Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Kaykay Chauhan: AR Rahman changed the face of Indian film music

The live show ‘Rahmanisce: The Songs of AR Rahman’ will be held at Beck Theatre in Hayes, next Friday (8) and Mystique Banqueting Suite in Leicester on October 7

Kaykay Chauhan: AR Rahman changed the face of Indian film music

HAVING versatile vocalists and an amazing ability to put a contemporary spin on classic songs has enabled cool collective Kayak & Co to stand apart from other British Asian music acts.

They will add to their impressive number of live shows with the forthcoming Rahmanisce: The Songs of AR Rahman at Beck Theatre in Hayes, next Friday (8) and Mystique Banqueting Suite in Leicester on October 7. Singers Anj Chauhan, Parry Mad, Shahid Abbas Khan and Rekha will team up with master musician Kaykay Chauhan for concerts that put a contemporary spin on classic AR Rahman songs. Eastern Eye caught up with Kaykay to find out more. 


 How much does performing live mean to you as a collective? 

 It means a lot to perform with some of the finest vocalists in this country who are part of the collective. It means that we can push the envelope that little more in terms of experimenting and creating a fresher sound.  

Tell us about your forthcoming Rehumanize show? 

  Basically, the Reminisce show is an extension of the Reminisce video that we released in 2015. This was a mashup of around 50 Rahman hits in about seven minutes.   

What can the audiences expect from the show? 

  The audience will experience AR Rahman songs that will be changed and recreated with a fresher approach which includes English songs that fit. The music will not be exactly like the originals. Though most of the vocals will be similar, you can expect twists in the melody due to the drums’ beats and tempos being different.  

 What is your favourite AR Rahman song? 

  It is very difficult to choose a favourite AR Rahman song. This can change daily or weekly even. Top of my head, Yaaro Sunlo Zara from Rangeela. The song evokes a very positive feeling due to its energy.   

How did you select which AR Rahman songs to feature?  

The basis would start with the most popular songs in the Rahman canon. The songs that the audience can also sing along to. The idea then is to change and make the music different in a positive way. If an idea is not taking off, that song then doesn’t make the final list.  

How important is it for you as a collective to put your own spin on the songs?  

 We as Kaykay & Co are known to change things up and give our own spin on Bollywood and English songs. I guess people call us a fusion band. The vision is always to be different as a collective. It’s important for us to carry on with this sound and do something different for the future generations to come. 

 How much does having great singers with different styles help you?  

It helps tremendously to have Anj Chauhan, Parry Mad, Rekha and Shahid Abbas Khan as our vocalists. It mainly allows us to have lots of variety along with different personalities entertaining the audience.  

 What inspires you as a collective? 

  The inspiration comes from the love that we all have for each other, as artists and humans. This then, motivates us to work harder and push each other to succeed.  

 What makes AR Rahman such a special talent? 

  AR Rahman, I believe, changed the face of Indian film music with his sound and arrangements. As a successor to RD Burman and Shankar-Jaikishan before that, he has been a trendsetter with (soundtracks such as) Roja, Thiruda Thiruda, Bombay, Rangeela and so many more.  

How does this compare to other shows you have done? 

  This show has the same aesthetics as our previous shows such as Bollywood Jackson or the forthcoming Retro Future, but vocally, the songs are much more challenging.  

 Why should we all come to the show?  

If you want to experience something different in terms of a creative sound with the songs recreated, then you definitely should not miss this show. There will be elements of surprises within the songs. For example, Jiya Jale has been revamped with a famous r’n’b, hip hop song as its base. Jashn-E-Bahara will have a trance feel about it. For this reason and other surprises, you should definitely come to our show.  

 Rahmanisce: The Songs of AR Rahman at Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 2UE next Friday (8); and Mystique Banqueting Suite, 928a Melton Road, Britannia Way, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8GR on Saturday, October 7. www.becktheatre.org.uk and  www.eventbrite.co.uk 

More For You

Eurovision 2026

Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement

Instagram/eurovision

Eurovision in turmoil as Spain Ireland and Netherlands threaten withdrawal over Gaza conflict

Highlights:

  • Spain leads a growing boycott movement, with Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia also refusing to participate if Israel competes.
  • The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is in crisis talks, extending its decision deadline to December 2025.
  • The situation draws direct comparisons to Russia’s exclusion in 2022, creating a precedent the EBU must now navigate.
  • The core dilemma pits Eurovision’s non-political ideals against the stark reality of a humanitarian crisis.

