ARUNIMA KUMAR ON HER KUCHIPUDI JOURNEY AND LARGE-SCALE FESTIVAL
by ASJAD NAZIR
An International Kuchipudi Dance Festival starts at The Bhavan Centre in London on November 16.
The largest showcase of Kuchipudi in Britain is an inter-generational festival with over 100 performers aged between 4 to 65 years presenting the classical Indian dance form in all its glory. The entire festival is masterminded by award-winning dancer, teacher and choreographer Arunima Kumar. It is the latest chapter in a remarkable artistic journey that stretches back to her childhood when as a two-year-old she would dance whilst her grandmothers sang to her.
Eastern Eye caught up with leading British dance figure Arunima Kumar to find out more about her journey and the International Kuchipudi Dance Festival.
How did your dance journey begin?
My dance journey began at five when my mother saw a dance performance and enrolled me in a Kuchipudi class. What I learned really fascinated me. Initially, it was a hobby as I wanted to study and work. I studied finance and worked in the corporate sector in senior positions. I loved my job, but something was always missing. So I decided to take a break to dance and never went back.
Which of your dance projects has given you the greatest joy?
Each performance has taught and inspired me. I have performed in over 60 countries with over 2,000 shows at various venues, including the Sydney Opera house, Trafalgar Square, Parliament, The Rio Festival, hospitals in UK and prisons in India. I never considered any space big or small. Each space is sacred! If I had to choose one, choreographing and performing at Buckingham Palace for The UK India Year of Culture was a huge honour and responsibility.
Tell us more?
That experience taught me a lot as there was no room for error. I put faith in my art and had an amazing team to create my piece EKAM, which reflected unity in diversity. We worked hard on each aspect, and it was my biggest moment. We went on that red carpet and the beauty of Indian art and heritage came alive. I will never forget that proud moment.
Tell us about the International Kuchipudi Dance Festival?
It is the third edition, and this year we plan to make it one of the largest festivals of Indian classical dance in Britain, with over 100 inter-generational dancers, ranging from my students and artists from Arunima Kumar Dance Company to acclaimed guest artists such as Bhagya Lakshmi Thyagarajan and Meenakshi Ravi. We are thankful to all those, including The Bhavan and Arts Council England, for their support.
What has been the biggest challenge of putting it together?
This year’s festival is targeting 100 dancers! I always aim for the impossible and stay alive by living my dreams. The multiple challenges in curating the festival include organising multiple rehearsals, raising funds, monitoring costs effectively and ensuring highest standards. It’s a mammoth task. It is still challenging promoting Indian arts, including to the Indian community.
Is there one highlight you are looking forward to?
I am looking forward to our new work Avatara, which is an inclusive work supported by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Arts. It is a collaboration between Arunima Kumar Dance Company Kuchipudi Dancers and Latin/Ballroom dancers on wheelchairs from Step Change Studios, which is an award-winning inclusive dance company. The contrasting forms have come together to tell an Indian mythological epic in an abstract form and has music by Niraj Chag.
You have done diverse work, including global performance, education, outreach, dance therapy, giving a platform to young artists and bringing Kuchipudi to the forefront, but what’s the secret of a great performance?
A great performance to me is when I give my best and feel the spiritual connection with my audience and they take back an experience they remember. Comments such as, “I left drugs after I saw your performance”, “I promise to learn and teach my kids dance as it made me so happy” and “God bless you and your strength” are jewels of appreciation I take with me, which money can’t buy.
What inspires you as an artist?
I’m inspired when I see legends at work – their vision, attention to detail, hard work and focus on every movement. I’m inspired by their resilience and ability to share. My gurus and mentors Akram Khan, Shobana Jeyasingh and Donald Hutera have all inspired me in many ways. I’m also inspired by children in their innocence in movement, as it’s very pure. That’s why I love teaching and am keeping the legacy going.
Why do you love dance?
I love dance because it gives me strength, peace and happiness. Dance is my home, my prayer, a best friend that has stayed loyal to me. Dance has shown me history, taken me to places I would not even dream of and given me friends globally. I’m not lonely even when no one is around me! It has taught me humility, spirituality, and the values of sacrifice and hard work. Dance makes me human! I don’t need to earn loads of money or get that promotion to be happy. I have it right here. It has given me the means to heal, educate, impact and shape a better world.
