Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Classical Indian music festival features finest live performers

Classical Indian music festival features finest live performers

LIVE PERFORMANCE

DARBAR FESTIVAL 2022


When: Until Sunday October 16

Where: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

What: The annual classical Indian music festival featuring the finest live performers. This year’s line-up includes Shubha Mudgal, Sabir Khan, Ramana Balachandran, Satyajit Talwalkar, Wahane Sisters, Pandit Uday Bhawalkar, Eeshar Singh, Yashwant Vaishnav, Bha­rathi Prathap and Rajrupa Chowdury.

www.barbican.org.uk

TERE MERE MILAN KI YEH RAINA

When: Sunday October 16

Where: Salvatorian College, High Road, Harrow HA3 5DY

What: Singer Vibhuti Shah, accompanied by a live band, and talented singer Digvijay Jhala, will perform the greatest hits of legendary Bollywood composers SD Burman and RD Burman.

www.eventbrite.co.uk

SAMSARA

When: Monday October 17 – Tuesday October 18

Where: Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN

What: British-Indian dancer Aakash Odedra and Chinese dancer Hu Shenyuan team up for this moving dance duet, inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.

www.curveonline.co.uk

THE BOLLYWOOD BRASS BAND

When: Saturday October 22

Where: Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, London SE3 9RQ

What: The legendary Bollywood brass band continue their UK tour to celebrate 30 years of performing film songs in a unique way. Check the website for further dates.

www.bollywoodbrassband.co.uk

BOTOWN: THE SOUL OF BOLLYWOOD

When: Sunday October 23

Where: The Glee Club, 11 Renfrew Street, Glasgow G2 3AB

What: The Bollywood band of multi-cultural musicians perform classic Hindi film music with a groovy and unique soul funk twist.

www.eventbrite.com

BHAJANS WITH BHAVIK LIVE RELOADED

When: Friday October 28

Where: Elliot Hall in Harrow Arts Centre, 171 Uxbridge Road, Middlesex HA5 4EA

What: Acclaimed singer Bhavik Haria headlines a unique acoustic bhajan concert taking audiences on a soulful and immersive journey, blending heritage with eclectic sounds.

www.harrowarts.com

THE REWIND TOUR – UDIT NARAYAN, ALKA YAGNIK, KUMAR SANU

When: Friday October 28; Saturday October 29; and Sunday October 30

Where: Utilita Arena, King Edwards Road, Birmingham B1 2AA; and First Direct Arena, Arena Way, Leeds LS2 8BY; and OVO Arena, Arena Square, Engineers Way, London HA9 0AA

What: The legendary Bollywood singers return to the UK with a full live band and will perform their greatest hits.

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

THEATRE

LIFE OF PI

When: Until Sunday January 15, 2023

Where: Wyndham’s Theatre, 32-36 Ch­aring Cross Road, London WC2H 0DA

What: Theatre play based on Yann Martel’s Man Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name, which revolves around the sole human survivor of a shipwreck stuck on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger, as they battle to survive an epic voyage across the ocean.

www.lifeofpionstage.com

THE P WORD

When: Until Saturday October 22

Where: Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 8LJ

What: Waleed Akhtar’s sharp-witted and devastating new play charts the parallel lives of two gay Pakistani men, as it moves through casual hook-ups to the UK’s hostile environment.

www.bushtheatre.co.uk

GLITTERBALL

When: Until Saturday October 15

Where: Coliseum Theatre, Fairbottom Street, Oldham, OL1 3SW

What: The new play from acclaimed British Asian theatre company Rifco is a musical comedy revolving around a divorced middle-aged woman navigating rocky friendships, who is trying to make sense of a past – where she was brought up as one half of a Shirley

Bassey tribute act.

www.riversidestudios.co.uk

BROWN BOYS SWIM

When: Until Saturday October 15

Where: Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE

What: Comedy drama about two young British Asians preparing for a pool party by learning how to swim, which examines the pressures faced by young Muslim men.

www.sohotheatre.com

TARTUFFE

When: Friday October 14 – Saturday November 5

Where: Birmingham Repertory Theatre, 6 Centenary Square, Birmingham B1 2EP

What: BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning writers Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto reimagine the classic comedy in a contemporary British Asian setting.

www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

COMEDY

ARABS VS ASIANS

When: Saturday October 15

Where: The Arts Centre, First Floor, Treaty Centre, High Street, Hounslow TW3 1ES

What: Comedy show hosted by Salman Malik, which features stand-up talents Muhsin Yesilada, Fathiya Saleh, Mani Liaqat and Preet Singh.

www.ticketsource.co.uk

DESI CENTRAL COMEDY SHOW

When: Tuesday October 18

Where: The Wardrobe, 6 St Peter’s Square, Leeds LS9 8AH

What: Stand-up show featuring Tommy Sandhu, Kane Brown, Firuz Ozari and Eshaan Akbar.

www.luventertainment.co.uk

PAUL CHOWDHRY – FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMEDIAN

When: Wednesday October 19 – Thursday October 20

Where: Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ

What: The acclaimed funny man resumes his new stand-up tour, with rescheduled dates. He dissects diverse topics that include UK’s handling of the Covid pandemic, fame, and England football fans. Check website for further tour dates.

www. paulchowdhry.com

THE INDIANS ARE COMING

When: Friday October 28

Where: The Core Theatre, Homer Road, Touchwood, Solihull B91 3RG

What: Stand-up comedy show featuring top talents Sukh Ojla, Anuvab Pal, Kai Samra and Raj Poojara.

www.luventertainment.co.uk

CLASSES

FREE BHARATNATYAM CLASSES

When: Wednesdays October 19, 26 and Thursdays October 20, 27

Where: Gamgee House, 2 Darnley Road, Birmingham B16 8TE

What: The Consulate General of India in Birmingham is organising free and weekly dance classes on its premises. Participants need to register beforehand and will be allocated places on a first come first serve basis.