The Eurovision Song Contest, that glitter-drenched annual spectacle of pop and unity, is staring into the abyss. The escalating call for a Eurovision boycott over Israel's participation, against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza conflict, has put the organisers into their most severe political crisis yet. This isn't just about another song entry but a fundamental clash between the contest's cherished apolitical fantasy and the inescapable geopolitics of the real world, threatening to tear the competition apart from within.

Eurovision 2026 Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement Instagram/eurovision

Keep ReadingShow less
Unni Mukundan and Narendra Modi

Malayalam star Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in ‘Maa Vande’ tracing PM’s roots and mother’s legacy

Instagram/iamunnimukundan

Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in biopic, ‘Maa Vande’, about the leader's bond with late mother

Highlights:

  • Malayalam star Unni Mukundan announced as lead in Narendra Modi biopic titled Maa Vande.
  • The film will focus on the Prime Minister's early life and bond with his mother.
  • A pan-India release is planned for 2026 with a major technical crew attached.
  • Mukundan is currently riding high on the success of his brutal action film Marco.

Malayalam cinema actor Unni Mukundan is stepping into the biggest role of his career. He has been officially cast as Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming biographical film Maa Vande. The project, announced on the PM's 75th birthday, promises a fresh look at Modi's formative years. Instead of another political portrait, the filmmakers are zeroing in on his personal journey and the profound influence of his mother.

Unni Mukundan and Narendra Modi Malayalam star Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in ‘Maa Vande’ tracing PM’s roots and mother’s legacy Instagram/iamunnimukundan

Keep ReadingShow less
Malaika Arora

Malaika Arora reveals judgement made her stronger and shaped her boldness

Getty Images

Malaika Arora turns lifelong criticism into strength saying being called "too bold" is now the crown she proudly wears​

Highlights:

  • The star revealed she was constantly judged for her career and clothing choices.
  • Malaika said she felt free when she stopped explaining herself to others.
  • She now sees confidence as moving forward with grace despite self-doubt.
  • The actor and model insists the only narrative that matters is her own.

Malaika Arora has defiantly addressed the lifetime of criticism she has faced for her personal and professional choices. The actor and model, known for her impeccable fitness and fashion sense, said being labelled “too bold” is something she now wears as a crown. In a new interview, she opened up about her journey to unshakeable self-acceptance and shutting out the noise.

Malaika Arora reveals judgement made her stronger and shaped her boldness Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Paul Rudd and Jack Black

Paul Rudd and Jack Black gear up for jungle chaos in the new Anaconda

People/Courtesy of Sony Pictures

'Anaconda' first photos show Jack Black and Paul Rudd battling comedy and chaos in jungle reboot

Highlights:

  • First look images reveal the meta comedy take on the 1997 creature feature.
  • The film sees the duo as fans trying to shoot their own version of the original film.
  • Director Tom Gormican applies his The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent formula.
  • The cast, including Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn, promises chaotic fun.
  • It is slated for a Christmas Day release, aiming for a box office strike.

The first photos from the wildly unexpected Anaconda remake have finally surfaced. This is not your typical Hollywood rehash, mind you. Jack Black and Paul Rudd are leading a brilliantly meta charge, playing superfans whose dream project goes horrifyingly wrong. The new images tease the comedic chaos planned for the big screen this Christmas.

Paul Rudd and Jack Black gear up for jungle chaos in the new Anaconda People/Courtesy of Sony Pictures

Keep ReadingShow less
raj kundra

Raj Kundra names Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia in £5.6m Bollywood fraud probe

Getty Images

Raj Kundra tells Mumbai police £5.6m fraud funds went to Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia

Highlights:

  • Raj Kundra questioned in India for five hours over alleged £5.6m (₹60 crore) fraud
  • He claimed money was paid as fees to Bollywood stars Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia
  • Investigators traced nearly £2.3m (₹25 crore) in direct transfers to actresses and Balaji Entertainment
  • Shilpa Shetty also under scrutiny as financial probe widens

Businessman Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty, has been questioned for nearly five hours by financial crime investigators in India in connection with an alleged £5.6 million (₹60 crore) fraud. During interrogation, Kundra reportedly said part of the disputed money was paid as professional fees to Bollywood actresses Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia. Authorities are now examining whether these transactions were legitimate or part of a larger scheme.

raj kundra Raj Kundra names Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia in £5.6m Bollywood fraud probe Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less