and modern Bollywood dance moves with cardio and toning exercises, creating a unique fitness experience that feels more like a party than a workout. The use of upbeat Indian music makes the hour fly by, helping participants burn calories, improve coordination, and boost their mood—all while having fun.
What sets Mevy’s Bollywood Fitness Classes apart is their focus on inclusivity and empowerment. Mevy has built a strong community of women who support and encourage each other to be active, confident, and joyful. Whether you’re dancing for your health, for cultural connection, or simply for the sheer enjoyment of it, you’ll find a place where you can move freely and feel good doing it.
Each class is carefully structured to include a warm-up, high-energy dance sequences, and a cool-down, ensuring a safe and effective workout. The choreography is easy to follow and adaptable, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced dancers. You don’t need any prior dance experience—just a willingness to move, smile, and enjoy the music.
The venue, All Saints Church in Highams Park, provides a welcoming and comfortable setting, easily accessible by public transport and with plenty of local amenities nearby. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable fitness clothing and bring water to stay hydrated during the session.
Bollywood Fitness with Mevy is more than just exercise—it’s a celebration of culture, community, and self-expression. As health and well-being continue to be priorities for many, this class offers an enjoyable alternative to traditional fitness routines and a space to connect with like-minded women.
Spaces are limited and classes often sell out, so advance booking is highly recommended. Secure your place and find out more at www.eventbrite.co.uk.
Join the movement, feel the beat, and discover the joy of Bollywood fitness this June in Highams Park.
In a world that often measures heroism through dramatic acts and monumental moments, Rooh: Within Her presents a strikingly different narrative — one that celebrates quiet resilience, enduring strength, and the understated courage found in the everyday lives of women. Set to take place on Friday, 20 June at the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, this solo dance performance by acclaimed Kathak artist and choreographer Urja Desai Thakore promises an evocative and thought-provoking exploration of womanhood across time. Rooted in the classical Indian dance tradition yet deeply contemporary in its vision, the show captures the spirit of women who have shaped history in ways both visible and invisible.
The performance is an immersive journey through stories that span over two millennia, drawing inspiration from mythology, oral traditions, personal histories, and lived experiences. Rather than focusing on famous names or well-known figures, Thakore deliberately turns her attention to unsung heroines — women whose courage lies in persistence, nurturing, survival, and the ability to carry on in the face of adversity. From ancient civilisations to modern-day realities, Rooh: Within Her presents a dance tapestry woven with emotion, grace, and narrative depth.
Urja Desai Thakore, a highly respected figure in the British South Asian arts scene, is known for her ability to reinterpret the classical dance form of Kathak in innovative ways that speak to contemporary themes. As the artistic director of Pagrav Dance Company, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional performance to reflect new dialogues around identity, gender, and society. In Rooh, her mastery of rhythmic footwork, expressive abhinaya (facial expression), and storytelling reaches new heights, offering an experience that is both poetic and powerful.
The Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), located in the heart of Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park, provides the perfect setting for this introspective and emotive performance. Known for championing diverse artistic voices and community-driven programming, MAC continues to be a hub where meaningful cultural conversations unfold through theatre, dance, music, and visual arts. The setting adds an additional layer of resonance to the themes of the production, making it not just a performance but a shared moment of reflection for the audience.
Beyond the stage, Rooh: Within Her invites important questions about how society values women’s contributions and the kinds of stories that are told — and retold — through art. It challenges viewers to recognise and honour the subtle, often unnoticed acts of bravery that define generations of women, especially within diasporic and multicultural contexts.
Whether you are a long-time follower of Kathak, a supporter of contemporary dance, or someone seeking an emotionally rich and culturally significant evening, Rooh: Within Her offers a unique and memorable experience. It is a tribute to the soul of womanhood — layered, resilient, and ever-present.
Make sure to book your tickets early at www.macbirmingham.co.uk to witness this beautiful exploration of identity, heritage, and strength through the expressive power of dance.
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A Literary Celebration of Culture and Identity: Manzu Islam to Launch ‘Godzilla and the Songbird’ at Saudha International Literature Festival
On Saturday, 14 June, literary lovers, cultural critics and curious minds alike will gather at the historic Kobi Nazrul Centre in London’s East End for a standout event in the UK’s literary calendar—the launch of Godzilla and the Songbird, the latest book by acclaimed British Asian author Manzu Islam. Hosted as part of the prestigious Saudha International Literature Festival, the event promises to be an evening of dialogue, creativity and cultural resonance. Situated at 30 Hanbury Street, the Kobi Nazrul Centre offers the perfect setting for this multicultural celebration, named after the revered Bengali poet and playing a key role in London's intercultural arts scene.
