What: Ketan Kansara headlines an unforgettable evening celebrating the music of Indian cinema from the 70s, 80s and 90s. He will be accompanied by the band D26, along with fellow singers Anuradha Shukla, Sharon Smith and Manisha Sharma
www.becktheatre.org.uk
VOICES FROM THE KILN
When: Tuesday January 18
Where: Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Way, Chichester PO19 6AP
What: A performance that interweaves Bharatanatyam dance, film, text, and clay to expose the fragile edges of memory that unearth fragments of lives, both real and imagined, which silently leave their imprint on clay and the human body.
www.cft.org.uk
SOUMIK DATTA: ARTS RISING
When: Thursday January 20
Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
What: Music maestro Soumik Datta pairs an interactive film with musicians, dancers, and the sound of his sarod in an energising and uplifting show that explores the meeting point between the climate emergency and social injustice.
What: Concert headlined by iconic artists Shankar Mahadevan, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Rakesh Chaurasia and Louis Banks, which mixes up a musical melting pot of world influences. They are supported by artists, including Indian drummer Gino Banks.
www.bmusic.co.uk
KATTAM KATTI
KATTAM KATTI
When: Friday February 11
Where: The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ
What: The Pagrav Dance Company presents a contemporary Kathak production that taps into the competitive chaos, creativity, and colour of Uttarayan, the world-famous international kite festival of Gujarat.
www.thelowry.com
ATIF ASLAM
When: Saturday February 12 and Sunday February 13
Where: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, Western Gateway, London E16 1XL and Morningside Arena, 31 Charter Street, Leicester LE1 3UD
What: The Pakistani superstar returns to the UK for two concerts, where he will perform his greatest hits and all-time classics with a full live band.
www.brightbeat.eu
EVENTS
UPLIFTING KUNDALINI YOGA AND MEDITATION CLASSES
When: Mondays, January 17, 24 & 31
Where: Telegraph Hill Centre, Kitto Road, London SE14 5TY
What: Public Kundalini yoga classes to work on your energy through physical movement and meditation, as taught by Yogi Bhajan. No previous experience with kundalini or any other types of yoga is needed. The class is open to all ability levels and students are asked to bring their own mats.
www.eventbrite.com
CRICKET COUNTRY: AN INDIAN ODYSSEY IN THE AGE OF EMPIRE
When: Monday January 24
Where: Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, 53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA
What: Trained historian Dr Prashant Kidambi delivers a lecture on the first Indian cricket team, which travelled to Britain in 1911, and how the idea of India took shape on the cricket pitch in the age of empire.
www.eventbrite.com
TEA AND TOUR
When: Saturday January 22
Where: The London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1JX
What: Free event open to all faiths that includes tea, snacks, and a tour of one of Europe’s biggest mosques. There will also be a chance to view exhibitions on the Islamic faith.
www.eventbrite.com
THEATRE
LIFE OF PI
When: Until Sunday May 29
Where: Wyndham’s Theatre, 32-36 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DA
What: Theatre play based on Yann Martel’s Man Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name, which revolves around the sole human survivor of a shipwreck struck on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger, as they battle to survive an epic voyage across the ocean. The cast includes Hiran Abeysekera, Mina Anwar, Nicholas Khan, Payal Mistry and Raj Ghatak.
www.londontheatre.co.uk
SLEEPING BEAUTY
When: Until Sunday January 16
Where: The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford BD7 1AJ
What: Pantomime headlined by popular television personality Dr Ranj Singh and comedian Billy Pearce. The familiar fairy tale is given an interesting twist in the family-friendly show filled with laughs.
www.bradford-theatres.co.uk
COMEDY
SUKH OJLA: LIFE SUKHS
When: Friday January 14 and Friday January 21
Where: Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1JZ and The Deco, Abington Square, Northampton NN1 4AE
What: Acclaimed stand-up comedian Sukh Ojla continues her solo tour of the UK with her show, where she talks about subjects including mental illness, moving back in with her parents, identity and living a double life.
www.luventertainment.co.uk
AHIR SHAH: DRESS
When: Thursday January 27
Where: Arts at the Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, Oxford OX1 2AQ
What: The double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee returns with a new stand-up show about significance, insignificance, and scurvy.
www.oldfirestation.org.uk
NISH KUMAR - YOUR POWER, YOUR CONTROL
When: Wednesday February 2
Where: Bonus Arena, Myton Street, Hull HU1 2PS
What: The popular comedian embarks on a brand-new stand-up show that tackles important subjects such as political upheaval, Covid, current uncertainty and why he is taking it personally.