What Arunima Kumar’s students have to say
Jia: Arunima Kumar is the best guru I have, as she teaches with passion and wants us to be perfect. “Practice every day” are her favourite words.
Neeti: Ms Arunima Kumar makes it a joy to learn Kuchipudi. We learn about our tradition and work hard on the dance steps/postures again and again till we get it right.
Kornelya: Arunima Kumar Ji is the best teacher, guru and role model. She inspires me with her determination, talent, open mind and generosity. She taught me to never give up and inspires me to learn Kuchipudi with no excuses. She proves that everything is possible.
www.arunimakumar.com
Did you know?
Kuchipudi originates from Andhra Pradesh and is the only dance form that is named after a village in India, Kuchipudi/Kuchelapuram. It was gifted to villagers by the Nawab who saw a beautiful Kuchipudi performance and was happy with it. The tradition lives on today where the villagers still practice, perform and teach.
It was originally performed by male Brahmins and has a dance-drama tradition. It evolved into a solo style and is performed by many female artists now.
Stree vesham, where a man dresses up and performs as a woman has been a popular and relevant feature of this form.
It originated during the Bhakti movement and many original pieces are based on this theme of spirituality and devotion.
It is a beautiful rhythmic form of Indian dance, buoyant in nature with fluid torso movements, fast footwork and sculpturesque postures.
Martin Lewis flags incorrect return rights information on 30 retail websites
Retailers include New Look, The Range, and Selfridges
Lewis clarifies legal rights for online and in-store purchases
Trading Standards to be alerted following MoneySavingExpert.com investigation
Martin Lewis highlights return rights confusion
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has issued a warning to UK consumers after uncovering misleading returns information on the websites of 30 major retailers, including New Look, The Range, and Selfridges.
Speaking on ITV1's Good Morning Britain, Lewis explained that several retailers are presenting incorrect information about return rights for online shoppers — in some cases, underplaying the legal protections customers are entitled to.
In a tweet posted after the segment aired, Lewis wrote: “30 retailers including Selfridges, New Look and The Range are publishing misleading (worse) return rights information on their websites than you legally have. Find which stores to be cautious with, and what your rights are.”
Legal rights for online shoppers
During his TV appearance, Martin Lewis clarified that consumers who shop online — as opposed to in-store — benefit from legal protections under the Consumer Contracts Regulations.
“If you buy something online, unless it is personalised or perishable, you have an absolute right to change your mind,” he said. “You have 14 days after delivery — important it’s after delivery, not after order — in which to tell the retailer you're returning it. Then you have another 14 days to send it back. That gives you up to 28 days.”
He also stressed the distinction between online and in-store shopping: “If you buy something in-store, you have no legal right to return it unless it’s faulty. Some shops do allow returns as part of their policy, and if they publish that, it becomes part of the contract. But legally, there is no obligation unless the item is defective.”
Incorrect wording found on retailer websites
Lewis and his team at MoneySavingExpert.com identified numerous cases where retailers had not correctly stated consumers’ legal rights on their websites.
One such example involved New Look, where the website stated: “You can return sale items within 14 days.” Lewis responded: “No! You can notify them within 14 days and you’ve got another 14 days to send it back.”
He also flagged a misleading policy by home and garden retailer The Range, which read: “You need to return your item to us at our Range marketplace partner within 14 days of receiving it.” Lewis explained: “No. You have 14 days from receiving it to notify that you’re returning it and a further 14 days to complete the return.”
He went on to say: “We found 30 examples. What’s really frustrating is that two of those — Monsoon and New Look — had the same issue back in 2018 when we last reviewed this. We notified them then, and they still have it wrong now. So we’re taking our evidence to Trading Standards.”
Retailers respond
In response to the findings, a spokesperson for New Look said: “We thank MoneySavingExpert.com for bringing this to our attention. While our current policies comply with statutory return rights, we have updated the wording on our website to ensure greater clarity for our customers. Customers have 14 days to notify us that they’ve changed their mind on items bought online in our sale, and a further 14 days to make the return.”
Consumers are encouraged to review their rights when shopping online and refer to trusted sources like the Money Saving Expert website for accurate advice. The full list of the 30 retailers identified can be found there.