www.eventbrite.com

BOLLYWOOD DANCE CLASS

When: Saturdays October 15, 22, 29

Where: CRATE, 35 Saint James Street, London E17 7FY

What: Bollywood dance class focusing on movement and mindfulness.

www.eventbrite.com

INDIAN VEGETARIAN COOKERY COURSE

When: Saturday October 29

Where: Hounslow, London

What: A trip to the local Indian shop to learn about ingredients will be followed by a practical hands-on cooking course learning how to make a variety of Indian dishes, along with learning how to use spices to add a depth of flavour.

www.cookingwithmonisha.com

More For You

Rick and Morty

Rick and Morty face their most dangerous hunt yet in Oni Press finale

Instagram/rickandmorty

‘Rick and Morty: The End’ announced with six-part finale bringing Oni Press saga to a close

Highlights:

  • Oni Press announces Rick and Morty: The End six-part miniseries starting 3 December 2025
  • The comic marks a dramatic conclusion after more than 100 issues of the hit franchise
  • Writer Daniel Kibblesmith and artist Jarrett Williams lead the final saga following Rick and Morty vs. the Universe
  • Rick Sanchez becomes the multiverse’s most wanted as Morty and Space Beth hunt him down

Adult Swim’s cult animated hit Rick and Morty is set to close a major chapter with Oni Press confirming the launch of Rick and Morty: The End this December. The new comic book miniseries will spin directly out of Rick and Morty vs. the Universe and promises a high-stakes finale unlike anything the duo has faced before. Fans searching for details on Rick and Morty The End will now have confirmation that this marks the start of a six-issue showdown.

Rick and Morty Rick and Morty face their most dangerous hunt yet in Oni Press finale Instagram/rickandmorty

Keep ReadingShow less
James McAvoy Toronto TIFF incident

James McAvoy punched during night out in Toronto and reacts calmly while promoting directorial debut

James McAvoy sucker punched at Toronto bar as the actor stays unfazed after shocking TIFF night

Highlights:

  • James McAvoy was punched by a stranger at Charlotte’s Room bar in Toronto while attending TIFF.
  • The 46-year-old actor was in the city for the world premiere of his directorial debut, California Schemin’.
  • McAvoy remained calm after the incident and even laughed it off with staff and patrons.
  • The film follows the true story of Scottish rappers Silibil N’ Brains and their California disguise.

James McAvoy was unexpectedly attacked at a Toronto bar while in the city for the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), sources confirmed. The X-Men star, who was promoting his directorial debut California Schemin’, was reportedly struck by a man being escorted out of Charlotte’s Room bar. Despite the incident, McAvoy kept his composure, reflecting the actor’s calm and collected nature even in unexpected circumstances.

James McAvoy Toronto TIFF incident James McAvoy punched during night out in Toronto and reacts calmly while promoting directorial debut Instagram/jamesmcavoyrealdeal

Keep ReadingShow less
Nina Dobrev

Nina Dobrev juggled dual roles on Vampire Diaries while fighting for fair pay behind the scenes

Getty Images

Nina Dobrev says 'The Vampire Diaries' studio paid her less than male co-stars despite double workload

Highlights:

  • Actress says she was paid less than male co-stars Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley
  • Claims she worked double the hours by playing multiple characters without fair compensation
  • Studio resisted giving her pay parity even for the final season return
  • Showrunner Julie Plec supported Dobrev’s stance, calling treatment unfair

Nina Dobrev has spoken candidly about her long-running battle for equal pay on hit supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries. In the new book I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries by Entertainment Weekly editor Samantha Highfill, the actress revealed she earned significantly less than her male co-stars despite playing the show’s central role and taking on the added workload of portraying a doppelgänger.

Nina Dobrev Nina Dobrev juggled dual roles on Vampire Diaries while fighting for fair pay behind the scenes Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg calls this Indian actor his favourite villain and “the best the world has ever produced”

Getty Images

Steven Spielberg once called an Indian star his greatest bad guy and even flew to India to sign him

Highlights:

  • Steven Spielberg described Amrish Puri as his all-time favourite villain.
  • The Hollywood director was amazed the actor was shooting 22 films at once.
  • Puri refused to audition and still bagged the role of Mola Ram in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
  • Spielberg even flew to India to meet and cast him personally.

Amrish Puri’s legacy as Indian cinema’s ultimate antagonist has been celebrated for decades, but few know that Steven Spielberg once called him his favourite villain. The Indiana Jones director, impressed by Puri’s performance as Mola Ram, praised him as “the best the world has ever produced.” The Hollywood giant was so determined to cast him that he travelled to India, a rare move for the filmmaker, to secure the actor despite Puri’s initial reluctance.

Steven Spielberg Steven Spielberg calls this Indian actor his favourite villain and “the best the world has ever produced” Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranveer Singh roles

Ranveer Singh’s most powerful action roles revisited ahead of ‘Dhurandhar’ release

5 action-packed Ranveer Singh roles to revisit before 'Dhurandhar' release

Highlights:

  • Ranveer Singh gears up for the release of Dhurandhar with high expectations
  • His past films have featured some of Bollywood’s most striking action moments
  • Roles in Bajirao Mastani, Simmba, Padmaavat, Singham Again and Ram-Leela remain standouts

With anticipation high for Dhurandhar, Ranveer Singh’s track record in delivering gripping action on the big screen is once again in the spotlight. Known for his physical commitment and high-energy screen presence, the actor has anchored some of Hindi cinema’s most memorable fight sequences in recent years.

1. Bajirao Mastani

Keep ReadingShow less