What: A brand-new stand-up show with the popular comedian about the hair we want, the friends we have, and living the vast difference between virus and viral.
www.sindhuvee.com
CLASSES
FULL DAY SIMPLE INDIAN FISH AND SEAFOOD COURSE
When: Saturday January 22
Where: Hounslow, London
What: A trip to the local Indian shop to learn about ingredients will be followed by a practical hands-on cooking course learning how to make a variety of Indian fish and seafood dishes, along with learning how to use spices to add a depth of flavour.
Sydney Sweeney reportedly offered £45m for a leading role in a major Bollywood film
The package includes £35m in fees and £10M in sponsorship deals
Filming is tentatively planned for early 2026 across New York, Paris, London, and Dubai
The project could make Sweeney one of the highest-paid Hollywood stars to join Indian cinema
A record-breaking offer
Hollywood actor Sydney Sweeney has reportedly been approached with a staggering £45M deal to star in one of the most expensive Bollywood films ever produced.
The 28-year-old Euphoria and The White Lotus star is said to have been offered £35m in fees plus an additional £10m through sponsorship agreements.
Details of the proposed project
The untitled film would cast Sweeney as a young American celebrity who falls in love with an Indian star. Filming is expected to begin early next year, with international locations including New York, Paris, London, and Dubai.
Industry insiders describe the project as an effort to bring Indian cinema to an even larger global audience, with Sweeney’s involvement seen as a move to elevate its international appeal.
Industry perspective
A source close to the negotiations said: “Sydney was shocked by the offer at first — £45m is an incredible sum. But the project is intriguing, and it could elevate her global profile even further. Nothing has been decided yet, but it’s a huge opportunity and she is weighing her options carefully.”
A step into Bollywood
If she accepts, Sweeney would join other international stars who have crossed into Bollywood, including Priyanka Chopra and Shilpa Shetty. The Indian film industry has increasingly sought crossover projects to expand its global reach.
Recent career highlights
Sweeney, who rose to fame on HBO’s Euphoria and The White Lotus, has recently been building her film career. Her latest project, Christy, sees her portraying US boxing champion Christy Martin, the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Speaking about the physically demanding role, Sweeney said: “Every single fight you see, we’re actually punching each other. I always believed that you wouldn’t be able to make it feel real if it’s a stunt double or if it’s faking the hits.” Christy is set for release on November 7.
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Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement
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.
Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement Instagram/eurovision
What is causing the Eurovision 2025–2026 crisis?
The main trigger is Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Casualty figures reported by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry exceed 64,000 Palestinians by September 2025, drawing international scrutiny. Several European countries argue that Israel’s presence in a major cultural event like Eurovision would appear to normalise the humanitarian crisis. On the other hand, Israel insists participation is purely cultural and unrelated to politics.
What countries are boycotting Eurovision over Israel?
So, which nations are taking this stance? The movement gained its most significant momentum with Spain's announcement. Its public broadcaster, RTVE, issued a decisive statement, confirming an overwhelming vote to withdraw. The organisation cited Israel's military actions in Gaza and stated it could not, in good conscience, "look the other way." This move is particularly consequential as Spain is one of the "Big Five" major financial contributors to the contest.
They were swiftly followed by Ireland’s RTÉ, which deemed participation "unconscionable" given the situation in Gaza. Public broadcasters in the Netherlands and Slovenia subsequently aligned with similar positions. Iceland's broadcaster has also indicated it is considering its position, formally "reserving the right" to withdraw. This is not a peripheral protest but a movement emerging from within the contest's core European membership, raising questions about which other countries may follow.
How is the EBU handling the Eurovision boycott calls?
The European Broadcasting Union faces an immense challenge. Its standard operating procedure of promoting unity through music appears insufficient for this geopolitical dilemma. The gravity of the situation can be seen in its unprecedented decision to delay the standard deadline for participation confirmations to mid-December 2025. This extension is dedicated to extensive consultation with all member unions in an effort to find a viable resolution that preserves the contest's integrity.
Concurrently, the EBU has been forced to publicly deny reports from Israeli media outlets suggesting it had advised Israel to withdraw voluntarily to avoid a "humiliating elimination," calling these claims false.
Is this Eurovision situation similar to Russia's exclusion?
This comparison forms the crux of the debate for many. The 2022 exclusion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine established a clear precedent; the EBU justified its decision by stating Russia's participation would "bring the competition into disrepute."
