SANJAY SERAN DISCUSSES HIS BAND, RADIO SHOW AND UNIQUE INSPIRATION
by ASJAD NAZIR
WHEN Sanjay Seran entered the Vancouver desi music as a teenager in the late 1990s, he probably didn’t imagine the amazing path and achievements that lay ahead.
The most notable of these would be forming the acclaimed band Delhi 2 Dublin, creating mesmerising music with them and touring globally, including performing at major festivals like Glastonbury and Burning Man.
Such was the band’s popularity that he was averaging over 150 shows a year at one point and creating songs that were influencing other artists. Today, he balances creating music and performing live, with hosting a global radio show.
Eastern Eye caught up with Sanjay to talk about his marvellous music journey, brilliant band, radio show and very unique inspiration.
What connected you to music?
I’ve been hooked since day one or at least very early in my life, through my dad’s record collection, including Bollywood classics to ABBA, and Diana Ross to contemporary pop that would be on the radio in the car growing up. This love affair with music is all I’ve known. Are there people out there that don’t have a connection to music, what?
How did Delhi 2 Dublin get formed and what inspired it?
It was supposed to be a one-off collaboration performance between some of us local Vancouver musicians for week-long music festival, Celtic Fest. We all brought in our own influences and sounds for the performance. Some of us came up through the Asian underground scene and combined it with the Irish fiddlers and dancers for the collaboration. The original performance was slotted for the Thursday club night called Delhi to Dublin. The collaboration went so well that we just started getting booked more and more, until we became a band. We ended up keeping the name of the night, thus Delhi 2 Dublin was born.
How do you look back on the Delhi 2 Dublin journey?
Like a proud dad! We have done some incredible things, played at some incredible places, broken down barriers and brought many walks of life together. All this, while being able to see and experience so many pockets of the globe.
Which of the group’s achievement are you most proud of?
I think that being able to last 14 years is a huge achievement. It is after all a marriage of sorts and a lot of those don’t make it this long, and that’s only involving two people.
Which of the group’s music isclosest to your heart?
The early stuff like Dil Nachde and Apples have a special place in my heart because those songs allowed me to get really creative and break away from what the traditional Punjabi vocalist trajectory looked like at the time.
What about your albums?
I had the most fun creating the We’re All Desi album, especially the writing process with our guitarist James Hussain. Our last album We Got This is by far the closet to my heart because it allowed me to see what it looked and sounded like to create a pop album with a big well-known producer. And from that album, My People is the magic song. Hearing that played on mainstream commercial radio was a childhood dream come true. It was also the song that led to us being signed to a major label, which is not always what it’s cracked out to be, but was a dream I’d been holding on to as a kid – and we did it!
What has kept the group together for so long?
Who knows, the flow of energy I guess. I think that sort of thing is out of my hands, but will say that we were willing to put in the work and our live show is kickass, no joke, but again, I’m not taking the credit for that either – I’m just the vehicle for that energy.
How much does live performance mean to you and what has been the most memorable?
The live show, especially for a band like D2D, is everything. That energy has never been able to be captured on recording – the true essence is in the live show. We’ve played well over a 1,000 so it’s hard to narrow down the most memorable because they all have their own special moments, but let’s say playing six shows in 52 hours at Burning Man was very memorable. Being invited to play in front of 150,000 people for our Canada celebrations was pretty rad too. And I’ll never forget being in Iowa City and playing for exactly one person in some club, so ya, we’ve done that too.
What is your own master plan?
Currently, my focus is on my solo project, SNJÜ, which is kind of r’n’b, soul, chill and sexy vibes. I am just addicted to creating and writing for this project. I do not know if I have a master plan, but rather than that I am just trying to have as much fun as I possibly can, and thus far, the results have been just pure joy.
Tell us about your radio show?
I basically play whatever I think is dope; it’s a mix of urban desi to electronic vibes to harder Punjabi stuff. I keep it music heavy and less talk, and try to showcase Canadian talent, and at the moment, there is an abundance of it.
What music dominates your own playlist?
Right now, I’m obsessed with Saint JHN. I can’t get enough of what he is putting out. I feel he is connecting with me on a molecular level. It’s so fun to be obsessed with music like a suburban teenager locked in a room pissed off with my parents or something. Otherwise, I’m feeling A.Chal. Khanvict, SkinnyLocal, Gashi, Jasmine Sandlas, Sidhu Moosewala and Happy Singh. There is so much good music out there. It’s exciting.
Who is your hero?