Godzilla and the Songbird marks a compelling new addition to Manzu Islam’s growing body of work. Known for weaving deeply personal narratives with broader themes of diaspora, migration and dual identity, Islam is celebrated for his poetic voice and insightful prose. His latest novel is expected to push these boundaries further, exploring contradictions within modern life—between power and vulnerability, tradition and change, survival and artistic expression. Though full plot details are under wraps, the intriguing title itself suggests a rich metaphorical journey, likely combining mythological symbols with emotional depth.
This book launch isn’t merely a reading—it’s an occasion that aligns with Saudha Society for Poetry and Indian Music’s mission to break genre boundaries and nurture cross-cultural understanding. The Saudha International Literature Festival has earned a strong reputation for spotlighting global voices while fostering home-grown British talent, particularly those from South Asian backgrounds. By hosting Manzu Islam’s book release, the festival underlines its commitment to literary excellence that resonates across communities and continents.
Attendees can expect more than just a book signing. The event will likely feature readings, reflections from the author, and open discussions that invite the audience to engage with themes central to the novel and to the contemporary British Asian experience. Whether you're an academic interested in postcolonial narratives, a student of South Asian literature, or a local reader seeking meaningful cultural experiences, this event offers something profoundly enriching.
Manzu Islam has long been a voice of insight and integrity in British literature. His work has appeared in a variety of anthologies, and he has contributed essays, stories, and critiques that have shaped how British South Asian identity is represented in fiction today. This book launch is a rare opportunity to hear directly from the author in an intimate and culturally vibrant setting.
Admission to the event is free, though advance booking is highly recommended to secure a place. Tickets and further event information can be found at Eventbrite. As London continues to thrive as a multicultural hub for the arts, events like this remind us of the power of storytelling in shaping collective identity and community connection.
Don’t miss this literary highlight of the season—join Manzu Islam, Saudha Society, and a host of literature enthusiasts at the Kobi Nazrul Centre on Saturday, 14 June for an unforgettable evening that celebrates words, wisdom and the woven fabric of modern British life.
Father’s Day with Sarangi and Flute Double Bill Concert
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the guiding figures in our lives — the mentors, protectors, and nurturers who shape our journeys. This year, give your father or father figure the gift of culture, heritage, and transcendental music at The Bhavan’s special Father’s Day Double Bill Concert on Sunday, 15 June 2025. Set in the heart of west London at The Bhavan, 4A Castletown Road, W14 9HE, this prestigious event will showcase the intricate beauty and emotional depth of Indian classical music, with spellbinding performances by Harsh Narayan on sarangi and Pravin Godkindi on flute, accompanied by the rhythmic genius of Pandit Sanju Sahai on tabla.
This one-of-a-kind concert brings together three master musicians, each carrying forward a rich legacy while continuing to innovate within their classical traditions. The event offers more than just a performance — it is a cultural immersion, a sonic journey into India’s centuries-old musical heritage, making it an ideal way to honour Father’s Day in a truly meaningful and memorable fashion.
Harsh Narayan, grandson of the legendary Pandit Ram Narayan, is one of today’s leading sarangi players. The sarangi, a bowed string instrument known for its haunting, voice-like timbre, is often said to echo the deepest human emotions. Harsh has made a name for himself by breathing new life into this traditional instrument, combining technical brilliance with emotive sensitivity. His ability to convey a wide range of moods and rasa (aesthetic flavours) through the sarangi has made him a sought-after performer on the global stage.
Joining him is Pravin Godkindi, a trailblazing bansuri (flute) artist whose playing is marked by expressive phrasing and creative improvisation. With training in both Hindustani classical and Carnatic traditions, Godkindi brings a unique dual perspective to his craft. His work has crossed into film music and fusion, yet he remains deeply committed to the purity of the classical raga system. For this concert, he promises to deliver a performance that balances serenity and dynamism — qualities that make the flute such a beloved instrument in Indian music.
Adding rhythmic complexity and percussive brilliance to the evening is Pandit Sanju Sahai, one of the finest tabla exponents of the Benares gharana. With a career spanning decades and performances across the globe, Pandit Sahai is known for his extraordinary speed, clarity, and emotive playing style. His tabla solos and accompaniment are always a masterclass in control, timing, and musical conversation.
Indian classical music is not only about melody and rhythm — it is a deeply spiritual art form that invites both the performer and the listener into a shared space of introspection and bliss. Experiencing a live performance like this one, with the spontaneous interplay between melody and percussion, offers a rare opportunity to connect with a musical tradition that transcends boundaries.
Whether your father is a seasoned connoisseur of classical music or someone new to the genre, this concert at The Bhavan — London’s home of Indian arts and culture — will make for an enriching, soul-touching evening. It’s a unique chance to celebrate a special occasion through the universal language of music.
Book your tickets early and join fellow music lovers for an evening of sonic excellence, cultural heritage, and timeless artistry. Celebrate Father’s Day the classical way — with a concert that nourishes the soul.
