DJ Lady G: A full dance floor shows you’re playing the right songs
On August 18, she will be on the bill with Apache Indian and Chahat Mahmood Qawwali Group at a free South Asian Heritage Month finale show in Newham
By Asjad NazirAug 10, 2023
A VIBRANT personality mixed with a superb selection of songs and an ability to spin multiple genres has enabled DJ Lady G to entertain cross-cultural audiences.
Whether it is explosive live sets or getting listeners on Solar radio to choose their favourite song, she beautifully balances DJing and presenting.
Next Friday (18) she will be on the bill with music legend Apache Indian and Pakistan’s Chahat Mahmood Qawwali Group at a free South Asian Heritage Month finale show in her home London borough of Newham.
Eastern Eye caught up with the talent, real name Gurpreet Mudhar to discuss her DJ
journey, Newham, and music.
What first connected you to DJing?
I was always into music from a very young age. Having left secondary school, I joined my local hospital radio station at Newham University Hospital to gain work experience for a college project. Here I learnt all the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to become a DJ, and got the bug for broadcasting.
How does hosting a radio show compare to DJing live?
With DJing live, you get to see your audience close up and the impact a tune has on them. A full dance floor shows you’re playing the right songs. There’s nothing better. A studio provides an intimate experience. Despite not seeing your audience, like live DJing, I feel I’m speaking to one person. It’s like a conversation with a close friend who shares a similar taste in music, and it’s exhilarating when they interact with me online during the radio show.
What do you think is the secret of a great live DJ set?
It’s like employing psychology. Even with years of experience I can’t determine the audience until the first track plays, and they warm up. Once I can read them, I get out my killer tunes to get them dancing. You need to know your audience with the first three tunes and once you master that, you’ve got them hooked. They are there for the music, so me speaking on a mic, is less than in the studio.
It is South Asian Heritage Month, how important is it for you to remain connected to your south Asian roots?
My south Asian roots are the foundation of my personal, professional, cultural, and religious identity. I’m proud to have a sense of belonging to my community and through live gigs and events, I’m able to present my authentic self as a proud British south Asian female DJ. The Bollywood/fusion and bhangra music I play is deeply instilled in me, along with my love of soul, r’n’b.
In terms of heritage, you are also born and raised in Newham, what do you most love about the borough?
I am a Newham girl through and through. Newham is one the friendliest, diverse boroughs in the UK – it has a wonderful, exciting cultural mix of residents, businesses, and entertainment. Over the years, I watched the borough regenerate and am proud to be Newham born and bred.
How much are you looking forward to DJing and hosting at the Newham event at Stratford Town Hall next Friday (18)?
When this invitation came through, I thought someone was having a joke at my expense. When I realised the opportunity was serious, I was overwhelmed and flattered by the recognition. It is an honour to be invited to be part of a wonderful event and am looking forward to introducing some exciting guests and acts and sharing the stage with them. It’s going to be an actionpacked evening of cultural celebration.
What music dominates your own personal playlist?
I have such a large and diverse music taste across varying genres but if I had to choose it would be bhangra, r’n’b, soul and disco. Anything that gets my audience up and dancing, and having a great time.
Who is your own musical hero?
I have so many, but if I were to choose, I would say Lata Mangeshkar. She paved the way for female singers and musicians with her passion and talent. She brought different cultures together through her singing. She sang in many different languages and was the recipient of so many prestigious awards. She truly was an inspiration.
Why do you love music?
Music is a universal language, and you can change a person’s mood through your music choices. As Billy Joel said, “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity.”
What inspires you as a DJ and radio host?
The power to connect with my audience through music is extraordinary and I feel privileged. It’s remarkable to think that as a shy young person growing up, I am now confident in what I do. That joy of connecting with people through music is priceless.
