Legendary Indian vocalist Bombay Jayashri to make rare visit to UK in March 2023; here’s your chance to win tickets to her concert
Appearing for the first time in the UK in over 10 years, Jayashri will take to the stage in London and Liverpool, where she will perform alongside a stellar ensemble of musicians.
In March 2023, Milap is set to present one of India’s most celebrated and undisputed stars of classical music, Bombay Jayashri, as she returns to England for the first time in over a decade to perform two very special shows of Carnatic compositions and improvisations.
Having performed her first concert in 1982, Bombay Jayashri is known for her distinctive vocal range and quality, and her incredibly varied repertoire featuring songs from various Indian languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi. As a frequent headliner at major Indian music festivals, and with a career spanning over three decades, Jayashri’s finely honed voice exudes hypnotism difficult to resist.
Bombay Jayashri
In 2002, Jayashri received a Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the song 'Vaseegara'. In 2012, she was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Original Song category for 'Pi's Lullaby,' from the film Life of Pi. In 2021, Jayashri was awarded a Padma Shri - India's fourth highest civilian award.
In her voyage as a cultural ambassador of India's rich heritage, Jayashri has appeared extensively throughout the subcontinent and further abroad in the most prestigious venues, drawing critical acclaim wherever she performs. She also has the rare privilege of being the first Carnatic classical vocalist to have graced the stage in some of the world's finest Opera Houses.
“Bombay Jayashri is an icon of Indian music, and not only has one of those instantly recognisable voices but also has an aura around her whenever she performs. We have loved working with her in the past, both on stage and as a tutor to our national ensembles; now, we are thrilled to welcome her back to England after a gap of over 10 years. I'm sure our audiences are going to love hearing her sing live, as well as the brilliant group of musicians who will be appearing alongside her,” said Alok Nayak, CEO & Artistic Director of Milap.
Appearing for the first time in the UK in over 10 years, Jayashri will take to the stage in London and Liverpool, where she will perform alongside a stellar ensemble of musicians - H.N. Bhaskar (violin), Sai Giridhar (mridangam) and Giridhar Udupa (ghatam) - all of whom are considered amongst the finest Carnatic musicians. Dates and timing for the same are as follows:
Saturday, 18th March 2023, 19:30
The Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road
London
SE1 8XX
Friday, 24th March 2023, 19:30
The Tung Auditorium
60 Oxford Street
Liverpool
L7 3NY
If you too want to attend the concert and see her perform live, here is an exciting opportunity for you! We have a pair of tickets for the Southbank Centre concert to give away to one lucky reader!
To take part in the contest, tell us which is your favourite song of Bombay Jayashri and why in 100 words and email your response with the subject ‘Bombay Jayashri Tickets’ before midnight on 31st December. We'll draw a winner at random on 1st January, 2023.
Singer-actor behind viral hit Sadqay reflects on his breakout year
New track Dheema Dheema hits 170K views in just two weeks
Opens up about juggling acting and songwriting, and his 2025 plans
Stresses importance of enjoying the process and learning from early mistakes
Draws inspiration from iconic Pakistani music and Punjabi roots
From viral sensation to balancing dual careers
The young artist behind the runaway hit Sadqay, which has now clocked over 44 million views, says the song’s success took him completely by surprise. “We had no idea it would go global,” he shared in a candid conversation, adding that while he always believed in the track, the scale of its reception was “overwhelming”.
What followed was a year of fast-moving highs, with growing recognition both within his home country and internationally. “You work towards something, and when it happens, you almost don’t know how to react.”
- YouTube YouTube/ EasternEye
A lighter, dance-driven follow-up: 'Dheema Dheema'
His latest release, Dheema Dheema, has already picked up over 170,000 views within two weeks. In contrast to his more emotionally resonant previous work, the artist describes this new song as “pure vibe” — a carefree, dancey track born out of an in-studio jam session with friends.
“After doing a string of love songs post-Sadqay, I felt like going back to that Afrobeat-inspired, danceable sound,” he said. “This track gave me the chance to actually dance in a music video, which I really wanted to do.”
Writing music vs. acting: which feels more fulfilling?
