Music lovers in Leicester are in for a soul-stirring treat this spring. On Saturday, April 26, Avanti Fields School on Bhaktivedanta Marg, LE5 0BX, will come alive with the rich, resonant sounds of Indian classical music, as four exceptional artists—Prabhat Rao, Pulkit Sharma, Kirpal Panesar, and Siddhiie Kapshikarr—join forces for an unforgettable evening.
This special concert promises to be much more than just a performance. It is set to be a deeply immersive experience, weaving together the magic of various Indian classical traditions. Each artist brings their own unique style and mastery to the stage, representing different disciplines within the classical realm. Whether it's the delicate nuances of Hindustani vocals, the rhythmic complexity of tabla, or the meditative tones of string instruments, the audience will be treated to a tapestry of sound that resonates with tradition, emotion, and artistry.
Why You Should Attend
Celebrate India’s musical heritage with some of the finest contemporary talents.
Experience a blend of classical forms and creative expression in a serene and culturally vibrant setting.
Connect with a community that appreciates the depth and beauty of classical music.
Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or someone new to Indian classical music, this event is bound to leave a lasting impression.
Book your tickets now via Eventbrite and be part of an enchanting night that celebrates the timeless art of Indian classical music.
On Saturday, 14 June, literary lovers, cultural critics and curious minds alike will gather at the historic Kobi Nazrul Centre in London’s East End for a standout event in the UK’s literary calendar—the launch of Godzilla and the Songbird, the latest book by acclaimed British Asian author Manzu Islam. Hosted as part of the prestigious Saudha International Literature Festival, the event promises to be an evening of dialogue, creativity and cultural resonance. Situated at 30 Hanbury Street, the Kobi Nazrul Centre offers the perfect setting for this multicultural celebration, named after the revered Bengali poet and playing a key role in London's intercultural arts scene.
Godzilla and the Songbird marks a compelling new addition to Manzu Islam’s growing body of work. Known for weaving deeply personal narratives with broader themes of diaspora, migration and dual identity, Islam is celebrated for his poetic voice and insightful prose. His latest novel is expected to push these boundaries further, exploring contradictions within modern life—between power and vulnerability, tradition and change, survival and artistic expression. Though full plot details are under wraps, the intriguing title itself suggests a rich metaphorical journey, likely combining mythological symbols with emotional depth.
This book launch isn’t merely a reading—it’s an occasion that aligns with Saudha Society for Poetry and Indian Music’s mission to break genre boundaries and nurture cross-cultural understanding. The Saudha International Literature Festival has earned a strong reputation for spotlighting global voices while fostering home-grown British talent, particularly those from South Asian backgrounds. By hosting Manzu Islam’s book release, the festival underlines its commitment to literary excellence that resonates across communities and continents.
Attendees can expect more than just a book signing. The event will likely feature readings, reflections from the author, and open discussions that invite the audience to engage with themes central to the novel and to the contemporary British Asian experience. Whether you're an academic interested in postcolonial narratives, a student of South Asian literature, or a local reader seeking meaningful cultural experiences, this event offers something profoundly enriching.
Manzu Islam has long been a voice of insight and integrity in British literature. His work has appeared in a variety of anthologies, and he has contributed essays, stories, and critiques that have shaped how British South Asian identity is represented in fiction today. This book launch is a rare opportunity to hear directly from the author in an intimate and culturally vibrant setting.
Admission to the event is free, though advance booking is highly recommended to secure a place. Tickets and further event information can be found at Eventbrite. As London continues to thrive as a multicultural hub for the arts, events like this remind us of the power of storytelling in shaping collective identity and community connection.
Don’t miss this literary highlight of the season—join Manzu Islam, Saudha Society, and a host of literature enthusiasts at the Kobi Nazrul Centre on Saturday, 14 June for an unforgettable evening that celebrates words, wisdom and the woven fabric of modern British life.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Father’s Day with Sarangi and Flute Double Bill Concert
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the guiding figures in our lives — the mentors, protectors, and nurturers who shape our journeys. This year, give your father or father figure the gift of culture, heritage, and transcendental music at The Bhavan’s special Father’s Day Double Bill Concert on Sunday, 15 June 2025. Set in the heart of west London at The Bhavan, 4A Castletown Road, W14 9HE, this prestigious event will showcase the intricate beauty and emotional depth of Indian classical music, with spellbinding performances by Harsh Narayan on sarangi and Pravin Godkindi on flute, accompanied by the rhythmic genius of Pandit Sanju Sahai on tabla.
This one-of-a-kind concert brings together three master musicians, each carrying forward a rich legacy while continuing to innovate within their classical traditions. The event offers more than just a performance — it is a cultural immersion, a sonic journey into India’s centuries-old musical heritage, making it an ideal way to honour Father’s Day in a truly meaningful and memorable fashion.