South Asian Heritage Month Finale concert – Newham takes place at Stratford Youth Zone, Theatre Square, London E15 1BX on Friday, August 18. www.eventbrite.co.uk
The sudden death of billionaire businessman Sunjay Kapur at the age of 53 has raised questions over the future of his vast wealth and who stands to inherit it. Best known in the public eye for his marriage to Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, Kapur leaves behind a family spread across three marriages — including two children with Kapoor.
Global business, personal fortune
Kapur was the chairman of Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd, commonly known as Sona Comstar, a global automotive components firm headquartered in Gurugram, India. He took charge of the company after the death of his father Dr Surinder Kapur in 2015 and steered it to significant success, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The company was listed on the Indian stock exchange in 2021 and is now valued at approximately £2.95 billion, according to Bloomberg.
At the time of his death on 13 June in London, Kapur's personal net worth was estimated at around £980 million ($1.2 billion), with most of it tied to his stake in the company.
Family and children
Kapur was married three times. His first marriage, to designer Nandita Mahtani, ended in 2000. From 2003 to 2016, he was married to actress Karisma Kapoor, with whom he had two children — Samaira, now 20, and Kiaan, 14. He later married entrepreneur Priya Sachdev in 2017, and the couple have a six-year-old son, Azarias.
Inheritance and past settlements
There has been no official word from the family or company about the contents of Kapur’s will or the structure of his estate. However, reports suggest that under Indian inheritance law, his current wife Priya Sachdev would manage the estate unless otherwise specified in a will.
According to earlier reports from ANI in 2016, during divorce proceedings with Karisma Kapoor, Kapur had purchased bonds worth around £1.3 million (₹14 crore) each for Samaira and Kiaan. These bonds reportedly generate a monthly income of around £9,400 (₹10 lakh) for each child — a move seen as part of his legacy planning.
As part of the divorce settlement, a family property in Mumbai was also transferred to Karisma Kapoor, who retains full custody of the two children.
Uncertain future
While the details of Kapur’s current estate plan are not public, Indian media reports suggest his sisters may take on management roles within Sona Comstar. The company has said that business operations remain unaffected and pledged to uphold his legacy.
For now, it remains unclear how his estimated £980 million fortune will be distributed among his heirs.
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Aamir Khan addresses love jihad allegations and shares rare details about his family
In the lead-up to his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan has addressed a long-standing controversy that has trailed him for years: allegations that his 2014 film PK promoted ‘love jihad’ and disrespected religion. Speaking on Aap Ki Adalat, the actor finally offered his side of the story, calling the accusations “baseless” and “misinformed”.
“When two people fall in love and decide to marry, it’s not a conspiracy. It’s a human connection,” Aamir said, firmly rejecting the label of ‘love jihad’.
‘PK’ wasn’t against religion, it warned against blind faith: Aamir clarifies intent
Back in 2014, PK sparked debate for showing a Hindu woman in love with a Pakistani Muslim man. Critics accused the film of mocking religious beliefs. Responding to this, Aamir said the film respected all faiths and was never intended to ridicule anyone’s beliefs.
“We respect every religion deeply. PK was about being cautious of those who misuse religion to exploit people. This kind of manipulation exists in all communities,” he explained. He stressed the film’s core message: don’t fall for those who use faith as a tool for fear or financial gain.
Aamir Khan defends PK and calls out misuse of religion to create divisionGetty Images
Aamir also addressed questions about his children’s names. Despite being married to Hindu women Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao, his children carry Muslim names like Ira, Junaid, and Azad. “My wives chose the names. There was no pressure from me,” he said, adding with a smile, “Husbands don’t always get their way.”
‘Humanity over headlines’: Aamir gives personal examples to challenge narrative
To further break down the ‘love jihad’ myth, Aamir pointed to his own family. “My sister Nikhat is married to Santosh Hegde, Farhat to Rajeev Dutta, and my daughter Ira to Nupur Shikhare, all Hindu men. Will you call that love jihad too?” he asked.