I don’t have one; I don’t think there is only one person I have put into that category. I really draw and learn from multiple artists. I feel if I had one idol or hero it would keep me in the past and subscribing to an old model from a time that no longer exists, and thus isn’t really valid. I listen to new and relevant music, and feel that I vary as the paradigm continues to shift.
What inspires you?
Sexual energy is amazing. It’s so powerful it can move mountains and destroy families. It will motivate people to do almost anything. I think that is what SNJÜ is all about, capturing that vibe, that little slice of energy in song form. I also think that’s why the word jawani is so important because it means more than just youth, but the connotation of youthful sexual energy. It works in reverse too; the energy makes one feel youthful. (Laughs) Keep the drive alive!
If you could ask any artist, alive or dead, a question, what would you ask them?
I would like to ask John Lennon if he would join me on an LSD experience, because that would be so rad and why not? I think it would be a session full of love.
What is the best advice you got?
Don’t tell someone you love them, just to get them into bed. I never have and I’m sure that has saved my ass a lot of drama. Don’t need that at all.
Why do you love music so much?
I don’t know any other way. It’s just who I am and all I’ve ever known. I guess a song can take you places, some can instil the feelings of nostalgia while others are a form of escapism. It’s like three minutes of pure power to transform you to any space or time. It’s magical.
• Oasis begin their global reunion tour in Cardiff on 4 and 5 July. • Liam and Noel Gallagher perform together for the first time since 2009. • More than 14 million fans tried to buy tickets for the UK shows. • Fans travelled from Chile, Colombia, and the US to attend the Cardiff gig.
For the first time in 16 years, Liam and Noel Gallagher shared a stage on Friday night, kicking off Oasis’s long-awaited reunion tour at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. With fans flying in from across the globe and massive demand crashing ticketing sites, the atmosphere was electric as one of Britain’s biggest rock bands returned to the spotlight.
Noel Gallagher and Liam Gallagher at "Che Tempo Che Fa" Italian TV ShowGetty Images
Thousands descend on Cardiff for historic Oasis concert
Cardiff turned into a sea of bucket hats, parkas, and Mancunian pride this weekend as Oasis fans poured into the city ahead of the band’s reunion shows. The Principality Stadium welcomed 62,000 fans each night, with supporters camping outside since Wednesday to secure a prime spot.
Some had travelled vast distances, like 38-year-old Janneth Dueñas from Bogotá, Colombia, and Matt Pope from California, while others, such as Manchester student Jasmine Griffins-Jones, had queued for days. The excitement wasn’t just about the music, but the moment: the return of Liam and Noel Gallagher, who hadn’t shared a stage since their explosive split in 2009.
Global demand crashes sites and sends prices soaring
Demand for tickets was nothing short of astronomical. Over 14 million people attempted to secure one of just 1.5 million available UK spots, with Cardiff’s dates selling out within minutes. Frustrations followed as many fans encountered crashed websites and inflated prices due to dynamic pricing. Some standard tickets jumped from £148 (₹15,600) to £355 (₹37,500), sparking public outcry and drawing the attention of the UK’s competition watchdog.
Despite the chaos, excitement has remained sky-high, with stadium staff describing the gig as “possibly the most hyped event” in the venue’s history.
For many, attending the gig was deeply personal. Diana Vesely, who first saw Oasis in Mexico in 1998, flew in from Chicago to be at the first reunion show. Meanwhile, journalist Orlando Silva Vargas from Chile arrived in Cardiff without accommodation, hoping to trade traditional spices for a place to sleep. “It might not be smart financially, but I’d regret missing this forever,” he said.
From reunions to first concerts, fans from all generations were united by one thing: a lifelong connection to Oasis’s music.
Following the Cardiff shows, Oasis will perform across the UK, including Manchester’s Heaton Park, Wembley Stadium, and Dublin’s Croke Park, before heading to Asia, South America, and the US. The tour will also tie in with a new film by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
Liam and Noel Gallagher formed Oasis in 1991, quickly rising to fame with albums like Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. Hits like Wonderwall and Live Forever became anthems of a generation. Their last album, Dig Out Your Soul, came in 2008, just before the infamous backstage fight in Paris that ended it all.
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.
Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR will not appear together for promotions as YRF keeps them apart
Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR will promote War 2 separately ahead of its 14 August 2025 release.
Yash Raj Films is keeping the actors apart to preserve the film’s on-screen conflict.
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film is part of YRF’s growing Spy Universe.
Fans have expressed disappointment over missing out on the stars’ joint promotional appearances.
