SINGER INDER PAUL SANDHU DISCUSSES HIS MASTERPLAN TO MAKE MEANINGFUL MUSIC
by ASJAD NAZIR
BRITISH talent Inder Paul Sandhu has maintained a brilliantly high standard with the soulful songs he has released.
Whether it was his recent single Monster or his awesome EP The Colindale Tape, the singer-songwriter has delivered a cool combination of meaningful lyrics, deeply soulful vocals and artistic music with a commercial edge.
One of the best kept secrets in British music has cross-generational appeal and is getting better with each release.
Eastern Eye caught up with the remarkable Inder Paul Sandhu to discuss his music journey so far, soulful sound and future plans.
What is it that led you towards your soulful sound?
Growing up, I was exposed to a lot of different music in my household, but hip hop and soul music in particular were like that pretty girl in school you couldn't take your eyes off. She's been with me since childhood.
Which of your tracks is closest to your heart?
It would be Cold from my most recent tape The Colindale Tape. It was only after writing it I realised just how much of myself I poured out. It's like my heart exploded! I never intended for it to be heard by anyone, but it did and ended up being made the track of the month on BBC – mad respect to Sunny and Shay for that. It's crazy though, my frame of mind at the time wouldn't have allowed me to write that song if I knew people were actually going to hear it.
Musically, where do you draw your inspiration from?
Everything Asjad, honestly! I’m always observing. Life is art, man, and in every alive or dead thing, you see that art.
How important is it for you to have meaningful lyrics?
Instrumentals aside, it is everything, absolutely everything, because without substance music is just fast food. Music is a spiritual tool for warfare, healing, declaration and joy, and by virtue of that, it demands substance.
Have you learned anything about yourself through your songs?
Yeah, no matter what my circumstance is, be it good or bad, I can always make a song out of things and sing for that matter. They have also shown me just how much of my observations and feelings I haven't spoken about with myself, others or even God.
What do you enjoy more, singing or the process of creating?
Definitely singing and certain parts of the musical and visual production; those are the divine aspects for me. I find them fun. The rest, in my opinion, is weaving through the red tape of man and I’ve seen enough of that in myself. Just to clarify, by red tape I mean human nature.
How are you able to generate so much emotion in your voice?
Pain and desire really. Suffering and trials are inevitable in this life and I empower myself by using them as fuel for the sound. Desire comes in where I desire to make God proud, as well as my mum and dad.
What can we expect next from you?
I’m putting out a new tape in the next three months called The Renaissance Tape. We're currently just finishing up the production stage with an amazing band out in Houston, Texas, called Tonecrafters. I know people are going to love it. There’s going to be a whole bunch of flavours on this tape – think Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac and Oasis, all on the same project.
What is your musical masterplan going forward?
Hopefully, perform my next tape throughout the UK, as well as my previous tape, and then set my eyes on the states. We’ve already finished production on my tape after The Renaissance Tape, which I know is back to front, but between these two tapes the world is truly my oyster. I am still trying to get my music into TV and film, which is another area I got my eyes set on. With that being said, though Asjad, one of my greatest strengths in my musical journey has been not having a plan and bulldozing my way into any and everywhere. It’s how I live! Shoot from the hip and all that.
Who would you love to collaborate with in future?
Jimi Hendrix and Ray Charles would have been amazing because they were true geniuses and masters of their own lane. If I were to choose from the land of the living though I’d say Lauryn Hill; I believe her to be one of the greatest songwriters ever. Her song Adam Lives In Theory is unmatched, and her unplugged tape is heavenly. King Krule would be cool to work with too, now that I think about it.
What music dominates your playlist?
I would say rock, gospel worship and r’n’b, but, to be honest, I listen to everything. Music is truly too magical to confine my ears to any one sound. I could go a whole week with just listening to Pavarotti and then spend the next week listening to Black Sabbath.
Who is your own musical hero?
I don't have one to be honest, and I admire many artists but there are really none that I have promoted to a ‘hero’ status in my heart.
If you could ask any question to an artist, alive or dead, who would it be and what would you ask?
DMX! I would ask him what were some of the revelations he had from his walk with God that he didn't get to share with the public. Rest in peace X.
What is the first thing you will do when lockdown is fully over?