He urged people to look beyond religion when it comes to relationships, calling love a personal choice that transcends labels. “When two minds connect, it’s above any religion. It’s about humanity,” he said.
Aamir says real love is a human bond not a conspiracy Getty Images
Aamir also addressed criticism for delaying his response to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The actor clarified that he isn’t active on social media and said the timing of his statement and the trailer release of Sitaare Zameen Par was purely coincidental.
Sitaare Zameen Par hits cinemas on 20 June.
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5 moments from the Kantara 2 shoot that shocked fans and halted filming
The shoot of Kantara 2 has been anything but smooth. What was meant to be a spiritual sequel to one of Kannada cinema’s biggest hits has instead been plagued by a series of disturbing incidents, including a drowning, a boat capsizing with Rishab Shetty on board, and even environmental fines. While the production team insists filming is on track, the number of on-set mishaps has left fans concerned and questioning the safety standards behind the camera. Here's a timeline of five serious events that disrupted the shoot.
A minibus ferrying around 20 junior artists back from set rolled over near Jadkal, Karnataka. Initial reports pointed to injuries. Hombale Films quickly countered, insisting it wasn’t their official transport and no one was seriously hurt. Filming pushed ahead almost immediately. The conflicting accounts left questions hanging about crew safety during transit.
A lunch break tragedy (7–8 May 2025)
The shoot took its darkest turn during a break at the Kollur Souparnika River location. Junior artist M.F. Kapil, just 24, went for a swim off-duty. Strong currents swept him away. Hours later, his body was recovered. Production halted. While the makers stressed this happened off-set and was a "personal accident," the death of a young crew member cast a long shadow over the production. A police probe followed.
Off-set losses (May–June 2025)
Within weeks, two more deaths struck, though not directly tied to set conditions. Comedian Rakesh Pujare succumbed to a cardiac arrest in May. Then, in June, mimicry artist Kalabhavan Niju collapsed on set with chest pain, dying en route to the hospital. While health-related, each incident highlighted the importance of on-call medical support.
Massive set destruction & environmental fines (Early 2025)
Months before the drownings and boat capsize, the team faced a different kind of blow. A massive, expensive set built for the film was utterly destroyed by fierce, unexpected storms and relentless rain. To compound the problem, the crew later drew flak and fines from forest officials, accused of disrupting habitats and illegally dumping waste during their work.
Boat capsize at Mani Reservoir (16 June 2025)
The most recent jolt came with the boat capsizing incident at the Mani Dam reservoir. While filming a scene, the vessel, overloaded with Shetty and crew, overturned, plunging everyone into the water. Shallow depths prevented fatalities, but equipment was lost, production stopped, and safety protocols came under intense scrutiny. Police are investigating overloading as a likely cause.
Each setback, from overturned vehicles to environmental pushback and sudden fatalities, has tested Kantara 2’s planners and crew. While no further fatalities have occurred since 15 June, production delays and budget increases are almost inevitable. The team now faces the dual task of maintaining its ambitious 2 October 2025 release date while ensuring every member can work without fearing for their safety.
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Jay Sean is confirmed as the headline act for Middlesbrough Mela 2025
Chart-topping singer Jay Sean has been announced as the headline performer for this year’s Middlesbrough Mela, and he’s set to bring the party after dark. In a historic first, the 2025 edition of the UK’s longest-running multicultural festival will introduce a Saturday evening concert headlined by the Down hitmaker, marking a major moment in the Mela’s 35-year legacy.
The festival, which takes place on 16 and 17 August at Middlesbrough’s Albert Park, expects over 50,000 visitors across the weekend. But all eyes will be on Saturday night, when the park transforms into a concert-style arena from 6pm onwards, with Jay Sean taking the stage in a ticketed evening slot curated by BBC Asian Network presenters.