With just weeks to go before War 2 hits theatres, Yash Raj Films has decided that Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR will not appear together during the film’s promotional run. The production house is deliberately keeping them apart to heighten anticipation around their on-screen showdown. While some fans see this as a bold marketing move, others are left disappointed by the lack of camaraderie in the lead-up to the film.
Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR starrer War 2 to hit IMAX screens worldwide Instagram/yrf
YRF aims to preserve on-screen rivalry
War 2 is the first collaboration between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, and the studio is banking on their intense face-off to draw audiences. According to trade sources, the actors won’t share a stage, give joint interviews, or appear in promotional videos together before the release. The idea is to prevent any early display of off-screen rapport and let viewers experience their confrontation fresh in cinemas.
A senior source explained, “The clash between Hrithik and NTR is the film’s biggest hook. YRF wants audiences to witness that tension first in theatres, not diluted by pre-release friendliness.”
This isn’t the first time YRF has opted for unconventional marketing. When Pathaan released, Shah Rukh Khan avoided all pre-release interviews. Similarly, War (2019) saw limited media presence from its stars before release, and these moves have paid off in the past.
A source close to the studio added, “The YRF Spy Universe thrives on suspense. Avoiding early disclosures helps protect plot twists and character dynamics.”
Despite the silence around joint promotions, the individual campaigns have started. Hrithik recently shared a new poster of his character, Major Kabir, on Instagram, showing him bloodied and battle-ready. He captioned it: “This time he is ruthless, merciless, relentless, and ready for War! Are you? The countdown begins now. 50 days to War 2.”
While the strategy may work for maintaining mystery, fan response online has been mixed. Many had hoped to see Jr NTR and Hrithik together in interviews or promotional content, especially as this is their first collaboration. Some expressed disappointment on social media, calling the plan unnecessary in the age of fan-driven marketing.
Still, the buzz around War 2 remains strong. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and also starring Kiara Advani, the film is set for a theatrical release in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on 14 August 2025, just ahead of India’s Independence Day holiday.
Keep ReadingShow less
Patrick Grant, Esme Young and Kiell Smith-Bynoe return as judges and host
The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 begins Tuesday, 15 July at 9 pm on BBC One.
The 11th series will see a new group of amateur sewers compete for the title.
Patrick Grant, Esme Young and Kiell Smith-Bynoe return as judges and host.
The show continues its popularity with weekly sewing challenges and heartfelt moments.
Great British Sewing Bee 2025 set to return on 15 July
The return date for The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 has been officially confirmed. The popular BBC One competition will be back on screens on Tuesday 15 July at 9 pm, bringing with it a fresh group of amateur sewers hoping to impress judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young.
Now in its 11th series, the show has grown into a mid-year television highlight, offering a combination of creativity, technical skill, and emotional storytelling. Hosted by Kiell Smith-Bynoe, the series follows contestants through a series of themed sewing challenges as they compete for the title of Britain’s best home sewer.
New faces and returning favourites
While the full line-up of contestants for The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 is yet to be revealed, anticipation is already building. The show is known for its warm tone and close-knit community feel, with viewers often quickly forming favourites among the competitors.
Each episode will once again feature three key rounds: the Pattern Challenge, the Transformation Challenge, and the Made-to-Measure final test. Contestants will need to show flair, precision, and creativity under pressure.
Previous highlights and special episodes
The most recent episode aired was a Christmas special in 2024, featuring celebrity contestants including Ian “H” Watkins from Steps, Kellie Bright from EastEnders, comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri, and reality star Charlotte Crosby. The festive-themed episode saw challenges such as making an advent calendar and reworking a children’s onesie, with Kellie Bright emerging as the winner.
Although The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 is starting slightly later than previous years, the BBC has confirmed its regular slot, and the series is expected to run weekly through the summer.
What’s next
Details on the specific themes and tasks for this year’s episodes have not yet been released. Fans of the show can look forward to another season of innovative designs, memorable reactions from the judges, and emotional farewells as contestants are gradually eliminated.
The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 continues to be a cornerstone of BBC One’s creative competition programming, building on over a decade of sewing success.
Keep ReadingShow less
The Odyssey poster features a fractured Greek statue with glowing embers
Universal Pictures releases poster for Nolan’s upcoming epic The Odyssey.
Teaser trailer only available in cinemas before Jurassic World Rebirth.
Matt Damon stars as Odysseus in the film set for release on 17 July 2026.
Ensemble cast includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and more.
Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan is officially delving into mythology. His upcoming film The Odyssey, a retelling of Homer’s epic tale, has just dropped its first poster, and a short teaser trailer is now being shown exclusively in cinemas alongside Jurassic World Rebirth.
