IT WAS always going to be inevitable that Ankur Tewari would pursue a career in music. Having grown up in a family of music lovers, the Belgium-born artist was exposed to songs in diverse languages from a very early age, and this developed into a life-long passion that led him to the heart of Bollywood.
His recent high-profile projects include being music supervisor on India’s official Oscar entry Gully Boy and hit web serial Made In Heaven.
The multi-talented musician and singer is currently working on the two Netflix films, Yeh Ballet and Guilty. He has also done a song for a project about discrimination based on skin colour (India’s Got Colour) and is writing new material, including the single Aainda, which he is super excited about.
Eastern Eye caught up with Ankur Tewari to talk about all things music
Which of your diverse projects has given you the greatest joy?
Many projects have been great. But, I worked on a children’s album, which was a lot of fun. Growing up in India, I realised there needed to be more Hindi songs for kids. We usually end up singing English ones and the few Hindi ones from the 1970s, 80s and even before that. So, we ended up making a kid’s album called Baccha Party with Sony Music and that project was full of joy!
What has been your most challenging project?
It was Gully Boy where the process took nearly two years, working with young musicians, rappers and beat-makers, from relatively unknown to known producers. The challenge was that here we were a bunch of indie musicians trying to work out a soundtrack for a mainstream Indian movie. There was a lot at stake and many songs, given the protagonist of the movie is a musician. By the end of it, we had an 18-track album. So, there was lots of work, very little time and a lot on the line. So, Gully Boy probably has been my most challenging project.
Is any one of your songs closest to your heart?
Sabse Peeche Hum Khade is really close to my heart because it was the first song I ever released! I had written it for a movie that I was co-directing with a friend. I got to hear it on the Dolby Atmos in a theatre whilst we were mixing the film and that gave me a memory I will always hold close! The song also opened a lot of doors for me and became popular, but that moment of hearing it on the Dolby Atmos Stereo sound blew my mind!
Do you have a process for creating music?
I don’t have a process for creating a song or a piece of music because, in all honesty, I’m writing songs all the time. I’m collecting visuals, writing words, phrases and musical parts. Then you sit down with all these notes and put it all together. I sit with my guitar and things just fall into place! Losing sense of time is definitely part of my process. You find yourself in a space and out of it once it’s done, where you see there’s music in your head and lyrics on paper!
From where do you draw your inspirations?
My musical inspirations come from various things. Very few times do they actually come from other pieces of music. Most times, it’s from something I’m reading or conversations I have or hear. That’s where the germ for an idea comes from and somehow it ends up finding a musical path. Mostly, it starts with a thought!
Can you tell if a song will be a hit?
I don’t think so; I just think it’ll arouse an emotion or make you feel something. Being a hit is overrated. So many songs I listen to aren’t hits, but I love them. I can definitely feel a song and say it’ll connect, but being a hit, I don’t know.
What is your opinion on Bollywood remaking old songs?
Some are doing it really well; some are just being lazy. I like the ones who put in an effort and make their own versions. It also matters if you like cover songs – sometimes you love it, sometimes you hate it because you’re so attached to the original.
Who are your own musical heroes?
The Beatles! Although Leonard Cohen is a poet first, I love his songs. Bob Dylan, AR Rahman, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and so many more musical heroes are brave soldiers of love, taking their word and voices out, breaking boundaries and making people meet.
What music dominates your own playlist?
Music with lyrics since words really matter to me! Words can really change the world – especially now! So you’d rarely find music on my playlist that doesn’t have words, but there are a few.
What are your big passions away from music?
Big passions away from music are travelling and seeing art. I truly wish I had all the money and miles in my life to just travel to places, consume art and be consumed by it.
If you could ask any living or dead artist a question, who would it be and what would you ask them?
I don’t have an answer for this because I feel questions come from ego. I actually would let them tell me something I don’t know. It could be any accomplished artist, dead or living.
So, my question would possibly be – is there anything you can tell me that I probably don’t know? If not, then hopefully, they’ll spend a lifetime telling me so many things! But, it could be anybody, – (John) Lennon, (AR) Rahman, Bob Dylan and the respected Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
If you could learn something new in music what would it be?
A new instrument for sure! When you do learn to play a new instrument, it definitely opens some new places in your brain. First, it was the guitar, but then I picked up a ukulele with the arrogance of it being the same thing with two strings lesser, but it opened new places in my brain and was so different! So learning a new instrument is an amazing experience.