Having grown up in front of the camera, transitioning into music might seem like a leap, but he sees both worlds as creatively rewarding. However, he admits that songwriting offers a different kind of fulfilment.
“With acting, you’re relying on the director, the edit, the audience’s perception. Music is more personal. When you write a song and get it right, you already feel like you’ve won,” he said.
Navigating fame, pressure, and shared responsibility
When asked whether he feels the weight of representing young South Asian creatives, he responded humbly: “If I were the only one, maybe I would. But the burden is shared. Artists like Hassan Rahim and Young Stunners are doing amazing work. That makes it lighter.”
He credits the current wave of South Asian talent for building a sense of community, rather than competition.
Looking ahead: acting projects, music collaborations, and live shows
With a busy 2025 already underway, the artist shared that he’s learning to balance both acting and music. A television drama featuring him is set to release next month, alongside plans for new music collaborations.
He also teased a full live show season later this year, with performances lined up for November and December, marking what could be his first proper tour in his home country.
Offstage, grounded and reflective
When asked what fans might not know about him, he pointed to a key lesson he’s learned the hard way: “Don’t take too much stress too early. It affects your decisions and journey. You need to enjoy what you’re doing — that joy is what others feel too.”
He also shared his deep connection with old Pakistani music, citing classics like Adat by Atif Aslam and Aitebar by Vital Signs as favourites. “Those songs shaped my sound,” he said, adding that he draws heavily from Punjabi influences as well.
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.
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.
— (@)
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.
When Bajrangi Bhaijaan hit cinemas on 17 July 2015, it broke barriers and box office records, while also bringing people together. In a Bollywood industry known for spectacle, this unexpected gem stood out for its simplicity, sincerity and unshakeable belief in the goodness of people.
At its heart was the story of a devout Hindu man in India who embarks on a dangerous journey to reunite a lost, mute Pakistani girl with her family across the border. A plot that could have courted controversy instead won hearts in both countries. With India and Pakistan once again locked in conflict, the film’s message of harmony feels more relevant than ever. It reminds us of a softer truth – that empathy and the human spirit can triumph over enmity and division.
Eastern Eye marks the Salman Khan starrer’s 10th anniversary with 20 fascinating facts about the beloved Hindi cinema entertainer.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan
1. The film’s writer, V Vijayendra Prasad, also wrote Baahubali: The Beginning, the pan-Indian blockbuster released the same year. Although he claimed Bajrangi Bhaijaan was influenced by a real story, the plot closely resembles the 2006 Kannada film Kallarali Hoovagi, which follows a man from a Hindu kingdom who escorts a girl safely to a neighbouring enemy Muslim kingdom.
2. Reports say Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan were considered for the lead by other filmmakers. Director Kabir Khan explained why he chose Salman Khan: “First, I saw an intensity in him that hadn’t been articulated before. Second, Salman’s chemistry with children is sheer and pure magic – and it is not for show.”
3. Although a large portion of the story is set in Pakistan, all of the filming took place in India, including locations in New Delhi, Kashmir, Rajasthan and Mumbai.
4. AR Rahman was initially approached to compose the music but did not sign on. Pritam was then brought in to create the songs.
5. The hit song Bhar Do Jholi Meri is an adaptation of a qawwali originally sung by the legendary Sabri Brothers. It also marked Adnan Sami’s return to the screen after 20 years. His previous appearance was in the 1995 Pakistani film Sargam, where he played the lead.
Kareena Kapoor
6. Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s character, Chand Nawab, was not part of the original script. He was added after a video of the real Pakistani journalist of the same name went viral. The comical real Chand Nawab enjoyed renewed fame after the film's release.
7. Emraan Hashmi was originally considered for the Chand Nawab role but opted out.
8. More than 1,000 girls auditioned for the role of the mute child. Six-year-old Harshaali Malhotra was eventually selected. She earned critical acclaim and became the youngest-ever nominee for Filmfare’s Best Female Debut award.
9. Salman Khan was initially only attached to the film as an actor but later decided to produce it. It became the first commercial blockbuster he headlined as a credited producer.