Harsh Narayan, grandson of the legendary Pandit Ram Narayan, is one of today’s leading sarangi players. The sarangi, a bowed string instrument known for its haunting, voice-like timbre, is often said to echo the deepest human emotions. Harsh has made a name for himself by breathing new life into this traditional instrument, combining technical brilliance with emotive sensitivity. His ability to convey a wide range of moods and rasa (aesthetic flavours) through the sarangi has made him a sought-after performer on the global stage.
Joining him is Pravin Godkindi, a trailblazing bansuri (flute) artist whose playing is marked by expressive phrasing and creative improvisation. With training in both Hindustani classical and Carnatic traditions, Godkindi brings a unique dual perspective to his craft. His work has crossed into film music and fusion, yet he remains deeply committed to the purity of the classical raga system. For this concert, he promises to deliver a performance that balances serenity and dynamism — qualities that make the flute such a beloved instrument in Indian music.
Adding rhythmic complexity and percussive brilliance to the evening is Pandit Sanju Sahai, one of the finest tabla exponents of the Benares gharana. With a career spanning decades and performances across the globe, Pandit Sahai is known for his extraordinary speed, clarity, and emotive playing style. His tabla solos and accompaniment are always a masterclass in control, timing, and musical conversation.
Indian classical music is not only about melody and rhythm — it is a deeply spiritual art form that invites both the performer and the listener into a shared space of introspection and bliss. Experiencing a live performance like this one, with the spontaneous interplay between melody and percussion, offers a rare opportunity to connect with a musical tradition that transcends boundaries.
Whether your father is a seasoned connoisseur of classical music or someone new to the genre, this concert at The Bhavan — London’s home of Indian arts and culture — will make for an enriching, soul-touching evening. It’s a unique chance to celebrate a special occasion through the universal language of music.
Book your tickets early and join fellow music lovers for an evening of sonic excellence, cultural heritage, and timeless artistry. Celebrate Father’s Day the classical way — with a concert that nourishes the soul.
Keep ReadingShow less
Experience the Timeless Elegance of Bharatanatyam: Pallavi Anand to Perform at The Bhavan, London
This June, London’s vibrant cultural scene will be enriched by a spectacular display of classical Indian dance as the acclaimed Bharatanatyam artist Pallavi Anand presents a captivating performance at The Bhavan. Scheduled for Sunday, June 15, this event promises to be a culturally immersive evening showcasing the rich heritage and expressive power of one of India’s oldest and most revered dance forms. As audiences gather at 4A Castletown Road, London W14, they will witness a masterful blend of storytelling, rhythm, and melody that transcends borders and time, bringing the ancient art of Bharatanatyam to life in a modern metropolis.
Bharatanatyam, often described as the dance of the gods, is a classical dance form originating from Tamil Nadu, India. It combines intricate footwork, expressive hand gestures known as mudras, and emotive facial expressions to narrate stories from Hindu mythology and spirituality. Pallavi Anand is celebrated for her ability to breathe new life into this traditional art, weaving contemporary sensibilities with classical rigor. Her performances are not only visually stunning but deeply emotive, offering audiences a profound connection to the themes of devotion, love, and human experience embedded in the dance.
Accompanying Pallavi on this special occasion will be an ensemble of highly skilled musicians who are masters of their craft. Mavin Khoo, renowned for his expertise in nattuvangam—the rhythmic art of cymbals and recitation—will provide the crucial beats that guide the dancer’s movements. The soulful vocals of Vamshikrishna Vishnudas will enrich the performance with traditional Carnatic music melodies, while Prathap Ramachandra will bring the dynamic rhythms of the mridangam, the classical South Indian drum. Adding melodic depth to the performance is Vijay Venkat on the flute, whose notes weave seamlessly with the dance and vocals, creating an immersive auditory experience.
The Bhavan, a prestigious cultural institution dedicated to promoting Indian arts in the UK, provides the perfect venue for this event. Known for hosting an array of performances, workshops, and exhibitions that celebrate South Asian culture, The Bhavan serves as a vibrant community hub where tradition and modernity meet. The venue’s intimate setting allows audiences to engage closely with the performers, enhancing the emotional and spiritual resonance of the dance.
For anyone seeking to explore the beauty of Indian classical arts or to experience a night filled with artistry and cultural depth, Pallavi Anand’s Bharatanatyam performance is an unmissable event. This performance is a unique opportunity not only to witness exceptional dance but also to connect with a living tradition that has been passed down through centuries, constantly evolving yet preserving its essence.