Fans are expected to travel nationwide for Jay Sean’s UK exclusive performance
South Asian trailblazer returns to UK stage
Jay Sean, widely regarded as one of the most successful British Asian artists of all time, made history by becoming the first South Asian artist to top the US Billboard Hot 100. His chart dominance in both the UK and US in the late 2000s helped redefine South Asian representation in mainstream pop.
In 2024, he launched his own record label, 3AM Entertainment, under Virgin Music Group to champion emerging South Asian talent. Now, his return to UK stages for this exclusive Middlesbrough Mela performance has created major buzz, with organisers expecting fans to travel from all corners of the country.
The 35th edition of Middlesbrough Mela promises music food and cultural festivities
Festival Director Kash Patel called Jay Sean’s appearance “a game-changer” and said it reflects the energy and cultural pride that the Mela has come to represent. “Jay Sean’s legacy goes beyond music. He’s inspired generations of British Asians. Having him here is a proud moment for Middlesbrough,” he added.
The first wave of discounted tickets, priced at £15 (₹1,600) plus booking fee, is now live exclusively for Tees Valley residents, with general sales to follow. VIP Golden Circle packages, offering perks like fast-track entry, priority viewing, and complimentary food and fairground rides, are also available via the official Middlesbrough Mela website and Skiddle.
Jay Sean is confirmed as the headline act for Middlesbrough Mela 2025
The Mela’s free daytime programme remains packed with live music, dance, street food, shopping stalls, a funfair, and activities for all ages. Community members, performers, and local businesses are also invited to get involved through stalls, advertising, or volunteering.
US singer Chris Brown launched the UK leg of his Breezy Bowl XX tour in Manchester on Sunday, just days before he is due in court over a grievous bodily harm (GBH) charge. The 36-year-old artist performed at the Co-op Live arena, marking his 20th year in the music industry.
Brown was arrested in Greater Manchester last month in connection with an alleged assault during a previous visit to the UK in 2023. He is accused of attacking a music producer with a tequila bottle at a nightclub in London. The incident is said to have taken place during his last UK tour. Brown has been charged with GBH and is currently on bail.
‘Thank you to the jail’, singer jokes on stage
Addressing fans during Sunday’s performance, Brown joked about his recent time in custody. “Thank you for coming and supporting me,” he said, before adding, “And thank you to the jail. It was really nice.” The comment was met with cheers from the audience, who had earlier watched a montage of Brown’s career highlights — including footage from outside Manchester Crown Court during his arrest.
The video package, which showed both his achievements and controversies, appeared to be a deliberate acknowledgement of his legal troubles. The singer has previously faced legal issues in the United States, but continues to maintain a large fan base internationally.
Bail set at £5 million
Brown was released after agreeing to a £5 million security fee. He had been held in custody for nearly a week before the court granted bail. A security fee serves as a financial guarantee to ensure a defendant returns to court, and can be forfeited if bail conditions are breached.
As part of his bail terms, the judge permitted Brown to continue with his scheduled performances. He resumed his tour with a show in Amsterdam before heading to the UK.
Upcoming court appearance in London
Brown is due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court in London on Friday, 21 June, alongside co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, a 38-year-old US artist known as HoodyBaby. Both are facing charges in connection with the alleged nightclub assault.
So far, no plea has been entered by Brown or Akinlolu.
Tour continues across UK stadiums
Following his Manchester shows, Brown will perform in Cardiff at the Principality Stadium on Thursday. After his court hearing on Friday, he is scheduled to appear at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.
The tour will continue with stadium shows in Birmingham and Glasgow, followed by two additional arena dates in Manchester. The Breezy Bowl XX tour celebrates two decades of Brown’s career, which began with his debut single Run It! at age 16. On Sunday, he opened the Manchester show with the hit and went on to perform several of his UK top 10 singles, including Turn Up The Music, With You, and Don’t Wake Me Up.
Brown recently won Best Male R&B/Pop Artist at the 2025 BET Awards, held in Los Angeles.