10. Kangana Ranaut claimed she turned down the film because the role was not substantial enough, though this was never confirmed by the producers. Kareena Kapoor Khan accepted the part readily, stating that the story was the true hero of the film.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan
11. After filming wrapped, Salman Khan bought two horses and named them Bajrangi and Bhaijaan as a tribute.
12. The film was released on 4,500 screens in India and nearly 1,000 overseas – including in 50 countries. A 19-minute shorter version was released in China in 2017, where it became a huge box office success.
13. In Pakistan, the film was released with multiple cuts but still proved popular. Kabir Khan said, “I’m told people there really liked the film because we didn’t talk down to them or patronise them.”
14. An action-adventure mobile video game based on the film was released.
15.Bajrangi Bhaijaan was the highest-grossing Bollywood film globally in 2015. It earned more than double the collections of major releases that year, including Dilwale, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and Bajirao Mastani.
16. The film won multiple awards, including the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan
17. Aamir Khan said he cried while watching Bajrangi Bhaijaan, calling it the best performance and film of Salman Khan’s career. Rishi Kapoor also admitted to crying after seeing the actor’s performance.
18. Salman Khan has often referred to Bajrangi Bhaijaan as one of his favourite films and the role he is proudest of.
19. Talks of a sequel have surfaced multiple times, with the writer, director and lead actor all expressing interest. However, they have yet to find a story strong enough. The working title is reportedly Pawan Putra Bhaijaan.
20. Director Kabir Khan collaborated with Salman Khan on three films – Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) and Tubelight (2017). Of the three, Bajrangi Bhaijaan remains their most successful critically and commercially. Kabir said: “It’s been 10 years. It’s a film that never stops giving. I’ve just seen love for that film growing with each passing year, and I’m really happy that it continues to get the kind of love from people.”
Ten years on, Bajrangi Bhaijaan remains a rare Bollywood gem – a film that combined a megastar’s charisma with a story full of innocence, integrity and interfaith empathy. It was not just a box office triumph, but a cultural moment that reminded audiences of the power of kindness, even in divided times. In today’s fractured world, the story of a man crossing borders just to return a little girl home feels more urgent and moving than ever.
Keep ReadingShow less
Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth dressed as Zelda and Link in the first official look
Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth have been cast as Princess Zelda and Link in the upcoming Legend of Zelda live-action movie.
Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed the casting via X on 16 July.
Directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), the film is set to release on 7 May 2027.
The project is co-produced by Nintendo and Sony Pictures, marking a major push into cinematic adaptations for the gaming franchise.
Nintendo has officially announced the lead cast for its long-anticipated Legend of Zelda live-action adaptation. British actors Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will step into the iconic roles of Princess Zelda and Link, respectively, in a film set to release on 7 May 2027.
The casting was confirmed on Wednesday morning by Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo’s legendary game designer, who shared the news via Nintendo’s X account, alongside first-look images of the duo in costume. The announcement marks a major milestone in the development of the fantasy adventure film, which has been in the works for years.
First glimpse of the young actors in costume from the upcoming Legend of Zelda movieInstagram/zeldanintendo
Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth tapped as Zelda and Link
Relative newcomers to Hollywood blockbusters, both Bragason and Ainsworth bring youthful energy to two of gaming’s most enduring characters. Bragason, best known for her work in Renegade Nell and Three Girls, will portray Princess Zelda. Ainsworth, who voiced Pinocchio in Disney’s 2022 remake and starred in The Haunting of Bly Manor, takes on the role of Link, the courageous warrior from the land of Hyrule.
Casting speculation had been widespread, with fans campaigning online for actors like Hunter Schafer to be considered. Ultimately, Miyamoto expressed confidence in the final selection, stating, “I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.”
Legend of Zelda movie release date and production team
The live-action Legend of Zelda movie will hit cinemas on 7 May 2027. Directed by Wes Ball, known for The Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the film is gearing up to be a cinematic retelling of the beloved game series.
Sony Pictures is set to distribute the film, with production shared between Nintendo and Avi Arad’s Arad Productions. The script was most recently updated by T.S. Nowlin. Miyamoto and Arad will co-produce, continuing their collaboration from earlier projects.