What is your musical master plan?
I don’t plan too much and just do what I do. I eventually do want as many people in the world as possible to hear my music and have it make a positive change if it’s blessed enough. There’s no definite plan, but just writing without boundaries.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with anyone who can make me a better human being and teach me something I don’t know. Unfortunately, a lot of artists I’d love to collaborate with are no more, whether it’s David Bowie, George Harrison or John Lennon. Sometimes you learn new, exciting stuff from newcomers.
Why do you love music?
Because music is love and love will keep us alive.
Sidhu Moosewala’s official Instagram page announced a 2026 world tour titled Signed to God.
The Punjabi singer-rapper was killed in 2022 in Punjab at age 28.
The tour will use digital tech, possibly holograms, to bring Moosewala ‘back’ on stage.
No official dates or venues announced yet; fan reaction online has been a mix of awe and confusion.
On Tuesday, the late Punjabi singer-rapper’s official Instagram handle dropped a teaser for a 2026 world tour called Signed to God. The announcement stunned fans and sparked immediate speculation over how a concert by a deceased artist is even possible. While the organisers have kept technical details under wraps, reports suggest cutting-edge tech like 3D holograms or augmented reality will be used to recreate Moosewala’s presence on stage.
Sidhu Moosewala, Indian Singer (Photo: @sidhu_moosewala) www.easterneye.biz
How will the Sidhu Moosewala tour work in 2026?
The teaser post simply featured the tour title and year: 2026, with no explanation on format, locations, or ticket sales. However, sources quoted in Tribune India suggest that the organisers plan to use high-tech visuals, potentially combining holographic imagery with pre-recorded vocals and augmented reality.
This approach is similar to posthumous concerts held for global artists like Tupac Shakur and Michael Jackson, whose likenesses were projected via holograms for live audiences. If confirmed, Signed to God would be India’s first full-scale digital tour for a deceased artist, and possibly the first in Punjabi music history.
Fan reaction to the announcement has ranged from excitement to disbelief. The Instagram video gathered over a million likes in 24 hours, with many users commenting "Welcome back, Legend" and "Forever in our hearts." Others were more puzzled, asking: “But who’s going to perform?” and “Is this real or just promotion?”
One user wrote, “Bro took ‘dropping from heaven’ literally,” while another speculated, “They might be doing a hologram show. That’s why it’s 2026.”
While many expressed joy at the idea of seeing Moosewala’s presence honoured live, others questioned whether it would feel authentic, or even appropriate.
Fans react with shock and excitement after Moosewala’s posthumous tour is announcedInstagram/sidhu_moosewala
What does this mean for Sidhu Moosewala’s legacy?
Sidhu Moosewala, born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, rose to global fame with hits like So High, *47*, and The Last Ride. His unique style of Punjabi folk, trap, and drill made him a voice of the youth, especially among the South Asian diaspora. In 2020, he was listed by The Guardian as one of the 50 most promising new artists worldwide.
His murder on 29 May 2022 in Punjab’s Mansa district sent shockwaves across India and abroad. He was shot dead by six assailants, with gang-related motives behind the killing. Moosewala was only 28.
Since his death, posthumous songs and videos have kept his presence alive online. His parents, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, even welcomed a baby boy via IVF in 2024, calling him "Shubh’s little brother," further cementing the idea that Moosewala’s memory is still very much alive in his family and fan base.
Though full details are awaited, the Signed to God tour has already triggered conversations about the future of entertainment and how technology can reshape memorialisation. For Moosewala’s fans across Canada, the UK, Punjab, and the US, this may be a rare chance to experience his stage presence again, digitally.
If successful, the tour could spark a wave of posthumous concerts across South Asia, opening up ethical and creative debates around legacy, digital resurrection, and fan engagement.
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Bookish brings postwar London to life with gripping weekly mysteries
Mark Gatiss stars as Gabriel Book, a crime-solving bookshop owner in post-war London in Bookish.
The detective drama premiered on U&Alibi on 16 July 2025, with two episodes airing weekly.
Critics praise the series for its smart plotting, rich period detail, and modern queer representation.
A second season has already been confirmed, with filming set to begin this summer.