Boycott advocates now argue that the same standard must be applied consistently, questioning why Israel's actions in Gaza do not merit an identical response. The EBU will likely attempt to differentiate the cases based on nuanced legalities of membership and the operational independence of the respective national broadcasters. However, in the court of public and political opinion, the perception of a double standard is a significant threat to the EBU's credibility.
What are the arguments for and against the boycott?
Proponents of the boycott base their position on principles of human rights and conscience. They stress the extensive civilian casualty figures reported by authorities in Gaza, alongside assessments from UN agencies, to argue that Israel’s inclusion on a cultural platform constitutes a form of normalisation of the ongoing conflict.
Conversely, opponents of a boycott contend that cultural events must remain separate from political disputes. They caution that excluding a nation’s artists could veer into prejudice and stress that the Israeli broadcaster, Kan, operates with editorial independence, unlike the state-controlled media of Russia. There is no clear, unambiguous resolution that will satisfy all parties.
What happens if Israel is allowed to compete in Eurovision 2026?
Should the EBU permit Israel's participation, an immediate and consequential withdrawal of several key members is all but certain. The loss of Spain, a major funder, would represent a serious financial and credibility blow. The subsequent absence of Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and potentially others would noticeably diminish the contest's scale and diversity.
Furthermore, the event itself would likely become a focal point for large-scale protests, potentially disrupting the broadcast and overshadowing the musical competition, further alienating segments of its global audience.
What happens if Israel is excluded from Eurovision?
An exclusion would trigger a different but equally severe crisis for the EBU. It would face vehement accusations of hypocrisy and double standards, particularly from Israel and its allies. The move could prompt legal challenges and potentially lead to Israel's permanent withdrawal from the union.
It would also establish a new and far-reaching precedent for excluding countries involved in international conflicts, fundamentally transforming Eurovision from an inclusive cultural space into an institution that makes overt political judgements.
The future is decidedly uncertain. The EBU is confronted with a dilemma where any decision carries significant negative consequences. The upcoming General Assembly in December is going to be a tense and potentially historic meeting. While some have speculated about a compromise, such as Israel participating under a neutral banner, the EBU has denied pursuing this option.
The underlying truth is that Eurovision has always been intertwined with politics, from historical participation under authoritarian regimes to contemporary voting blocs. The current crisis has simply stripped away the glittering façade, forcing a direct confrontation with this reality. The contest's future will depend on navigating a path that may not exist, balancing its ideals against an increasingly polarised world.
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Malayalam star Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in ‘Maa Vande’ tracing PM’s roots and mother’s legacy
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.
Malayalam star Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in ‘Maa Vande’ tracing PM’s roots and mother’s legacy Instagram/iamunnimukundan
Who is Unni Mukundan and why was he cast?
If you're not deep into Malayalam films, that name might not ring a bell. But down south, he is a proper lead star. He has been working for over a decade, starting off with smaller roles, having a hit with Mallu Singh, and then breaking through with last year’s Malikappuram.
And then Marco happened, a violent film that crossed the £1.2 million (₹100 crore) mark. The actor can portray devotion and then deliver a brutal action scene. Perhaps that versatility is what the filmmakers wanted. Adding to that, he actually grew up in Ahmedabad. He mentioned in a post that he knew Modi as his "Chief Minister" back then. That personal connection is probably a massive factor.
What will the Narendra Modi biopic Maa Vande be about?
The official line is that it traces his journey from childhood to becoming the leader of the nation. But the tagline gives the real focus: "The Anthem of a Mother." So, this is not going to be a policy-by-policy rundown. It is about his relationship with his late mother, Heeraben Modi.
That is the fresh angle, the human story behind the politician. How that relationship shaped him is the emotional hook. It connects with people on a different level. The filmmakers are planning a 2026 release, and it is set to be pan-India, in multiple languages including English.
The crew list is stacked. It is being directed by Kranthi Kumar C.H. and produced by Veer Reddy M. under Silver Cast Creations. The technical team is impressive: KK Senthil Kumar is on camera, the cinematographer of Baahubali. The music is by Ravi Basrur, editing by Sreekar Prasad, and production design by Sabu Cyril. It is clear that this is not a low-effort cash-in. The A-team from Telugu and Malayalam industries has been brought together to mount this project properly. Serious resources are being invested to ensure it looks and sounds huge.
