Classical Indian music festival features finest live performers
By Eastern EyeOct 12, 2022
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.
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.
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
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.
Jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs’ sex trafficking and racketeering trial sends fifth note to judge.
Concern raised about one juror’s ability to follow instructions; judge advises deliberations to continue.
Jurors request transcripts of Cassie Ventura and Daniel Phillip’s testimonies.
Combs faces five charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, and could face life in prison.
Jurors in the high-profile criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs have raised new concerns as deliberations continue, sending a fifth note to the judge questioning whether one juror can follow instructions. The jury also asked to review key testimonies from singer Cassie Ventura and witness Daniel Phillip, signalling the complexity and weight of the decision they face.
Diddy trial jury raises alarm over juror and demands key witness testimoniesGetty Images
Jury seeks witness transcripts in Diddy sex trafficking trial
On the second day of deliberations, the jury asked to review four specific pieces of testimony: three from Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and one from male stripper Daniel Phillip. The requests relate to critical events, including an incident at the InterContinental Hotel and a Cannes Film Festival encounter.
The defence and prosecution are currently negotiating which parts of these testimonies should be submitted to the jury. Combs, who has denied all charges, remained in court as the latest note was read and legal teams reconvened.
The jury’s focus on testimony details suggests they are carefully weighing evidence linked to the most serious allegations, including coerced sexual encounters allegedly orchestrated by Combs as part of a broader racketeering conspiracy.
Marc Agnifilo, attorney for Sean "Diddy" Combs, arrives at federal courtGetty Images
Concerns over juror raise questions during deliberations
Just hours into the first day of deliberations, the jury sent a note to Judge Arun Subramanian expressing concern that one juror “cannot follow” legal instructions. That juror, reportedly a scientist by profession, had earlier described the trial as a “good break” during voir dire.
Judge Subramanian instructed the jury to continue deliberating, reminding them of their duty to follow court instructions. Legal experts say such internal jury issues can complicate proceedings but are not uncommon in high-stakes trials.
Sean 'Puffy' Combs arrives at Manhattan Supreme Court in 2001Getty Images
If found guilty, Combs could face a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. The charges include racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting women for prostitution. The trial, now in its final phase, has drawn intense public interest and influencer coverage outside the Manhattan courthouse.
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Diljit Dosanjh in a still from Sardaar Ji 3 set for overseas release only
Sardaar Ji 3 rakes in £275,000 (₹3 crore) on opening day in Pakistan, surpassing Sultan.
Diljit Dosanjh responds to backlash: “When we shot the film, everything was fine.”
Film was not released in India due to controversy over Pakistani actress Hania Aamir’s casting.
Worldwide opening weekend collection touches £1.6 million (₹18.1 crore).
The Punjabi-language horror-comedy Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, has become the highest-grossing Indian film ever released in Pakistan. Despite being banned in India, the film grossed £275,000 (₹3 crore) on its opening day and £825,000 (₹9 crore) over the first weekend in Pakistan alone.
The movie was released internationally on 27 June but did not receive clearance in India due to political tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. Its success across the border has reignited debates around cross-border cultural collaborations and censorship.
Sardaar Ji 3 Pakistan box office collection sets new benchmark
Despite ongoing tensions and a ban on Indian films in Pakistan since 2019, Sardaar Ji 3 was cleared by the Pakistani censor board and released nationwide. The opening day collections broke the previous record held by Salman Khan’s Sultan, which had earned £265,000 (₹2.9 crore) on day one in 2016.
Nadeem Mandviwalla, a leading cinema distributor in Karachi, called it “the best opening for any Indian or Pakistani film in recent years,” adding that school holidays and the lack of quality cinema had contributed to packed halls.
Diljit Dosanjh shared videos of audience reactions from Pakistan on his Instagram, celebrating the overwhelming support while refraining from commenting directly on the boycott in India.
Diljit Dosanjh defends overseas release, says “situation changed after shoot”
The controversy stems from the casting of Hania Aamir, which violated the Indian film workers’ ban on Pakistani artists. Actor Naseeruddin Shah publicly defended Dosanjh, criticising attempts to scapegoat him for political gain.
Speaking in an interview, Dosanjh clarified, “We shot the film in February when everything was fine. After the attack, the producers knew they couldn’t release it in India. They’ve spent a lot on this film, and releasing it overseas is the only way to recover costs.”
Ranbir Kapoor calls Lord Ram the most meaningful role of his career during his final-day speech.
Ramayana: Part 1 shoot wraps after an extensive schedule led by director Nitesh Tiwari.
Ravi Dubey, who plays Lakshman, is seen sharing an emotional hug with Ranbir on set.
The film is set to release in cinemas during Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 in 2027.
The filming of Ramayana: Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, has officially come to an end. Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram in the ambitious mythological film, delivered a heartfelt speech during the wrap ceremony, calling it the most significant role of his career. A now-viral behind-the-scenes video captures Ranbir hugging his co-star Ravi Dubey, who plays Lakshman, as the cast and crew celebrated the emotional milestone.
Producer Namit Malhotra reveals how AI will make Ramayana resonate globally with native-language realism IMDB/Reddit
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Ranbir Kapoor calls Lord Ram his most meaningful role
In a clip circulating on social media, Ranbir Kapoor can be seen standing before the full cast and crew on the final day of the shoot. Addressing the team, he expressed deep gratitude for being part of what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime” project. “Portraying Lord Ram has been the most meaningful role of my life,” he said, standing beside Ravi Dubey, who portrays Lakshman. Ranbir also thanked co-stars Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, and others, acknowledging their contribution to the massive production.
