Join Sampad and B: Music this Saturday, April 12, for a special edition of Midday Mantra, celebrating Vaisakhi — a festival that marks the harvest season and the birth of the Khalsa in Sikh tradition. Held at the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, this uplifting daytime event invites you to take a cultural pause and experience the richness of South Asian musical heritage.
Midday Mantra is more than a concert series — it’s a space where music becomes a bridge between communities, generations, and traditions. Curated by Sampad, a leading arts organisation dedicated to showcasing South Asian arts, the series brings together celebrated and emerging artists from across the globe. From classical Indian ragas to contemporary fusion, each performance is a journey through sound, history, and identity.
This Vaisakhi edition promises a soul-stirring performance that reflects the festival’s themes of gratitude, unity, and joy. Whether you’re already immersed in the traditions or discovering them for the first time, this is a chance to enjoy world-class music in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Perfect for a lunchtime break or a cultural outing with friends and family, the event is free to attend — just drop in and let the music move you.
To find out more and plan your visit, head over to www.bmusic.co.uk.
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.
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Breaking Taboos: Mama Told Me Not To Come at Soho Theatre
In a theatre landscape hungry for authentic and diverse voices, Mama Told Me Not To Come promises to deliver a refreshingly candid portrayal of experiences often overlooked or misunderstood. The show is a vibrant mixture of humour, heartache, fantasy, and reality, as Poppy and Rubina dive headfirst into the messy realities of relationships, sexpectations, cultural pressures, and personal growth. With raw storytelling and infectious energy, the duo confronts societal taboos, challenging the stereotypes that frequently confine British Asian women in mainstream media.
The title, Mama Told Me Not To Come, hints at the generational tensions and cultural expectations threaded throughout the performance. It’s a nod to the advice, warnings, and rules passed down from parents, particularly mothers, that can shape—and sometimes complicate—a young woman’s journey to independence and self-expression. Through candid monologues and sharp comedy, the show explores how these inherited messages clash with modern desires and realities, creating a rich tapestry of humour, empathy, and empowerment.
For fans of the critically acclaimed Brown Girls Do It Too podcast, which has garnered acclaim for its honest conversations about race, gender, and identity, this stage show offers a new dimension of their storytelling craft. Poppy and Rubina’s chemistry and authenticity leap off the podcast into a live setting, creating an intimate and electrifying atmosphere that invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and relate.
Mama Told Me Not To Come also stands as a cultural milestone, amplifying voices that are too often marginalised in theatre and comedy. It shines a spotlight on British Asian women’s experiences with nuance and warmth, rejecting one-dimensional narratives. The show’s blend of humour and serious reflection encourages dialogue about how identity, culture, and relationships intersect in contemporary Britain.
Set in the heart of London’s vibrant Soho district, the Soho Theatre is the perfect venue to host this innovative work-in-progress. Known for nurturing cutting-edge, diverse performances, the theatre provides a platform where stories like Poppy and Rubina’s can flourish and resonate with broad audiences. The run from June 10 to June 14 offers theatre lovers, comedy fans, and cultural enthusiasts a unique opportunity to see the show evolve and contribute to its journey before its full production launch.
Tickets for Mama Told Me Not To Come are available now through www.sohotheatre.com, and early booking is recommended given the show’s anticipated demand. Whether you’re already a fan of Brown Girls Do It Too or discovering their world for the first time, this preview promises a powerful, entertaining, and thought-provoking theatre experience that challenges norms and celebrates individuality.
If laughter truly is the best therapy, then Indian stand-up sensation Rajat Sood is exactly what London needs this summer. Known for his razor-sharp wit, brutally honest storytelling, and a self-appointed title as "the most failed lover of our generation," Sood is set to perform live on Sunday, June 8 at the iconic Camden Comedy Club (100 Camden High Street, London NW1 0LU). The one-night-only show promises a masterclass in stand-up comedy, delivered through the lens of heartbreak, hopeless flirting, and romantic disasters — all of which he has somehow survived and turned into comedy gold.
