SINGER NS CHAUHAN TALKS ABOUT HIS LATEST PUNJABI RELEASE AND WHY HE LOVES CLASSICAL MUSIC MOST
TALENTED singer NS Chauhan has consistently delivered hit songs throughout his career, ranging from British bhangra tunes to commercial Bollywood tracks.
The ability to adapt to styles and work with a diverse number of music producers has given him an impressive body of work, which has added to his growing stature as an artist. The British singer, multi-instrumental musician and songwriter added to the growing collection of hit songs with his most recent release Ni Kudiye, which also features rap by Sidharth Katyal.
Eastern Eye caught up with the multi-talented artist to talk about music, his latest song and future plans.
What first connected you to music?
Music is something that was always around in my family because my dad is a classical gurbani [spiritual hymns] teacher. My grandfather was also an acclaimed classical singer. So music has been in our family for generations and it was only natural for me to carry on that important legacy.
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
I am a big fan of classical music. Legendary singers like Sabar Koti, Surjit Bindrakhia, Lal Chand Yamla and Chamkila heavily influenced me while I was growing up.
What has your music journey been like?
It’s been a very tough ride because when I started back in 2004, I didn’t get much support from anyone in the industry as I didn’t know anyone. I had to learn all the in and outs myself. I approached many labels and finally got to release my debut album in 2006, which was a massive success. Also, social media wasn’t popular as it is nowadays, so getting my name out there was a challenge. So overall it’s been a hard but rewarding journey, in the end.
You have recorded a number of hits, but which one is closest to your heart?
That is a difficult question to answer because as an artist you like all your creations. But if I had to single out one, then it would be Sharabi Kehnde Ne from the film Happy New Year for Shah Rukh Khan.
What led you towards your latest release Ni Kudiye?
I actually wrote Ni Kudiye in 2017, but it took me almost a year to create the final music for it because I wanted it to be perfect. I didn’t just want Punjabi audiences to enjoy it – I wanted to create something universal for everyone. I am happy I achieved that, because I feel it’s a song that crosses different musical frontiers.
Tell us a little more about the song?
It’s a great combination of dance, fusion and electro bass with a Punjabi twist, a very catchy hook line and peppy beat. It is a song that can cheer up anybody’s mood on the dance floor. You don’t have to be Punjabi to dance to it. It’s for everyone and that’s what good music should always be about.
You worked on the track for over a year, but what was the biggest challenge of putting it together?
It has a very easy Punjabi hook-line, but the start of the song is more like a freestyle rap that turns into a verse and then suddenly drops back to the hook-line, which will force anyone on a dance floor to let loose. So getting the production just right was a challenge. We had to recreate it many times for the best result, which I can proudly say we nailed in the end.
Who are you hoping will connect with the song?
It’s a fun track that everyone can enjoy, irrespective of their cultural background or musical taste. The idea behind this song has always been to shake the dance floor in any country. I have tried to go beyond what you would expect from a Punjabi song and added other musical elements into it. I believe this is a very unique song.
You are a very versatile singer, but which style of music do you most enjoy?
I love classical music as I started on that from an early age. Now I sing in Bollywood, bhangra and most other commercial genres, but classical is my favourite and always will be.
How much does performing live mean to you and which was the most memorable?
I have been lucky enough to perform more than 150 shows in the last five years worldwide in front of thousands of people. I love performing live in front of an appreciative audience. When I step on that stage, I am in a different world. The audiences have made me and enabled me to stand where I am today. Their love and support have made each moment on my musical journey, including the live performances, memorable.
What would be your karaoke song of choice?
I think it would have to be the amazing Bolo Ta Ra Ra Ra by Daler Mehndi. There is just so much energy in that song.
Who would you love to sing a duet with?
There are a lot of great artists who I would love to work with. I would love to sing a duet with Nikki Minaj because I am a big fan of her voice and style.
What music dominates your own playlist?
I do love listening to classical music. I also love trying Arabic music and other diverse genres from around the world because I enjoy exploring other cultures via music.
What are some of your biggest passions away from music?
Music has been with me from a very early age so has overshadowed everything else. I have always had a passion for music. I love writing lyrics, creating beats and coming up with new musical ideas. I never get bored of doing that. There have been times when I have been in a studio for over two days without leaving it. So I would say music is my only passion. Nothing else compares to it.
What is your greatest unfulfilled ambition?
I have achieved more than I could have asked for thanks to Almighty’s blessings, so I am very grateful. The great thing about music is that it is an endless ocean of possibilities. I would love to collaborate with mainstream American artists such as Eminem and Alicia Keys. It is still a dream to do this and help put Punjabi music properly on the global map.