Mark Gatiss, best known for co-creating Sherlock, is back with another brainy sleuth, and this time, it’s personal. Bookish, a 1940s-set detective drama written by and starring Gatiss, follows the eccentric Gabriel Book, a former intelligence agent turned antiquarian bookseller who helps the police crack cases in bombed-out postwar London. The six-part series, which debuted this week on U&Alibi, has already garnered praise for its clever plots, layered characters, and strong sense of time and place, with some calling it “the next best thing to Sherlock.”
Mark Gatiss brings queer detective drama Bookish to life as fans call it the new SherlockInstagram/uandalibi
What is Bookish about? Inside the premise and setting
Set in 1946, Bookish introduces Gabriel Book, a tea-loving, ginger snap-baking bibliophile who runs a bookshop on Archangel Lane. Behind his mild-mannered exterior lies a sharp intellect honed by wartime service. With a quirky filing system and a special “Churchill letter” granting him access to investigations, Book works alongside the police while navigating a double life as a gay man in a repressive era.
His domestic arrangement is just as unconventional: he lives with his best friend Trottie (Polly Walker), in a lavender marriage that hides both their truths. Alongside them is Jack (Connor Finch), a young ex-con taken in as a shop assistant, and Nora (Buket Kömür), a war orphan with a flair for sleuthing.
Each pair of episodes follows a standalone case, from skeletons in plague pits to arsenic-laced murder, while teasing out larger mysteries about Book’s past and Jack’s true identity.
How Bookish compares to Sherlock, and why fans are on board
Though comparisons to Sherlock are inevitable, Bookish offers something distinct. It trades fast-paced modern twists for rich historical textures and a gentler pace, drawing inspiration from classic whodunits à la Agatha Christie. Critics have noted that Gatiss “plays fair” with his audience, offering tightly woven mysteries that reward attention to detail.
But it’s the characters, not just the crimes, that are drawing viewers in. Gabriel Book’s sexuality isn’t just a character note; it’s interwoven with the story, giving Bookish a rare kind of queer visibility in the genre. Gatiss has said the show’s concept came from imagining a bookshop as a kind of analogue search engine: “The answer is in there somewhere.”
What do reviews and social media say about Bookish?
Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The Times praised it as “deceptively multifaceted,” while The Telegraph described it as “a witty, well-plotted sleuther.” The Radio Times went so far as to call it “a breath of fresh air” in a market crowded with detective dramas.
On social media, fans have expressed delight at the show’s mix of charm and darkness, praising its performances and historical authenticity. The casting of Daniel Mays as a jovial butcher-turned-killer in the first case had viewers hooked, especially as the storyline spiralled into revelations about murder, plague bones, and mistaken blackmail.
Yes. Before the first episode even aired, Bookish was greenlit for a second season. Filming is expected to begin in summer 2025, with a likely release in mid-2026. Gatiss and the core cast, including Walker, Finch, Kömür, Elliot Levey, and Blake Harrison, are all set to return. While no new guest stars have been announced, the structure of the series means fresh faces are expected to appear in each new mystery.
Gatiss expressed his excitement in a statement: “I’m thrilled that the team at U&Alibi are allowing me to dive back into the world of Bookish and create more fiendish crimes for Gabriel Book and the team to solve.”
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Kareena continues to break stereotypes with bold film choices at age 44
Kareena Kapoor Khan to star as a ghost in an upcoming genre-bending film
The 44-year-old actress will reportedly be paired with an actor in his early 20s
Script is penned by Hussain Dalal, known for Brahmāstra
The film explores a quirky new take on the ghost genre and is currently unannounced
Kareena Kapoor Khan is reportedly all set to headline a new supernatural film, but with an unconventional twist. The Bollywood star, who turned 44 this year, will be seen playing a ghost in the upcoming project, which is also said to feature a much younger male lead, an actor in his early 20s. If confirmed, this pairing will mark a rare age-reversal in Bollywood casting, where older male actors have long romanced much younger actresses on screen.
According to reports, the film is described as a genre-defying and humorous take on ghost stories. The story is said to be written by Hussain Dalal, known for co-writing Brahmāstra and frequently collaborating with director Ayan Mukerji. While Kareena’s role as a female ghost is being celebrated as bold and experimental, her reported romantic pairing with a 20-something actor is what has caught everyone’s attention.