The Daily Express has also contacted The Range and other retailers mentioned in the investigation for further comment.
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Collins accepted the findings of the ASA’s investigation
Instagram post by Gemma Collins promoting Yazen weight-loss service banned
ASA rules it breached regulations on promoting prescription-only medication
Eight other weight-loss ads also banned in regulatory crackdown
ASA bans Collins' Instagram advert
An Instagram post by TV personality Gemma Collins promoting a weight-loss drug and digital service has been banned by the UK’s advertising watchdog for breaching regulations around prescription-only medicines.
Collins had shared a promotional video on 6 January 2025, stating: “I’m starting this year two sizes down, thanks to Yazen’s weight loss app and medication.” The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that the post unlawfully promoted prescription-only medication to the public.
Prescription medication references breached rules
Yazen, a Swedish digital healthcare company, provides a doctor-supervised weight-loss programme which includes prescription drugs alongside lifestyle coaching. While Collins did not name a specific drug in the advert, she referenced the medication being “prescribed on the NHS”.
The ASA said it consulted the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which concluded that viewers were likely to interpret the advert as encouragement to seek prescription weight-loss medication.
As a result, the ASA found that the advert breached its code by promoting prescription-only treatments directly to the public. This type of promotion is prohibited under UK advertising regulations.
Collins accepted the findings of the ASA’s investigation and confirmed that she would follow the relevant guidance in future social media promotions.
Eight other ads also banned
Collins’ post was one of nine adverts banned in the ASA’s latest enforcement action targeting weight-loss drug promotions. The watchdog stated that all of the adverts promoted prescription-only treatments to consumers, a practice not allowed under UK law.
The other banned adverts included:
A Meta ad by CheqUp Health stating: “Take the first step to sustainable weight loss with CheqUp.”
A Meta ad by HealthExpress.co.uk, featuring an injection pen image and rule-breaching claims.
A Google ad for Juniper UK describing “GLP-1 Weekly Weight Loss Injection” with an injection pen image.
Two Google ads for Phlo Clinic, one offering “35% off Weight Loss Order” and another promoting “Weight loss Injections.”
A Google ad for SemaPen claiming, “SemaPen Makes Weight Loss Easier.”
A Meta ad by Cloud Pharmacy using text message imagery referencing new weight-loss medication.
A Google ad for pharmacyonline.co.uk stating “Obesity Treatment Jab” with an image of a medication vial.
The ASA ruled that none of these adverts should appear again in their current form. The regulator said it will continue to monitor the promotion of weight-loss services involving prescription medication, particularly on digital platforms.
Discover hidden UK beaches with turquoise waters and golden sands
Ideal for summer staycations without the cost of long-haul travel
Includes lesser-known spots in Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, and more
Perfect for quiet escapes, coastal walks, and Instagram-worthy views
Escape to paradise – no passport required
Think you need to fly halfway across the world for clear blue water and white sand? Think again. The UK is home to a surprising number of secluded beaches that look straight out of the Caribbean – without the crowds or jet lag. From hidden coves in Cornwall to windswept bays in the Scottish Highlands, here are some of the most tropical-looking beaches on British soil.
1. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Often dubbed the UK’s answer to the Caribbean, this National Trust-owned gem boasts golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. Accessed by a half-mile walk from Stackpole Quay, it remains blissfully untouched by development.
Best for: Picnics, photography, and a peaceful swim Nearest parking: Stackpole Quay car park
2. Achmelvich Bay, Sutherland, Scotland
Many of these beaches are tidal and best enjoyed at low tideiStock
With white sands and dazzling turquoise water, this beach in the remote northwest Highlands rivals beaches anywhere in the world. The journey is long, but the views – and near-solitude – make it worth every mile.
Tucked beneath rugged cliffs near Porthcurno, this tidal beach is often reached via a steep cliff path – but rewards visitors with stunning sandbars and glassy water at low tide. It’s also unofficially clothing-optional.
Best for: Adventurous walkers, secluded sunbathing Access: Steep footpath from Treen
4. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides
Framed by the turquoise seaiStock
Arguably one of Britain’s most spectacular beaches, Luskentyre’s vast white sands stretch for miles, framed by the turquoise sea and Harris’s dramatic hills. When the sun shines, it’s hard to believe you’re still in Scotland.