If you could learn an instrument, which would it be and why?
It has to be the sarangi as it’s one of the toughest instruments to learn, but the sound of it is so sweet. It can take you from one place to another and you will forget all that is happening around you. It’s a wonderful instrument.
If you could ask any artist, alive or dead, a question who would it be and what would you ask them?
I would like to ask the late great Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to return to us as I would want to see him perform live. There is so much to learn from the great legend.
What is the best advice you ever got?
Not to copy anyone, but to create your own image with your unique sound and creativity which no one can take away from you. I have always tried to follow that.
What inspires you today?
The love and warmth I get from fans worldwide is my biggest inspiration, as they keep me going and motivate me to work hard.
Why should we pick up Ni Kudiye?
It will make you go crazy on the dance floor and show off your moves. It’s a party anthem.
Finally, why do you love music?
Without music, life is a journey through a desert. Music is probably the only real magic I have encountered in my life, but there is no trick involved with it. It’s pure and it’s real. It moves, heals, communicates and does all these incredible things.
Ni Kudiye by NS Chauhan ft Sidharth Katyal is out now
Coldplay’s kiss cam at Gillette Stadium unexpectedly captured Astronomer CEO Andy Byron in a seemingly intimate moment with HR head Kristin Cabot.
Both executives, reportedly married to other people, were seen reacting nervously when spotlighted.
Chris Martin joked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy,” prompting online uproar.
The clip has gone viral across TikTok and X, with social media speculating on a workplace romance.
What was meant to be a fun crowd interaction during Coldplay’s concert at Gillette Stadium turned into a viral public scandal involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and his company’s Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot. A kiss cam segment led to a highly uncomfortable moment that’s now exploded online, sparking affair allegations and potential professional fallout.
Viral video from Coldplay concert sparks internet speculation of workplace affairReddit
Who is Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and why is he trending?
Andy Byron, CEO of the £1 billion (₹10,800 crore) software firm Astronomer, has found himself at the centre of an unexpected controversy after being captured in a close, seemingly affectionate moment with Kristin Cabot, his company’s top HR executive. The footage was aired live on Coldplay’s kiss cam during their Boston concert, where Byron and Cabot were seen together, arms wrapped around each other.
Andy Byron’s LinkedIn profile image LinkedIn
As soon as the camera caught them, both reacted in visible panic. Byron pulled away and tried to hide behind a barrier while Cabot covered her face. The awkwardness of the moment was made worse when frontman Chris Martin remarked from the stage, “Oh look at these two... either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.” The crowd erupted in laughter, but online, the situation took a more serious tone.
How did the Coldplay kiss cam video go viral?
Within hours, the clip hit social media platforms like X and TikTok, where it racked up millions of views. Users were quick to speculate that the two executives were engaged in an extramarital affair. Comments ranged from mocking to furious, with many tagging Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, in sympathy posts.
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Some viral comments included:
“You wouldn’t act like that unless you had something to hide.”
“Imagine your affair being exposed by Chris Martin in front of 60,000 people.”
“Their reaction confirmed everything. They outed themselves.”
The video has since been dubbed by users as the “Coldplay Cheater Cam,” and has led to wider conversations around workplace relationships.
What do we know about Kristin Cabot?
Kristin Cabot, who joined Astronomer less than a year ago, describes her role as Chief People Officer as one focused on trust and employee engagement. Her own LinkedIn bio says she “wins trust with employees of all levels, from CEOs to managers to assistants”, a line many have now highlighted ironically in light of the scandal.
Though Cabot’s marital status hasn’t been officially confirmed, internet sleuths pointed out she appears to wear a wedding ring in her profile photos. Neither she nor Byron have made any public statements since the video surfaced.
Kristin CabotThe Sun
Will Astronomer respond to the alleged affair?
As of now, Astronomer has not released a formal response. The company, headquartered just a few hours from the concert venue, is known for its Astro platform, a data orchestration tool powered by Apache Airflow used by several Fortune 500 firms.
With two of its most senior executives now under intense public scrutiny, calls are growing online for the company to investigate the incident, especially given HR policies around internal relationships.
Coldplay has continued with its tour dates, but this Boston show may be remembered more for its unintended drama than its music. Meanwhile, Byron and Cabot have not been seen in public or online since the video’s release.
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Sidhu Moosewala’s legacy continues with his first ever digital concert tour
Sidhu Moosewala’s official Instagram page announced a 2026 world tour titled Signed to God.
The Punjabi singer-rapper was killed in 2022 in Punjab at age 28.
The tour will use digital tech, possibly holograms, to bring Moosewala ‘back’ on stage.