No. Vivek Oberoi played him in a 2019 film directed by Omung Kumar, which was also called PM Narendra Modi. That film focused more on his political rise. Maa Vande seems to be carving its own niche by going back to the start, focusing on his personal roots. It will be interesting to see how they differentiate it. For Mukundan, it is a massive opportunity. After the physicality of Marco, this role is about capturing Modi’s essence, voice, and posture. It is the biggest challenge of his life, no question.
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Malaika Arora reveals judgement made her stronger and shaped her boldness
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
What has Malaika Arora said about the criticism she faces?
It seems there is very little Malaika has not been judged for. She laid it all out in a chat with The Hindustan Times, stating, “I was judged for my career, my clothes, my relationships, you name it.” That constant scrutiny from the public and media would be enough to make anyone second-guess themselves.
But her approach changed completely when she decided to stop engaging with it. She called the moment she quit explaining herself the moment she truly felt liberated. Her philosophy is pretty straightforward now: “The only narrative that matters is the one you write for yourself.” It is a powerful shift from being defined to doing the defining.
Malaika Arora owns every label from bold to outspoken and calls them her strength Getty Images
How does Malaika Arora respond to being called 'too much'?
Honestly, she has turned it into a strength. Those very criticisms have become a part of her identity, and she owns them completely. “I have been called too bold, too outspoken, too everything. And honestly? I wear it like a crown now,” she stated.
She even has a sharp, modern clapback for her detractors: “If I am ‘too much’ for someone, they are probably not enough for me.” This mindset is not just for show. It feeds into everything she does, from her fashion collaborations to her fitness brand. She has never followed a template, believing real confidence is when you “stop performing for the world and start living for yourself.”
Malaika Arora insists the only story that matters is the one she writes herself Getty Images
Does Malaika Arora ever experience self-doubt?
Absolutely. It is a reminder that confidence is not about being bulletproof. She is human, after all. Malaika was candid about the fact that self-doubt “never really disappears,” admitting there are days she questions herself just like anyone else. The key difference now is how she handles those moments. Instead of meting out self-criticism, she practises kindness. For her, confidence is not the absence of doubt but the ability to “move forward with grace despite it.”
This nuanced take is a far cry from the perfect, curated images we often see, making her stance all the more relatable to her fans who navigate their own insecurities.
Malaika Arora says she stopped explaining herself and found true freedomGetty Images
What is the core of Malaika Arora's confident mindset?
It all boils down to ownership. Her recent work as the face of a beauty campaign titled Own It felt less like a job and more like telling her own life story. She has had to fight labels and expectations her entire career. This is not about arrogance; it is about a quiet certainty in her own choices.
Whether it is balancing motherhood with her career or navigating public relationships, she trusts her gut. Her message is clear: stop letting outside opinions write your story. The greatest freedom comes from writing it yourself, unapologetically and on your own terms.
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Paul Rudd and Jack Black gear up for jungle chaos in the new Anaconda
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
What is the new Anaconda movie actually about?
Right, so the plot is almost more interesting than the original film's premise. Black and Rudd play lifelong mates, Doug and Griff, who are utterly obsessed with the 1997 J.Lo and Ice Cube B-movie classic. They hit a midlife crisis and decide, you know what, let's actually do it. Let's go to the Amazon and remake Anaconda ourselves. The synopsis says their chaotic movie set gets turned upside down when a real, genuine giant anaconda decides to crash the party. So the film they're desperate to make might literally end them.
One name: Tom Gormican. He is the director behind The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, that brilliantly unhinged Nicolas Cage meta flick. He is bringing that exact same self aware, comedic energy here. Rudd himself said the script's clever meta angles appealed to him directly because he was a fan of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. This is not some dour, serious reboot. It is like a knowing wink to the audience, a celebration of a so bad it's good film, all wrapped up in a proper action comedy. That angle is everything right now.
Sounds like an absolute riot, honestly. The chemistry between Black and Rudd is the main engine. Black said point blank that working with Rudd was the "main reason" he took the job, calling him "f---ing hilarious" and a "sweet pea". Rudd shared the same feelings, thrilled to finally work with Black properly for months. Even Steve Zahn, who is also in the mix, admitted to messing up takes because he could not stop laughing at them. When the cast is having that much fun, it usually bleeds through onto the screen.
Mark your calendars for a seriously unconventional Christmas Day. 25 December is the planned release date. Releasing a film about a giant killer snake on Christmas itself is a bizarre choice, you have to admit. It is going up against some family friendly stuff, but maybe that is the point, offering an alternative for those tired of the same formulaic content. Whether it becomes a festive box office gift or gets squeezed out remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: it will be a talking point!