The poster leans into the film’s mythological roots, featuring the image of a fractured Greek sculpture engulfed in embers, with the words “Defy the Gods” stamped across the middle. It also confirms the theatrical release date: 17 July 2026.
Matt Damon plays Odysseus in Nolan’s mythological epic
At the heart of this ambitious project is Matt Damon, returning to work with Nolan to play the Greek hero Odysseus. The teaser trailer, currently unavailable online, reportedly shows Damon adrift at sea and includes brief appearances by Tom Holland as his son Telemachus and Jon Bernthal in an unspecified role. This marks the first time Nolan has adapted a classical myth, a shift from his previous grounded, cerebral storytelling in films like Oppenheimer, Inception, and Dunkirk.
Teaser trailer only in theatres—no online release yet
In typical Nolan fashion, the teaser for The Odyssey has not been released online and is only viewable in select cinemas. The 70-second clip features dramatic glimpses of the lead characters and a haunting tone, reaffirming Nolan’s love for the theatrical experience. Leaks of the trailer have surfaced on social media, but Universal is yet to respond or confirm an official online release date.
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey poster debuts in cinemas with exclusive teaser trailerGetty Images
Nolan reteams with Universal after Oppenheimer success
Nolan’s The Odyssey follows his Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, which earned seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. With a reported budget of £197 million (₹2,080 crore), The Odyssey is Nolan’s most expensive film to date. The film is produced by Nolan’s long-time collaborator and wife, Emma Thomas, and shot using advanced IMAX technology. It continues Nolan’s new partnership with Universal after parting ways with Warner Bros.
Alongside Damon and Holland, the film features an ensemble cast including Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, and John Leguizamo.
With such a high-profile line-up and one of cinema’s most respected directors at the helm, The Odyssey is expected to be one of the biggest releases of 2026.
Deepika Padukone to be honoured with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2026 under the Motion Pictures category.
She is the first Indian actress to receive the recognition, announced by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
The Class of 2026 also includes Emily Blunt, Rami Malek, Timothée Chalamet and Miley Cyrus.
Deepika expressed her gratitude on Instagram, calling the moment “Gratitude…”.
Deepika Padukone has been named among the 2026 honourees for the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first Indian actress to receive the distinction. The announcement, made during a live event hosted by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, places her alongside a global line-up of actors, musicians, and broadcasters to be celebrated with their own stars on Hollywood Boulevard next year.
Deepika Padukone to get Hollywood Walk of Fame star Getty Images
Hollywood Walk of Fame committee selects Deepika for Motion Pictures category
Deepika’s name was included in the Motion Pictures category, joining a list of 35 individuals from across entertainment. This year’s selection includes actors Emily Blunt, Rachel McAdams, Rami Malek, and Timothée Chalamet, among others. Past inductee Eugenio Derbez and radio host Richard Blade revealed the names via livestream. The committee evaluated hundreds of entries before selecting honourees based on their artistic contributions, public appeal, and philanthropic work.
Jury Member Deepika Padukone attend the Palme D'or winner press conference Getty Images
Deepika Padukone’s international journey and Hollywood debut
Padukone’s inclusion, in fact, reflects her global appeal. After rising to fame in Bollywood, she entered Hollywood with the 2017 action film xXx: Return of Xander Cage, co-starring Vin Diesel. Since then, she has represented Indian cinema on international platforms such as Cannes and the Met Gala. Earlier this year, she featured in Kalki 2898 AD, one of India’s highest-grossing films, and is currently attached to Atlee’s next project alongside Allu Arjun.
Deepika Padukone honoured with Hollywood star in 2026 Getty Images
No, celebrities can’t buy their way into the Walk of Fame
With each announcement, speculation swirls online about whether stars purchase this honour. However, Walk of Fame officials clarified that selections are made through a transparent process. Anyone can submit a nomination, but it must be supported by the artist and meet strict criteria, including a minimum of five years in the industry and verifiable public impact. A sponsor later pays a fee, currently between £59,000 (₹6.2 crore) and £66,000 (₹7 crore), used for maintenance, not for purchase of the star itself.
Deepika Padukone becomes Walk of Fame honouree in 2026Getty Images
Not the first Indian name, but a major milestone for Indian cinema
While Deepika’s recognition marks a landmark for Indian women in cinema, she is not the first Indian to appear on the Walk. That honour goes to Sabu Dastagir, a Mysore-born actor who became a Hollywood sensation in the 1930s and received his star in 1960. Nevertheless, Padukone’s inclusion underscores a new era of global visibility for Indian actors.