Rajat Sood is not your typical comedian. Rising to fame in India through popular comedy circuits and viral clips online, his work resonates especially with Gen Z and millennial audiences who’ve grown up navigating dating apps, social awkwardness, and cultural expectations. With a charming stage presence and a conversational style, Sood doesn’t just tell jokes — he lets audiences into his life. From botched confessions of love and embarrassing first dates to the unexpected life lessons they brought, Rajat’s brand of comedy is as relatable as it is entertaining.
What makes this event special is the way Sood transforms vulnerability into a powerful punchline. His comedy often dwells on emotional rejection, but instead of bitterness, he offers insight and humour. “I’ve probably made more people laugh talking about my breakups than I ever made my exes smile,” he quips in one of his well-loved routines. Expect a night of spontaneous laughter, uncomfortable truths, and clever observations about modern love, Indian culture, and growing up emotionally unprepared in a hyper-connected world.
Presented by The Comedy Cornershop, this live London show is part of a growing wave of South Asian comedy talent making their mark on the UK circuit. It also highlights the evolving appetite of British audiences for culturally rich, globally relevant humour. In a space where representation matters, Rajat Sood stands out not just as a comedian, but as a voice for a generation trying — and failing — to get love right.
Whether you're navigating a messy dating life, still laughing at your own failed relationship attempts, or just in the mood for a fresh comedy voice, Rajat Sood Live is the event for you. Don't miss the chance to catch this rising star as he performs for the first time at Camden’s celebrated comedy venue.
Tickets and full event details are available at thecomedycornershop.com. Early booking is advised — because if there’s one thing Rajat’s love life has taught us, it’s that the good ones don’t stay single (or unsold) for long.
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Maheep Singh Live in London with 'Mummy Kaisi Hain?': A Hilarious Tribute to Indian Mothers
Indian stand-up sensation Maheep Singh is set to take the London comedy scene by storm with his latest solo show, ‘Mummy Kaisi Hain?’, on Sunday, June 8 at The Comedy Store in Leicester Square. Known for his poignant yet punchy takes on everyday life, Singh brings a refreshing and deeply relatable flavour of humour that connects cultures, generations, and emotions. If you’ve ever had your mother call you 20 times a day or guilt-trip you into eating more roti, this is the show you didn’t know you needed.
Taking centre stage at one of London’s most iconic venues, The Comedy Store, Singh's performance is expected to offer a riot of laughter, introspection, and cultural celebration. With ‘Mummy Kaisi Hain?’—which translates to ‘How’s Mum?’—Maheep Singh brings the spotlight to a figure central to every Indian household: the mother. In this show, he transforms deeply personal stories, classic maternal quirks, and universally relatable "mom moments" into stand-up gold.
What sets Maheep Singh apart from his contemporaries is his ability to blend personal anecdotes with social observations. His comedy isn’t just funny—it’s thoughtful, sincere, and rooted in experience. With ‘Mummy Kaisi Hain?’, Singh goes beyond standard jokes to create a heartfelt narrative that speaks to Indians at home and abroad. From the nuances of growing up in a traditional household to the bittersweet humour of long-distance phone calls with one’s mother, Singh captures it all with impeccable timing and natural charm.
Audiences can expect a rollercoaster of emotions—plenty of belly laughs, a touch of nostalgia, and perhaps even a moment or two of reflection. Whether you’re a student living away from home, a parent yourself, or someone simply craving a dose of honest comedy, this show offers something for everyone.
This isn’t Maheep Singh’s first international outing, but it’s certainly among his most anticipated. The performance marks an important stop on his global tour, showcasing Indian comedy talent on one of the world’s most prestigious comedy stages. The Comedy Store, located at 1a Oxendon Street in London’s West End, has hosted legends of the industry—and on June 8, Maheep Singh will add his name to that legacy.
London’s vibrant South Asian community, alongside comedy lovers from all walks of life, are expected to attend. With limited seats and buzz already building across social media, early booking is strongly recommended.
Maheep Singh has carved a niche for himself in the Indian stand-up circuit with his unique blend of satire, social commentary, and emotional storytelling. A favourite among audiences for his ability to find humour in the mundane, Singh represents a new wave of Indian comedians who are both entertaining and thought-provoking. His content often deals with family dynamics, cultural identity, and the everyday experiences of middle-class life—all delivered with honesty, humility, and a sharp comic instinct.