I would probably go to a concert or a venue where I could hear and see some live music act or I may just keep my head down until my own show. I might have said too much there.
Why do you love music?
It’s one of the few sincere soundtracks in life we have left in a world where much is synthetic and made for profit.
Nancy Tyagi is back at Cannes. But this time, the 24 year old influencer and designer from Uttar Pradesh is not just a surprise guest, she is a name many were waiting to see again.
Last year, she made her debut at the prestigious festival in a self stitched 44 lb (20 kg) ruffled pink gown, crafted from scratch in her Delhi home. It was not just the weight of the dress that turned heads but the story behind it. A year later, Nancy returned with another outfit of her own making.
This time, she wore a silver aqua gown with a plunging neckline, a shimmering corset, and layers of tulle. It had roses stitched into the skirt and headpiece, and bold shoulders that looked like unfolding petals. Her makeup was clean and glam with silver smoky eyes, a neatly tied bun, and just the right sparkle.
What is special is not just the gown, but the fabric. She sourced it from Seelampur, a market in northeast Delhi better known for its chaos than couture. But that is what makes Nancy different. She turns everyday materials into red carpet magic. She does not come from fashion schools or big labels. She learnt it all by herself.
The self-taught designer walks the red carpet in a look stitched from Seelampur fabricInstagram/nancytyagi
Nancy said she felt emotional returning to Cannes, where everything changed for her. “Last year, I was overwhelmed. This year, I feel proud,” she said. “This is my outfit. I made it. It is all mine.”
Her Instagram post summed it up in Hindi: “Phir se Cannes… phir se red carpet. Kabhi socha nahi tha yeh safar itna khoobsurat hoga” (Back to Cannes, back to the red carpet. I never imagined this journey would be so beautiful).
Nancy Tyagi brings local craftsmanship to the global stage in her second Cannes appearanceInstagram/nancytyagi
And the internet agreed. From fashion fans to fellow creators, the applause was loud. Comments flooded in praising her evolution, confidence, and creativity. One user wrote, “You have inspired millions. This is real talent: self made, rooted, and unstoppable.”
Nancy’s journey from a small town girl stitching clothes in her room to walking the world’s most watched red carpet continues to be proof that success does not need privilege. Just skill, grit, and imagination.
Lauren Sánchez didn’t need a red carpet to mark her pre-wedding celebration, just a close circle of friends and the charm of Paris. Days before tying the knot with Jeff Bezos, the former TV anchor turned aviation entrepreneur spent a laid-back but lavish weekend in the French capital with a dozen women she calls her pillars of strength.
The guest list was anything but ordinary. Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Katy Perry, Eva Longoria, and a few other familiar faces from business, entertainment, and media joined Sánchez for what looked like a celebration of sisterhood rather than a spectacle. Over the course of two days, the group dined at chic spots like Lafayette’s and cruised through the city on a private boat, all while keeping things relatively low-key by celebrity standards.
From clinking espresso martinis to dancing to Earth, Wind & Fire, the vibe was expensive, chill, and relaxed. The celebration wrapped with a surprise vanilla meringue cake and laughter under the Paris sky.
Sánchez shared heartfelt moments on Instagram, calling her friends “the women who’ve lifted me up and shaped my heart.” The photos, mostly in black and white, showed candid rooftop laughs and cosy robe moments, far from the polished party shots one might expect.
Inside Lauren Sánchez’s Paris bachelorette Instagram/laurenwsanchez
Her outfit choices, too, while expensive, leaned into romantic minimalism. A short white Oscar de la Renta dress with 3D florals and a vintage pink Chanel bag added soft glamour to the weekend.
Heartfelt moments and low-key glam defined Sánchez’s pre-wedding celebration in Paris Instagram/laurenwsanchez
Sánchez and Bezos, who went public in 2019, got engaged in 2023 on board his yacht Koru, where he proposed with a rare 20-carat pink diamond worth approximately £15 million (₹160 crore). Their wedding is expected in June on the coast of Venice, Italy, although they’ve been tight-lipped about the specifics. Italian officials have already reassured locals that the ceremony will not disrupt the city.