No official dates or venues announced yet; fan reaction online has been a mix of awe and confusion.
On Tuesday, the late Punjabi singer-rapper’s official Instagram handle dropped a teaser for a 2026 world tour called Signed to God. The announcement stunned fans and sparked immediate speculation over how a concert by a deceased artist is even possible. While the organisers have kept technical details under wraps, reports suggest cutting-edge tech like 3D holograms or augmented reality will be used to recreate Moosewala’s presence on stage.
Sidhu Moosewala, Indian Singer (Photo: @sidhu_moosewala) www.easterneye.biz
How will the Sidhu Moosewala tour work in 2026?
The teaser post simply featured the tour title and year: 2026, with no explanation on format, locations, or ticket sales. However, sources quoted in Tribune India suggest that the organisers plan to use high-tech visuals, potentially combining holographic imagery with pre-recorded vocals and augmented reality.
This approach is similar to posthumous concerts held for global artists like Tupac Shakur and Michael Jackson, whose likenesses were projected via holograms for live audiences. If confirmed, Signed to God would be India’s first full-scale digital tour for a deceased artist, and possibly the first in Punjabi music history.
Fan reaction to the announcement has ranged from excitement to disbelief. The Instagram video gathered over a million likes in 24 hours, with many users commenting "Welcome back, Legend" and "Forever in our hearts." Others were more puzzled, asking: “But who’s going to perform?” and “Is this real or just promotion?”
One user wrote, “Bro took ‘dropping from heaven’ literally,” while another speculated, “They might be doing a hologram show. That’s why it’s 2026.”
While many expressed joy at the idea of seeing Moosewala’s presence honoured live, others questioned whether it would feel authentic, or even appropriate.
Fans react with shock and excitement after Moosewala’s posthumous tour is announcedInstagram/sidhu_moosewala
What does this mean for Sidhu Moosewala’s legacy?
Sidhu Moosewala, born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, rose to global fame with hits like So High, *47*, and The Last Ride. His unique style of Punjabi folk, trap, and drill made him a voice of the youth, especially among the South Asian diaspora. In 2020, he was listed by The Guardian as one of the 50 most promising new artists worldwide.
His murder on 29 May 2022 in Punjab’s Mansa district sent shockwaves across India and abroad. He was shot dead by six assailants, with gang-related motives behind the killing. Moosewala was only 28.
Since his death, posthumous songs and videos have kept his presence alive online. His parents, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, even welcomed a baby boy via IVF in 2024, calling him "Shubh’s little brother," further cementing the idea that Moosewala’s memory is still very much alive in his family and fan base.
Though full details are awaited, the Signed to God tour has already triggered conversations about the future of entertainment and how technology can reshape memorialisation. For Moosewala’s fans across Canada, the UK, Punjab, and the US, this may be a rare chance to experience his stage presence again, digitally.
If successful, the tour could spark a wave of posthumous concerts across South Asia, opening up ethical and creative debates around legacy, digital resurrection, and fan engagement.
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Bookish brings postwar London to life with gripping weekly mysteries
Mark Gatiss stars as Gabriel Book, a crime-solving bookshop owner in post-war London in Bookish.
The detective drama premiered on U&Alibi on 16 July 2025, with two episodes airing weekly.
Critics praise the series for its smart plotting, rich period detail, and modern queer representation.
A second season has already been confirmed, with filming set to begin this summer.
Mark Gatiss, best known for co-creating Sherlock, is back with another brainy sleuth, and this time, it’s personal. Bookish, a 1940s-set detective drama written by and starring Gatiss, follows the eccentric Gabriel Book, a former intelligence agent turned antiquarian bookseller who helps the police crack cases in bombed-out postwar London. The six-part series, which debuted this week on U&Alibi, has already garnered praise for its clever plots, layered characters, and strong sense of time and place, with some calling it “the next best thing to Sherlock.”
Mark Gatiss brings queer detective drama Bookish to life as fans call it the new SherlockInstagram/uandalibi
What is Bookish about? Inside the premise and setting
Set in 1946, Bookish introduces Gabriel Book, a tea-loving, ginger snap-baking bibliophile who runs a bookshop on Archangel Lane. Behind his mild-mannered exterior lies a sharp intellect honed by wartime service. With a quirky filing system and a special “Churchill letter” granting him access to investigations, Book works alongside the police while navigating a double life as a gay man in a repressive era.
His domestic arrangement is just as unconventional: he lives with his best friend Trottie (Polly Walker), in a lavender marriage that hides both their truths. Alongside them is Jack (Connor Finch), a young ex-con taken in as a shop assistant, and Nora (Buket Kömür), a war orphan with a flair for sleuthing.