Best for: Landscape lovers, long coastal walks How to get there: Ferry from Skye to Tarbert, then a 25-minute drive
5. Kynance Cove, Cornwall
It’s best visited early or late in the dayiStock
With its striking serpentine rock formations, teal-coloured waters, and hidden caves, Kynance is a postcard-perfect Cornish cove. Its popularity means it’s best visited early or late in the day.
Best for: Exploring caves, paddling Nearby: Kynance Cove Café (seasonal)
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The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches
Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
The chain made the announcement via social media
Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments
All branches are permanently closed
Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.
Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.
Social media announcement thanks customers and staff
In a post shared on Instagram, the company wrote: “It’s a wrap. After 20 unforgettable years, all Ping Pong locations are now permanently closed.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we built, an independent hospitality brand full of creativity, flavour and soul.
“To everyone who joined us over the years, for dim sum dates, happy hours, bottomless brunches, and just-because catch-ups – thank you.
“You shared your moments with us, passed around little parcels of deliciousness, and helped make Ping Pong what it was.
“To our collaborators, suppliers, and the incredible team who kept the steam going, thank you. It’s been sum-thing truly special.”
Customers express sadness over sudden closure
Regular customers responded to the announcement with disappointment and nostalgia. Many expressed shock over the sudden news and the lack of notice.
One Instagram user commented: “Noooo, we’ve made some amazing memories there, birthdays, anniversaries, you name it. The food was always so amazing.”
Another said: “WHAT?? WE HAD NO CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE! NO WARNING.”
Others fondly recalled the restaurant’s atmosphere and signature dishes, with one writing: “The food and the lychee cocktails will be sorely missed.”
Ping Pong had multiple locations across London and was known for its contemporary take on traditional Chinese dim sum. The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches, casual dining experience, and cocktail offerings.
No further information has been shared regarding the reason behind the closure or whether the brand will return in a new format.
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Experts have raised concerns about the immune-evasive nature of the Stratus strain
A new Covid strain known as Stratus is spreading across the UK
The variant is marked by a distinctive symptom: a hoarse or raspy voice
Sub-variants XFG and XFG.3 now account for 30% of cases in England
Experts say there is no evidence of more severe disease
Lower immunity levels may make more people vulnerable to infection
Covid variant Stratus on the rise in the UK
A new strain of Covid-19, known as Stratus, is spreading across the UK and drawing attention for its unusual symptom — a hoarse or raspy voice. According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Stratus and its two sub-variants, XFG and XFG.3, are responsible for around 30 per cent of Covid cases in England.
Of the two, XFG.3 is currently the more dominant. The UKHSA confirmed that monitoring of all circulating Covid-19 variants is ongoing as part of regular surveillance.
Mutations help Stratus spread despite immunity
Experts have raised concerns about the immune-evasive nature of the Stratus strain. Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and founder of Hannah London Clinic, noted that certain mutations in the spike protein could help the virus bypass antibodies generated by previous infection or vaccination.
“Unlike other variants, Stratus has certain mutations in the spike protein which could help it evade antibodies developed from prior infections or vaccinations,” said Dr Khan. However, the symptoms tend to remain mild to moderate, with hoarseness being one of the most noticeable.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said, “It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time,” adding that there is currently no evidence that the XFG or XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous strains.
Waning immunity raises infection risk
According to Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick, the reduction in Covid-19 infections in recent months, along with lower booster jab uptake, could increase the risk of infection.
“Given that immunity to Covid is waning in the population due to a decline in uptake of the spring booster jab and the reduction of Covid infections in recent months, more people will be susceptible to infection with XFG and XFG.3,” he told MailOnline.
He warned that this could lead to a new wave of infections, though the scale remains uncertain.
Global monitoring of the strain
Globally, Stratus accounted for 22.7 per cent of Covid cases as of 22 June, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The strain has been designated as a “variant under monitoring”, with WHO currently assessing its public health impact as low risk.
The emergence of Stratus follows the spread of another recent variant called Nimbus (NB.1.8.1), first detected in China and Hong Kong in January and now present in parts of the US and Australia. Nimbus has been associated with more severe sore throat symptoms.
Reduced testing levels since the pandemic’s peak make it difficult to track the true spread of these new variants, health officials have noted.