A candid moment with Sánchez and her closest friendsInstagram/laurenwsanchez
Beyond the headlines and designer outfits, Sánchez’s celebration in Paris was about a woman pausing to honour the relationships that helped her grow, before stepping into a new chapter as Mrs. Bezos.
Ever walked into a cinema, popcorn in hand, all hyped for a big new Hindi release – only to realise, halfway through, that you have seen the exact same story before, just in another language? That weird sense of déjà vu has become all too familiar for Bollywood audiences in recent years, with one remake after another. Many are based on South Indian hits.
From Vikram Vedha to Shehzada, Bholaa to Selfiee, Bollywood seems to be treating South Indian blockbusters like a catalogue to borrow from. But here is the problem – most of them did not work. Not just with critics, but at the box office too. Which raises the obvious question: if the originals were such big hits, why can’t the Hindi versions strike gold?
The numbers do not lie Let us look at the figures.
The Tamil film Vikram Vedha (2017) was made on a budget of £103,695 (₹11 million) and earned £5.66 million (₹600 million). It had strong writing, originality, and standout performances. The 2022 Hindi remake starring Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan, despite slick production, was a costly misfire.
Bholaa, a remake of Kaithi, leaned too heavily on visual effects and forgot the raw, gritty storytelling that made the original shine. Made for £8.8 million (₹1 billion), it only grossed £9.7 million (₹1.1 billion) worldwide. Compare that with Kaithi, made for £2.2 million (₹250 million), which earned over £9.3 million (₹1.05 billion) – without big stars or CGI. This pattern keeps repeating itself.
Selfiee, based on Malayalam hit Driving Licence, flopped. Shehzada tried to replicate the success of Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and failed miserably. Sarfira, based on Soorarai Pottru, came and went without impact. Even Baby John (a version of Theri) and Deva (inspired by Mumbai Police) could not turn strong originals into Hindi box office hits.
Ajay Devgn in Bholaa
Star power is not enough These numbers paint a clear picture: the remakes are not connecting. But what about star power? Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Shahid Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Kartik Aaryan – surely such big names should guarantee success? Unfortunately, it is not that simple anymore.
Audiences are smarter now. Thanks to streaming platforms, dubbed versions and social media buzz, many have already seen the originals – or at least know the storyline. So when the Hindi version arrives, it often feels stale.
Hrithik Roshan in Vikram Vedha
What is missing from the remakes? Successful films rely on many elements – chemistry between the leads, emotional tone, pacing – things you cannot script or transplant.
Take Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa. The chemistry between Silambarasan TR and Trisha felt electric, rooted in the film’s deeply emotional story of unrequited love. The Hindi remake Ekk Deewana Tha, with Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson, lacked that connection.
Okkadu had raw energy, with Mahesh Babu anchoring the emotional weight. Ghilli, its Tamil counterpart, had similar intensity with Vijay’s charismatic presence and high-octane action. But the Hindi version Tevar lacked the same punch and raw emotion.
Similarly, Theri worked because of Vijay’s stardom, Atlee’s direction, and its emotionally driven story. Baby John has not captured that same feeling.
Mahesh Babu in Okkadu
Audiences want originality Here is the real kicker – audiences are not rejecting South Indian cinema. In fact, they are embracing it. Baahubali 2, the Pushpa and KGF franchises, RRR, Kantara – all became massive pan-India hits. The appetite for regional content is real.
What people are rejecting is lazy filmmaking – the idea that simply changing the language, inflating the budget, and casting a big Bollywood name is enough.
What works today is originality. Films like 12th Fail and Article 15 resonated because they told new stories. Even blockbusters like Pathaan and Jawan succeeded by playing to their own strengths – not copying someone else’s.
RRR
A call for change So what should Bollywood do? The answer is simple: focus on originality.
Stop leaning on South Indian remakes. Start backing fresh, innovative stories that speak to today’s diverse audience. The success of South Indian films lies in their ability to connect emotionally, to create real characters and tell untold stories. Bollywood needs to find that magic again.
In the end, remakes may seem like a safe bet – but they are not always the solution. Why settle for déjà vu when you can create something unforgettable?