Each pair of episodes follows a standalone case, from skeletons in plague pits to arsenic-laced murder, while teasing out larger mysteries about Book’s past and Jack’s true identity.
How Bookish compares to Sherlock, and why fans are on board
Though comparisons to Sherlock are inevitable, Bookish offers something distinct. It trades fast-paced modern twists for rich historical textures and a gentler pace, drawing inspiration from classic whodunits à la Agatha Christie. Critics have noted that Gatiss “plays fair” with his audience, offering tightly woven mysteries that reward attention to detail.
But it’s the characters, not just the crimes, that are drawing viewers in. Gabriel Book’s sexuality isn’t just a character note; it’s interwoven with the story, giving Bookish a rare kind of queer visibility in the genre. Gatiss has said the show’s concept came from imagining a bookshop as a kind of analogue search engine: “The answer is in there somewhere.”
What do reviews and social media say about Bookish?
Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The Times praised it as “deceptively multifaceted,” while The Telegraph described it as “a witty, well-plotted sleuther.” The Radio Times went so far as to call it “a breath of fresh air” in a market crowded with detective dramas.
On social media, fans have expressed delight at the show’s mix of charm and darkness, praising its performances and historical authenticity. The casting of Daniel Mays as a jovial butcher-turned-killer in the first case had viewers hooked, especially as the storyline spiralled into revelations about murder, plague bones, and mistaken blackmail.
Yes. Before the first episode even aired, Bookish was greenlit for a second season. Filming is expected to begin in summer 2025, with a likely release in mid-2026. Gatiss and the core cast, including Walker, Finch, Kömür, Elliot Levey, and Blake Harrison, are all set to return. While no new guest stars have been announced, the structure of the series means fresh faces are expected to appear in each new mystery.
Gatiss expressed his excitement in a statement: “I’m thrilled that the team at U&Alibi are allowing me to dive back into the world of Bookish and create more fiendish crimes for Gabriel Book and the team to solve.”
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Kareena continues to break stereotypes with bold film choices at age 44
Kareena Kapoor Khan to star as a ghost in an upcoming genre-bending film
The 44-year-old actress will reportedly be paired with an actor in his early 20s
Script is penned by Hussain Dalal, known for Brahmāstra
The film explores a quirky new take on the ghost genre and is currently unannounced
Kareena Kapoor Khan is reportedly all set to headline a new supernatural film, but with an unconventional twist. The Bollywood star, who turned 44 this year, will be seen playing a ghost in the upcoming project, which is also said to feature a much younger male lead, an actor in his early 20s. If confirmed, this pairing will mark a rare age-reversal in Bollywood casting, where older male actors have long romanced much younger actresses on screen.
According to reports, the film is described as a genre-defying and humorous take on ghost stories. The story is said to be written by Hussain Dalal, known for co-writing Brahmāstra and frequently collaborating with director Ayan Mukerji. While Kareena’s role as a female ghost is being celebrated as bold and experimental, her reported romantic pairing with a 20-something actor is what has caught everyone’s attention.
Kareena Kapoor set to flip the script with a younger co-star and a ghost twistInstagram/kareenakapoorkhan
Kareena’s ghost character promises a genre shake-up
The yet-to-be-titled film is positioned as a quirky reinvention of the ghost genre. A source close to the production told Deccan Chronicle, “This quirky story featuring Kareena as a ghost has a refreshing script and will carve out a new space in the ghost genre. It’s a fun, genre-bending take, and Kareena is perfect for it.”
While details about the film’s production or release date remain under wraps, the concept has already sparked interest online for both its storyline and the unconventional casting. Kareena, who has consistently picked roles that challenge stereotypes, seems to be pushing boundaries once again.
Fans react to reports of Kareena being paired with a much younger co-starInstagram/kareenakapoorkhan
Reverse age-gap pairing fuels debate in Bollywood
The age difference between Kareena and her rumoured co-star, reportedly over 20 years, is already making headlines, especially at a time when Bollywood’s long history of older male stars being cast opposite teenage or much younger actresses is being widely criticised.
Recent examples include 38-year-old Ranveer Singh paired with 18-year-old Sara Arjun in Dhurandhar, and Salman Khan facing backlash for starring opposite Rashmika Mandanna in Sikandar. The shift in Kareena's upcoming role presents a fresh reversal, and possibly a new precedent in how gender and age are portrayed in mainstream cinema.