Kareena Kapoor set to flip the script with a younger co-star and a ghost twistInstagram/kareenakapoorkhan
Kareena’s ghost character promises a genre shake-up
The yet-to-be-titled film is positioned as a quirky reinvention of the ghost genre. A source close to the production told Deccan Chronicle, “This quirky story featuring Kareena as a ghost has a refreshing script and will carve out a new space in the ghost genre. It’s a fun, genre-bending take, and Kareena is perfect for it.”
While details about the film’s production or release date remain under wraps, the concept has already sparked interest online for both its storyline and the unconventional casting. Kareena, who has consistently picked roles that challenge stereotypes, seems to be pushing boundaries once again.
Fans react to reports of Kareena being paired with a much younger co-starInstagram/kareenakapoorkhan
Reverse age-gap pairing fuels debate in Bollywood
The age difference between Kareena and her rumoured co-star, reportedly over 20 years, is already making headlines, especially at a time when Bollywood’s long history of older male stars being cast opposite teenage or much younger actresses is being widely criticised.
Recent examples include 38-year-old Ranveer Singh paired with 18-year-old Sara Arjun in Dhurandhar, and Salman Khan facing backlash for starring opposite Rashmika Mandanna in Sikandar. The shift in Kareena's upcoming role presents a fresh reversal, and possibly a new precedent in how gender and age are portrayed in mainstream cinema.
Kareena’s career longevity defies Bollywood norms
The Jab We Met star has often been a trendsetter, from being one of the few married actresses to continue headlining major films to starring in female-led projects like Veere Di Wedding post-motherhood. If this casting rumour is true, she would become one of the first A-list actresses to take on a romantic role opposite a significantly younger actor in mainstream Indian cinema.
Kareena has also been in the news recently for her Instagram photos from a beach vacation, where she confidently showed off her toned physique in a monokini.
Beyond the ghost film, Kareena is also set to appear in Daayra, a social crime drama directed by Meghna Gulzar. The film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran opposite her and is co-written by Meghna, Yash, and Sima. Daayra explores how social systems respond to justice and crime and is expected to release in late 2025 or early 2026.
After her ensemble role in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again, all eyes are now on Kareena’s upcoming choices, especially this bold new ghost project that might redefine Bollywood’s age-gap narrative.
Singer-actor behind viral hit Sadqay reflects on his breakout year
New track Dheema Dheema hits 170K views in just two weeks
Opens up about juggling acting and songwriting, and his 2025 plans
Stresses importance of enjoying the process and learning from early mistakes
Draws inspiration from iconic Pakistani music and Punjabi roots
From viral sensation to balancing dual careers
The young artist behind the runaway hit Sadqay, which has now clocked over 44 million views, says the song’s success took him completely by surprise. “We had no idea it would go global,” he shared in a candid conversation, adding that while he always believed in the track, the scale of its reception was “overwhelming”.
What followed was a year of fast-moving highs, with growing recognition both within his home country and internationally. “You work towards something, and when it happens, you almost don’t know how to react.”
- YouTube YouTube/ EasternEye
A lighter, dance-driven follow-up: 'Dheema Dheema'
His latest release, Dheema Dheema, has already picked up over 170,000 views within two weeks. In contrast to his more emotionally resonant previous work, the artist describes this new song as “pure vibe” — a carefree, dancey track born out of an in-studio jam session with friends.
“After doing a string of love songs post-Sadqay, I felt like going back to that Afrobeat-inspired, danceable sound,” he said. “This track gave me the chance to actually dance in a music video, which I really wanted to do.”
Writing music vs. acting: which feels more fulfilling?
Having grown up in front of the camera, transitioning into music might seem like a leap, but he sees both worlds as creatively rewarding. However, he admits that songwriting offers a different kind of fulfilment.
“With acting, you’re relying on the director, the edit, the audience’s perception. Music is more personal. When you write a song and get it right, you already feel like you’ve won,” he said.
Navigating fame, pressure, and shared responsibility
When asked whether he feels the weight of representing young South Asian creatives, he responded humbly: “If I were the only one, maybe I would. But the burden is shared. Artists like Hassan Rahim and Young Stunners are doing amazing work. That makes it lighter.”
He credits the current wave of South Asian talent for building a sense of community, rather than competition.
Looking ahead: acting projects, music collaborations, and live shows
With a busy 2025 already underway, the artist shared that he’s learning to balance both acting and music. A television drama featuring him is set to release next month, alongside plans for new music collaborations.