The audience has evolved. Maybe now, it is time the industry asked itself: has it?X: @GeorgeViews
Keep ReadingShow less
Ananya Panday gets candid about body shaming on Lilly Singh’s podcast
Ananya Panday is no stranger to the spotlight, but she’s also tired of being stuck under a microscope. In a recent chat with Lilly Singh on her podcast Shame Less, the actor spoke honestly about the constant criticism of her body and the double standards women face in the film industry.
Ananya recalled the early days of her career when, at 18, she was mocked for being too thin. Terms like “chicken legs” and “matchstick” were thrown at her regularly. “They said I had no boobs, no butt, like a flat-screen,” she shared. Fast forward a few years, and as her body naturally changed, new rumours popped up, but this time accusing her of undergoing cosmetic surgery. “Now they say I’ve had my butt done. You can never win,” she said.
What hits harder for Ananya is that this scrutiny often comes from other women. “The harshest comments I get are from women. I rarely see this happening to male actors,” she said, pointing out the gender gap in how public figures are judged.
But Ananya doesn’t shy away from taking responsibility either. She admitted that Bollywood films, including some of her own, have pushed unrealistic beauty ideals. “We’ve shown women waking up with perfect hair and makeup. That’s not real life. I’ve been part of that narrative, and I’m trying to be more aware of it now,” she said. Off camera, she tries to keep things real, reminding her followers that what they see on screen isn’t always the truth.
This honesty is, in fact, a shift in Ananya’s journey, from someone who once felt pressured to fit in, to an actor willing to question the norms she’s grown up with. Her recent work also reflects that change. From light-hearted romances to more grounded roles like her turn as a lawyer in Kesari: Chapter 2, Ananya is clearly making deliberate choices.
Women in the public eye are constantly judged, but it’s time to break that cycle. “If I talk about it, maybe one other girl will feel less alone,” she said. That, perhaps, is the quiet power behind her loudest statement yet.
Keep ReadingShow less
Angelina Jolie stuns in a strapless nude gown on the Cannes 2025 red carpet
After a long break from the Cannes spotlight, Angelina Jolie stepped back onto the red carpet, quietly commanding attention without theatrics. It’s been nearly 14 years since she last appeared at the French film festival, but her recent appearance shows she never really left the scene, she just chose when to re-enter it.
At the premiere of Ari Aster’s Eddington during the 78th Cannes Film Festival, Jolie arrived in a strapless white and silver gown designed by Brunello Cucinelli, a label she often turns to for its classy, minimalist elegance. The look was elevated with diamond accessories from Chopard, adding just enough sparkle without overwhelming her understated style.
Jolie keeps it classic in Brunello Cucinelli with Chopard diamonds for Eddington premiereGetty Images
The nude-toned dress was detailed with subtle embroidery and featured a structured A-line silhouette. Its fitted bustier, square neckline, and flowing hem were all about clean lines and classic femininity: nothing flashy, just well-crafted. Her choice of accessories followed the same theme: a pear-shaped diamond pendant, teardrop earrings, and a striking ring.
Her hair was styled in soft waves, parted to the side, and her makeup was balanced with wine-toned nails, muted smoky eyes, a soft pink lip, and feathered brows that framed her face.
The actress makes a graceful return to Cannes after 14 years awayGetty Images
Jolie took on the role of Trophée Chopard godmother this year, an honour that involves presenting an award to two emerging talents in cinema: Marie Colomb and Finn Bennett. The award celebrates the future of film, and Jolie’s presence felt fitting. Over the years, stars like Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, and Charlize Theron have taken on this role, and Jolie now joins that distinguished list.
For the Trophée Chopard dinner, Jolie wore a simple one-sleeved gown with a slit, paired with ankle-strap heels and silver earrings. She kept her makeup light and her hair down, opting for ease over excess.
Angelina Jolie interacting with fans Getty Images
Though she’s been away from the Cannes red carpet, Jolie hasn’t been out of sight. Her recent film Maria, based on opera legend Maria Callas, kept her on the awards circuit earlier this year. She also made headlines as a producer of the Broadway musical The Outsiders, which went on to win big at the 2024 Tony Awards.
Jolie keeps her style effortless for Cannes 2025Getty Images
Angelina Jolie’s Cannes appearance was a glorious comeback. But more than that, it was a quiet reminder of who she is: a woman of style, substance, and selective presence.