Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Croydon Mela: A celebration of Asian arts, culture and food for all ages

There are melas happening all over the country throughout the summer and one of the fun, free family-friendly events at Wandle Park in Croydon on July 14 has been programmed by an all-female lead team.

Malti Patel of Apsara Arts is responsible for organising the family zone, which has everything from interactive performances to workshops. The dance stage has been programmed by Anusha Subramanyam and has a mix of South Asian classical, folk and Bollywood dance along with diverse styles from around the world.


Heading the triumvirate is cultural producer, Chetna Kapacee, who has programmed the main stage. “I believe that this is the first time a mela has had an all-women programming team for all stages. It has been great working alongside both of these amazing women this year as we are all Croydon-based and understand the (South Asian) community. I think, as a team, we complement each other well, as we have a background in different art forms, including community arts, dance, choreography, music and event management,” said Chetna.

Chetna hopes the lead team will help inspire a younger generation of women and the event itself will be a true celebration of the rich culture within the Asian community in all its facets.

“Traditionally, melas, both in India and the UK, have been incredibly male-dominated, be it organisers or performers selected to participate. We simply wanted to create a platform to not only encourage inclusivity, but also to showcase the hidden and untapped female talent that exists. This is not about being politically correct, we’re just opening people’s eyes,” said Chetna.

This year’s Croydon Mela has music, dance, food and culture. The action-packed line up includes international artists alongside great local talent. Some of those performing include Apache Indian, Najma Akhtar, south Indian-based Carnatic rock group, Project MishraM and resident DJ for the day, DJ Ritu. Others on the line-up are London-based group Strings, Nepalese band Namlo and talented Croydon based performers. “There is a diverse South Asian community in Croydon, ranging from Gujarati, south Indian, Nepalese, Punjabi and a significant Islamic population.

“For the main stage, I wanted to try and appeal to as many of these communities as possible. With my 20 years plus experience of working with many of the best Asian artists, both in the UK and internationally, I was able to draw upon my contacts to create the programme, while ensuring gender representation on the main stage. I hope I have created a programme which is as inclusive and diverse as possible, not only appealing to the South Asian community, but also the wider population,” said Chetna.

The Croydon Mela takes place at Wandle Park on July 14 from 1pm-8pm. Visit www.croydonmela.com & Instagram, Twitter, Facebook: @croydonmela

More For You

Aaradhya Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan says Aishwarya Rai is fully responsible for Aaradhya’s upbringing

Getty Images

Abhishek Bachchan praises Aishwarya Rai for raising Aaradhya without phone or social media

Quick highlights:

  • Abhishek Bachchan credits Aishwarya Rai for taking the lead in daughter Aaradhya’s upbringing.
  • Says Aaradhya, now 13, has no phone and stays away from social media.
  • Calls Aishwarya “selfless” for prioritising parenting over everything else.
  • Slams online gossip surrounding their marriage as baseless and insensitive.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan has dismissed recent speculation around his marriage with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, instead shining a light on her unwavering dedication as a mother. In a recent chat, he spoke warmly about their 13-year-old daughter Aaradhya, revealing that she neither owns a mobile phone nor uses social media, something he attributes to Aishwarya’s hands-on parenting.

 Aaradhya Bachchan  Aaradhya Bachchan has no access to social media or a personal phoneGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh in a still from Lootera that captured his most restrained performance

Twelve years of 'Lootera': 5 reasons Ranveer Singh’s most understated role still holds up

Quick highlights:

  • Ranveer’s subtle performance in Lootera marked a major shift from his usual high-energy roles.
  • The 1950s-set romantic drama became a career milestone for the actor.
  • His restrained, emotionally complex portrayal earned long-term critical acclaim.
  • The film showcased a successful collaboration with director Vikramaditya Motwane.
  • As Dhurandhar builds buzz, Lootera reminds us of Ranveer’s range.

Twelve years ago, Ranveer Singh surprised audiences with Lootera, a period romance that asked him to do something unfamiliar: stay still. Set in 1950s Bengal and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film gave Ranveer the space to deliver one of his most subdued and mature performances. No outbursts. No spectacle. Just quiet heartbreak.

  Lootera released in 2013 and marked a stylistic shift for Ranveer Singh Prime Video  

Keep ReadingShow less
AR Rahman shares selfie with Hans Zimmer

AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer smile together in viral selfie

Instagram/arrahman

AR Rahman shares selfie with Hans Zimmer as 'Ramayana' music collaboration excites fans

Quick highlights:

  • AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer will collaborate on the soundtrack for Ramayana: Part One, directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
  • Rahman shared a selfie with Zimmer on Instagram, captioned “With @hanszimmer #ramayanamovie”.
  • The photo sparked a wave of excitement online, with fans and celebrities calling it a “historic moment”.
  • Ramayana: Part One stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi, and is set for a Diwali 2026 release.

AR Rahman’s latest Instagram post has set the tone for what might be one of the most ambitious film music projects in recent Indian cinema. The Oscar-winning composer shared a selfie with legendary Hollywood music producer Hans Zimmer, confirming their collaboration on Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part One. The picture quickly went viral, as fans celebrated the rare coming together of two globally acclaimed composers for a single Indian film.

  AR Rahman confirms collaboration with Hans Zimmer on InstagramInstagram/arrahman

Keep ReadingShow less
Ozzy Osbourne returns to Birmingham

Birmingham celebrates its heavy metal roots with Back to the Beginning show

Getty Images

Ozzy Osbourne returns to Birmingham for final Black Sabbath concert after 20 years

Quick highlights:

  • Ozzy Osbourne to perform one final time in Birmingham on 5 July, reuniting with Black Sabbath’s original line-up.
  • Villa Park will host a 10-hour metal concert titled Back to the Beginning, curated by Tom Morello.
  • The line-up includes Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and others; proceeds go to three Birmingham-based charities.
  • The reunion marks the first time Ozzy, Iommi, Butler, and Ward will play together in 20 years.

After a lifetime of chaotic stage antics, searing vocals, and defining an entire music genre, Ozzy Osbourne is officially calling time on his career. On Saturday, the 76-year-old rock legend will headline his final concert in Birmingham, his birthplace, alongside the original members of Black Sabbath, the band that started it all.

Billed as Back to the Beginning, the sold-out event will not only mark Osbourne’s last performance but also a rare reunion with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Their last appearance as a full group was two decades ago.

Keep ReadingShow less
Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less