Tickets and further details can be found on The Bhavan’s official website: www.bhavan.net.
Bollywood music has always been much more than mere entertainment; it’s a powerful storytelling tool that evokes deep emotions, celebrates love, and paints vibrant pictures of Indian culture. At the heart of this musical legacy stands Yash Raj Films, a banner synonymous with some of the most beloved Hindi films and chart-topping songs that have resonated with millions around the world. This live tribute concert perfectly captures the essence of that legacy, bringing together virtuoso vocalists and a celebrated orchestra for an immersive experience.
Headlining the event are Nimesh Sanghoi and Anuradha Shukla, two versatile talents renowned for their ability to convey deep emotion through song. Their rich, expressive voices effortlessly revive the spirit of classic Bollywood melodies, creating an intimate yet powerful atmosphere that will transport audiences to the golden era of Hindi cinema. Backed by the UK’s acclaimed Strings Bollywood Band, the performance promises flawless orchestration, capturing the complex rhythms, lush strings, and timeless arrangements that have made Yash Raj soundtracks unforgettable.
Audiences will be treated to an exquisite selection of songs spanning from the poetic romanticism of films like Kabhi Kabhie and Silsila to the more contemporary, heartwarming compositions of Veer-Zaara and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. This concert is not just a tribute but a celebration of how Yash Raj’s music has evolved while maintaining its emotional core, blending traditional Indian instruments with modern arrangements to create a unique soundscape.
The venue, Elliot Hall at Harrow Arts Centre, offers an intimate and acoustically rich setting, perfect for appreciating the subtleties and grandeur of live Bollywood music. Its location at 171 Uxbridge Road, Pinner HA5 4EA, is easily accessible for both local residents and visitors from across London, making it an ideal cultural outing for families, couples, and groups of friends alike.
With Bollywood’s global appeal continuing to soar, this event serves as a bridge between cultures, offering a shared musical experience that celebrates Indian heritage while appealing to diverse audiences. Whether you are deeply familiar with Yash Raj’s cinematic masterpieces or discovering the music for the first time, this concert will leave you moved, inspired, and humming melodies long after the final note.
Tickets and further details about the event are available at https://harrowarts.com/. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of Bollywood’s musical romance live, right here in the UK.
Keep ReadingShow less
Breaking Taboos: Mama Told Me Not To Come at Soho Theatre
In a theatre landscape hungry for authentic and diverse voices, Mama Told Me Not To Come promises to deliver a refreshingly candid portrayal of experiences often overlooked or misunderstood. The show is a vibrant mixture of humour, heartache, fantasy, and reality, as Poppy and Rubina dive headfirst into the messy realities of relationships, sexpectations, cultural pressures, and personal growth. With raw storytelling and infectious energy, the duo confronts societal taboos, challenging the stereotypes that frequently confine British Asian women in mainstream media.
The title, Mama Told Me Not To Come, hints at the generational tensions and cultural expectations threaded throughout the performance. It’s a nod to the advice, warnings, and rules passed down from parents, particularly mothers, that can shape—and sometimes complicate—a young woman’s journey to independence and self-expression. Through candid monologues and sharp comedy, the show explores how these inherited messages clash with modern desires and realities, creating a rich tapestry of humour, empathy, and empowerment.
For fans of the critically acclaimed Brown Girls Do It Too podcast, which has garnered acclaim for its honest conversations about race, gender, and identity, this stage show offers a new dimension of their storytelling craft. Poppy and Rubina’s chemistry and authenticity leap off the podcast into a live setting, creating an intimate and electrifying atmosphere that invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and relate.
Mama Told Me Not To Come also stands as a cultural milestone, amplifying voices that are too often marginalised in theatre and comedy. It shines a spotlight on British Asian women’s experiences with nuance and warmth, rejecting one-dimensional narratives. The show’s blend of humour and serious reflection encourages dialogue about how identity, culture, and relationships intersect in contemporary Britain.
Set in the heart of London’s vibrant Soho district, the Soho Theatre is the perfect venue to host this innovative work-in-progress. Known for nurturing cutting-edge, diverse performances, the theatre provides a platform where stories like Poppy and Rubina’s can flourish and resonate with broad audiences. The run from June 10 to June 14 offers theatre lovers, comedy fans, and cultural enthusiasts a unique opportunity to see the show evolve and contribute to its journey before its full production launch.
Tickets for Mama Told Me Not To Come are available now through www.sohotheatre.com, and early booking is recommended given the show’s anticipated demand. Whether you’re already a fan of Brown Girls Do It Too or discovering their world for the first time, this preview promises a powerful, entertaining, and thought-provoking theatre experience that challenges norms and celebrates individuality.