Kareena’s career longevity defies Bollywood norms
The Jab We Met star has often been a trendsetter, from being one of the few married actresses to continue headlining major films to starring in female-led projects like Veere Di Wedding post-motherhood. If this casting rumour is true, she would become one of the first A-list actresses to take on a romantic role opposite a significantly younger actor in mainstream Indian cinema.
Kareena has also been in the news recently for her Instagram photos from a beach vacation, where she confidently showed off her toned physique in a monokini.
Beyond the ghost film, Kareena is also set to appear in Daayra, a social crime drama directed by Meghna Gulzar. The film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran opposite her and is co-written by Meghna, Yash, and Sima. Daayra explores how social systems respond to justice and crime and is expected to release in late 2025 or early 2026.
After her ensemble role in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again, all eyes are now on Kareena’s upcoming choices, especially this bold new ghost project that might redefine Bollywood’s age-gap narrative.
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Emergency services respond quickly to contain the blaze at the Boom festival site
• A massive fire destroyed the Tomorrowland main stage in Boom, Belgium, just two days before the festival’s opening. • No injuries were reported; around 1,000 workers were evacuated safely from the site. • Organisers confirmed that the festival and DreamVille campsite will proceed as planned. • The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest it may have been accidental.
Tomorrowland opens gates despite stage fire as organisers stay committed to festival
Tomorrowland 2025 officially opened its doors on Thursday morning, even as the charred remains of its iconic Orbyz main stage stood in stark contrast to the festival’s usual vibrant spectacle. The massive fire, which erupted on Wednesday evening, destroyed the centrepiece structure ahead of opening day. Luckily, the site had not yet opened to the public, and all workers were safely evacuated. Organisers have confirmed that the festival will go on as planned across both weekends.
Flames tear through Tomorrowland’s main stage just two days before the eventGetty Images
Main stage fire at Tomorrowland halts final preparations
The fire erupted on Wednesday evening, around 6 pm local time, sending thick black smoke into the skies over the small Belgian town of Boom. Eyewitness videos quickly spread on social media, showing the stage consumed by flames as fireworks went off nearby. According to local reports, workers were putting finishing touches on the stage when the fire began.
One crew member told local newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, “We were just a day away from completion. Four weeks of effort, gone in half an hour.” Emergency services responded quickly, containing the blaze before it could spread to neighbouring woodland or residential areas.
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Organisers confirm DreamVille and festival weekend will go ahead
Despite the main stage’s destruction, Tomorrowland organisers reassured fans that the show will continue. In an official statement, they confirmed that DreamVille, the festival’s on-site campsite, will open on Thursday as scheduled. Approximately 38,000 visitors are expected at the site ahead of the weekend.
The team behind the event said, “Our beloved main stage has been severely damaged, but we are working tirelessly to ensure the festival can go ahead as planned. No one was injured, and safety remains our top priority.”
Tomorrowland, one of the world’s most prominent electronic dance music festivals, draws around 400,000 people annually over two weekends. This year’s lineup includes David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Swedish House Mafia, Armin van Buuren, and Charlotte de Witte. With less than 48 hours to go, organisers are actively reconfiguring performance spaces, likely reallocating shows to other stages such as the Freedom Stage.
Spokesperson Debby Wilmsen described the scene as “truly awful,” adding, “It’s a stage that took years to build, with so much love and passion. Everyone who worked on it is devastated.”
People queue to enter the DreamVille camping site of the Tomorrowland electronic music festival a day after its main stage was totally destroyed by fireGetty Images
Investigation underway, no signs of foul play
Belgian authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Initial assessments suggest it may have been accidental, though a formal report is pending. Local residents were advised to keep windows shut due to smoke, and some nearby homes were temporarily evacuated as a precaution.
Organisers have dismissed online rumours suggesting a festival cancellation. In a social media post, Tomorrowland labelled the claims as “fake news” and reiterated their commitment to holding the event.
Workers and locals devastated after years of planning lost in under an hourGetty Images
In a detailed statement shared on social media, organisers acknowledged the emotional loss of the Orbyz stage, calling it a creation "born from pure passion, imagination, and dedication." They confirmed that DreamVille campsite officially opened at 10 am on Thursday, and all Global Journey activities in Brussels and Antwerp were proceeding. While they are still working on alternatives for the main stage area, organisers reassured fans that no other parts of the venue were affected and that updated details about performances would be announced shortly.
The festival has a long-standing reputation for its immersive stage designs and imaginative themes. This year’s now-destroyed main stage, named Orbyz, was crafted as an icy wonderland filled with mythical creatures. The loss of such a major production element is a significant blow, but the resilience of the team and the enthusiasm of fans suggest the spirit of Tomorrowland remains intact.