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Experience the Timeless Elegance of Bharatanatyam: Pallavi Anand to Perform at The Bhavan, London
This June, London’s vibrant cultural scene will be enriched by a spectacular display of classical Indian dance as the acclaimed Bharatanatyam artist Pallavi Anand presents a captivating performance at The Bhavan. Scheduled for Sunday, June 15, this event promises to be a culturally immersive evening showcasing the rich heritage and expressive power of one of India’s oldest and most revered dance forms. As audiences gather at 4A Castletown Road, London W14, they will witness a masterful blend of storytelling, rhythm, and melody that transcends borders and time, bringing the ancient art of Bharatanatyam to life in a modern metropolis.
Bharatanatyam, often described as the dance of the gods, is a classical dance form originating from Tamil Nadu, India. It combines intricate footwork, expressive hand gestures known as mudras, and emotive facial expressions to narrate stories from Hindu mythology and spirituality. Pallavi Anand is celebrated for her ability to breathe new life into this traditional art, weaving contemporary sensibilities with classical rigor. Her performances are not only visually stunning but deeply emotive, offering audiences a profound connection to the themes of devotion, love, and human experience embedded in the dance.
Accompanying Pallavi on this special occasion will be an ensemble of highly skilled musicians who are masters of their craft. Mavin Khoo, renowned for his expertise in nattuvangam—the rhythmic art of cymbals and recitation—will provide the crucial beats that guide the dancer’s movements. The soulful vocals of Vamshikrishna Vishnudas will enrich the performance with traditional Carnatic music melodies, while Prathap Ramachandra will bring the dynamic rhythms of the mridangam, the classical South Indian drum. Adding melodic depth to the performance is Vijay Venkat on the flute, whose notes weave seamlessly with the dance and vocals, creating an immersive auditory experience.
The Bhavan, a prestigious cultural institution dedicated to promoting Indian arts in the UK, provides the perfect venue for this event. Known for hosting an array of performances, workshops, and exhibitions that celebrate South Asian culture, The Bhavan serves as a vibrant community hub where tradition and modernity meet. The venue’s intimate setting allows audiences to engage closely with the performers, enhancing the emotional and spiritual resonance of the dance.
For anyone seeking to explore the beauty of Indian classical arts or to experience a night filled with artistry and cultural depth, Pallavi Anand’s Bharatanatyam performance is an unmissable event. This performance is a unique opportunity not only to witness exceptional dance but also to connect with a living tradition that has been passed down through centuries, constantly evolving yet preserving its essence.
Tickets and further details can be found on The Bhavan’s official website: www.bhavan.net.
Bollywood music has always been much more than mere entertainment; it’s a powerful storytelling tool that evokes deep emotions, celebrates love, and paints vibrant pictures of Indian culture. At the heart of this musical legacy stands Yash Raj Films, a banner synonymous with some of the most beloved Hindi films and chart-topping songs that have resonated with millions around the world. This live tribute concert perfectly captures the essence of that legacy, bringing together virtuoso vocalists and a celebrated orchestra for an immersive experience.
Headlining the event are Nimesh Sanghoi and Anuradha Shukla, two versatile talents renowned for their ability to convey deep emotion through song. Their rich, expressive voices effortlessly revive the spirit of classic Bollywood melodies, creating an intimate yet powerful atmosphere that will transport audiences to the golden era of Hindi cinema. Backed by the UK’s acclaimed Strings Bollywood Band, the performance promises flawless orchestration, capturing the complex rhythms, lush strings, and timeless arrangements that have made Yash Raj soundtracks unforgettable.
Audiences will be treated to an exquisite selection of songs spanning from the poetic romanticism of films like Kabhi Kabhie and Silsila to the more contemporary, heartwarming compositions of Veer-Zaara and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. This concert is not just a tribute but a celebration of how Yash Raj’s music has evolved while maintaining its emotional core, blending traditional Indian instruments with modern arrangements to create a unique soundscape.
The venue, Elliot Hall at Harrow Arts Centre, offers an intimate and acoustically rich setting, perfect for appreciating the subtleties and grandeur of live Bollywood music. Its location at 171 Uxbridge Road, Pinner HA5 4EA, is easily accessible for both local residents and visitors from across London, making it an ideal cultural outing for families, couples, and groups of friends alike.
With Bollywood’s global appeal continuing to soar, this event serves as a bridge between cultures, offering a shared musical experience that celebrates Indian heritage while appealing to diverse audiences. Whether you are deeply familiar with Yash Raj’s cinematic masterpieces or discovering the music for the first time, this concert will leave you moved, inspired, and humming melodies long after the final note.
Tickets and further details about the event are available at https://harrowarts.com/. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of Bollywood’s musical romance live, right here in the UK.