He also teased a full live show season later this year, with performances lined up for November and December, marking what could be his first proper tour in his home country.
Offstage, grounded and reflective
When asked what fans might not know about him, he pointed to a key lesson he’s learned the hard way: “Don’t take too much stress too early. It affects your decisions and journey. You need to enjoy what you’re doing — that joy is what others feel too.”
He also shared his deep connection with old Pakistani music, citing classics like Adat by Atif Aslam and Aitebar by Vital Signs as favourites. “Those songs shaped my sound,” he said, adding that he draws heavily from Punjabi influences as well.
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Emergency services respond quickly to contain the blaze at the Boom festival site
• A massive fire destroyed the Tomorrowland main stage in Boom, Belgium, just two days before the festival’s opening. • No injuries were reported; around 1,000 workers were evacuated safely from the site. • Organisers confirmed that the festival and DreamVille campsite will proceed as planned. • The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest it may have been accidental.
Tomorrowland opens gates despite stage fire as organisers stay committed to festival
Tomorrowland 2025 officially opened its doors on Thursday morning, even as the charred remains of its iconic Orbyz main stage stood in stark contrast to the festival’s usual vibrant spectacle. The massive fire, which erupted on Wednesday evening, destroyed the centrepiece structure ahead of opening day. Luckily, the site had not yet opened to the public, and all workers were safely evacuated. Organisers have confirmed that the festival will go on as planned across both weekends.
Flames tear through Tomorrowland’s main stage just two days before the eventGetty Images
Main stage fire at Tomorrowland halts final preparations
The fire erupted on Wednesday evening, around 6 pm local time, sending thick black smoke into the skies over the small Belgian town of Boom. Eyewitness videos quickly spread on social media, showing the stage consumed by flames as fireworks went off nearby. According to local reports, workers were putting finishing touches on the stage when the fire began.
One crew member told local newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, “We were just a day away from completion. Four weeks of effort, gone in half an hour.” Emergency services responded quickly, containing the blaze before it could spread to neighbouring woodland or residential areas.
— (@)
Organisers confirm DreamVille and festival weekend will go ahead
Despite the main stage’s destruction, Tomorrowland organisers reassured fans that the show will continue. In an official statement, they confirmed that DreamVille, the festival’s on-site campsite, will open on Thursday as scheduled. Approximately 38,000 visitors are expected at the site ahead of the weekend.
The team behind the event said, “Our beloved main stage has been severely damaged, but we are working tirelessly to ensure the festival can go ahead as planned. No one was injured, and safety remains our top priority.”
Tomorrowland, one of the world’s most prominent electronic dance music festivals, draws around 400,000 people annually over two weekends. This year’s lineup includes David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Swedish House Mafia, Armin van Buuren, and Charlotte de Witte. With less than 48 hours to go, organisers are actively reconfiguring performance spaces, likely reallocating shows to other stages such as the Freedom Stage.
Spokesperson Debby Wilmsen described the scene as “truly awful,” adding, “It’s a stage that took years to build, with so much love and passion. Everyone who worked on it is devastated.”
People queue to enter the DreamVille camping site of the Tomorrowland electronic music festival a day after its main stage was totally destroyed by fireGetty Images
Investigation underway, no signs of foul play
Belgian authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Initial assessments suggest it may have been accidental, though a formal report is pending. Local residents were advised to keep windows shut due to smoke, and some nearby homes were temporarily evacuated as a precaution.
Organisers have dismissed online rumours suggesting a festival cancellation. In a social media post, Tomorrowland labelled the claims as “fake news” and reiterated their commitment to holding the event.
Workers and locals devastated after years of planning lost in under an hourGetty Images
In a detailed statement shared on social media, organisers acknowledged the emotional loss of the Orbyz stage, calling it a creation "born from pure passion, imagination, and dedication." They confirmed that DreamVille campsite officially opened at 10 am on Thursday, and all Global Journey activities in Brussels and Antwerp were proceeding. While they are still working on alternatives for the main stage area, organisers reassured fans that no other parts of the venue were affected and that updated details about performances would be announced shortly.
The festival has a long-standing reputation for its immersive stage designs and imaginative themes. This year’s now-destroyed main stage, named Orbyz, was crafted as an icy wonderland filled with mythical creatures. The loss of such a major production element is a significant blow, but the resilience of the team and the enthusiasm of fans suggest the spirit of Tomorrowland remains intact.