— (@)
Director Nitesh Tiwari also addressed the gathering with an emotional speech, which was met with cheers and applause. Videos from the day show a close-knit crew cutting a cake and capturing candid moments, one of which was Ranbir embracing Ravi in a warm hug.
Ramayana Part 1 set for Diwali 2026 release
With filming now complete, Ramayana: Part 1 is set to enter post-production. The star-studded cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi. The film is being mounted on a grand scale, with Oscar-winning VFX studio DNEG handling visual effects.
— (@)
The first instalment is expected to hit theatres during Diwali 2026, with Part 2 planned for a Diwali 2027 release. An official poster reveal is expected on 3 July, as anticipation builds for what is shaping up to be one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious mythological sagas.
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Ensemble Festival 2025 returns to Royal Docks with bold new outdoor shows
Ensemble Festival 2025 to be held on 26–27 July at Royal Victoria Docks, London.
Free outdoor event featuring circus, dance, street art and physical theatre.
Highlights include new works by Sadiq Ali, Vidya Thirunarayan and Miss High Leg Kick.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of organisers Certain Blacks.
This summer, London’s historic Royal Victoria Docks will transform into a hub of vibrant outdoor performance as Ensemble Festival 2025 returns on 26 and 27 July. Presented by arts organisation Certain Blacks, the free weekend event features an interesting line-up of new circus, dance and street theatre works, while also celebrating a decade of championing diverse and underrepresented artists.
Set across two full days, the Ensemble Festival 2025 programme includes exciting new commissions such as Tell Me by Sadiq Ali Co., a Chinese pole circus piece tackling HIV stigma, and Holy Dirt, a visceral collaboration between director David Glass and Indian artist Vidya Thirunarayan.
Vidya Thirunarayan in Holy Dirt brings myth and ritual into raw physical form The Clay Connection
The festival also sees the return of audience favourite Miss High Leg Kick with Palais de Danse, a multi-sensory throwback to the 1950s dance hall era. Nandita Shankardass’s Roots to Rise brings together Indian classical movement with contemporary dance to explore memory, ancestry and women’s resilience. Other acts range from aerial theatre in Hug by Levantes Dance Theatre to climate-themed installations like Hydropunk by Artizani and Tenderfoot Theatre.
Sadiq Ali's pole performance explores HIV stigma with athletic graceLuke Whitcomb
Certain Blacks marks 10 years of championing diversity
2025 is a milestone year for Certain Blacks, the East London-based organisation behind Ensemble Festival. Known for spotlighting talent from across socio-economic, ethnic, gender and neurodiverse backgrounds, Certain Blacks has become a vital force in the UK arts scene.
Sadiq Ali delivers a daring upside-down act in his powerful show Luke Whitcomb
“Our aim has always been to bring diverse artists from the margins into the mainstream,” said artistic director Clive Lyttle. “This year’s Ensemble Festival reflects that, with a powerful mix of voices and perspectives, many being showcased on this scale for the first time.”
Ensemble Festival forms part of Without Walls, a major UK network that supports ground-breaking outdoor performance. As one of its partners, Certain Blacks plays a key role in shaping new work for public spaces across the country.
Dancers in Nandita Shankardass’s Roots to Rise connect movement with memoryJohn Evans
The festival remains accessible with step-free access and dedicated facilities, and also continues its commitment to sustainability with green practices across production.
TikTok is testing a new one-way messaging feature called bulletin boards.
Jonas Brothers, People magazine, and Paris Saint-Germain among early testers.
The feature mimics Instagram’s broadcast channels but may expand further.
Only creators can post; followers can react with emojis but not comment.
TikTok is trialling a new feature called bulletin boards, allowing select creators and brands to send direct broadcast-style messages to their followers, similar to Instagram’s broadcast channels. The Jonas Brothers, football club Paris Saint-Germain, and People magazine are among the first to test the tool, which shows TikTok’s growing focus on creator-fan intimacy beyond its traditional feed.
TikTok’s new tool mimics Instagram’s broadcast channels
Unlike regular TikTok posts that rely on algorithms or viral reach, bulletin boards aim to offer a more direct communication path. Only the creator can post updates, which may include text, videos, or images, while followers can respond with emoji reactions but cannot comment. The format is clearly inspired by Instagram’s broadcast channels, launched in 2023, where artists and influencers routinely share behind-the-scenes content and personal messages.
The new bulletin system was first spotted by marketing strategist Christina Garnett, who shared screenshots via Threads, showing how fans are invited to follow these boards. Once subscribed, users receive notifications whenever a creator sends out a new update.
— (@)
Big-name creators signal broader rollout plans
Early involvement from mainstream acts like the Jonas Brothers indicates TikTok is positioning bulletin boards as a premium tool for high-engagement fanbases. With creators constantly seeking ways to reach audiences without relying on the platform’s unpredictable feed algorithm, the feature could become a valuable line of direct communication.
It is also a clear move in the current trend of social platforms “borrowing” each other’s best features: Instagram mimicked TikTok’s short-form videos with Reels, while TikTok introduced Stories in 2022. Now, it is returning the favour with this broadcast-style tool.
People's Bulletin boardICYMI
The key question remains whether TikTok will differentiate its version with interactive additions like polls, which Instagram already offers. But for now, bulletin boards could offer artists and brands a streamlined way to share announcements, tour updates, and exclusive previews straight to their superfans’ inboxes.