— (@)
Plot expectations and franchise history
While official plot details remain under wraps, the film is expected to follow Link and Princess Zelda as they battle the dark forces threatening the kingdom of Hyrule, most notably the demonic warlord Ganon. The Legend of Zelda games often explore themes of power, wisdom, and courage through an ever-evolving timeline of reincarnated characters.
Originally launched in 1986, the Zelda franchise has sold over 150 million units worldwide. Notable entries like Ocarina of Time (1998), Breath of the Wild (2017), and Tears of the Kingdom (2023) have helped define the action-adventure genre in gaming.
The upcoming movie follows the box office success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, another Nintendo franchise adaptation that grossed over £1.04 billion (₹10,800 crore) globally.
Reactions to the casting have been mixed but largely curious, with many gamers excited to see fresh faces taking on the legendary roles. Some fans expressed disappointment that more established names were not chosen, while others welcomed the studio’s bold decision to prioritise performance potential over star power.
Meanwhile, early costume reveals of the two leads have already begun circulating online, fuelling discussions about the tone, aesthetic, and faithfulness of the adaptation.
Keep ReadingShow less
Emma Watson banned from driving for six months while studying at Oxford after speeding offence
Emma Watson received a six-month driving ban after being caught speeding at 38mph in a 30mph zone.
The Harry Potter star already had nine points on her licence from previous violations.
She was fined £1,044 (₹1,10,000 approx.) by High Wycombe Magistrates' Court; Watson did not attend the hearing.
Her Harry Potter co-star Zoe Wanamaker was also fined and banned the same day for a separate speeding offence.
Emma Watson, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, has been banned from driving for six months after a speeding offence in Oxford added to her already full slate of penalty points.
The 35-year-old actress-turned-Oxford University student was caught driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone on Banbury Road on 31 July 2024. The offence pushed her total to 12 points, triggering an automatic driving ban under UK law.
Emma Watson banned from driving after speeding in Oxford while enrolled as university studentGetty Images
Speeding violation pushes Watson over the legal limit
Watson already had nine points on her driving licence from previous offences in October and November 2023 and January 2024. The recent infraction, captured by a speed camera, added three more points and resulted in a mandatory six-month suspension.
At a five-minute hearing held on 16 July at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court, Watson was fined £1,044 (₹1.10 lakh approx.), broken down into a £660 (₹70,000 approx.) fine for the offence, a £264 (₹28,000 approx.) surcharge, and £120 (₹13,000 approx.) in court costs. She did not attend the hearing, but her lawyer confirmed she pleaded guilty and would pay the amount in full.
Emma Watson loses driving licence while studying at Oxford after hitting 12 penalty pointsGetty Images
Actress balances academic life with legal issues
Watson, who rose to fame at age 11 in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, has taken a step back from acting in recent years to focus on academics. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Oxford.
While she has stayed largely out of the public spotlight, this isn’t her first run-in with driving issues. In February 2024, her Audi S3 was towed after being parked illegally outside a Stratford-upon-Avon pub.
Emma Watson given driving ban as Oxford student after fourth speeding offenceGetty Images
Harry Potter co-star Zoe Wanamaker fined the same day
Coincidentally, Watson wasn't the only Harry Potter alum facing driving penalties that day. Zoe Wanamaker, who portrayed Madam Hooch in the film series, was fined and banned at the same court on the same day for a separate speeding violation.
Wanamaker was caught driving at 46mph in a 40mph zone on the M4 in Berkshire on 7 August 2024. Like Watson, she had already accumulated nine points and received a six-month ban along with a £1,044 (₹1,10,000 approx.) fine.
Zoe Wanamaker pictured at a public event Getty Images
Harry Potter reboot in the works as original stars make headlines
News of Watson’s driving ban comes as a reboot of the Harry Potter series is in development at HBO. The new adaptation features Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron. The show is expected to span a decade.
The new trio cast as Harry, Hermione and Ron step into a world where childhood and fame rarely mix well Instagram/harrypotter/Getty Images
Watson, who last appeared on screen in Greta Gerwig’s 2019 Little Women, has not announced any return to acting. Instead, she has focused on education and sustainability initiatives, including a gin brand she launched with her brother in 2023.