Little English makes big impact with relatable British Asian story
Why Viraj Juneja loved playing the lead in new film adaptation of hit theatre play
By ASJAD NAZIRMar 16, 2023
Acclaimed British Asian film Little English will release in UK cinemas this week, after delighting audiences on the festival circuit.
The heart-warming Pravesh Kumar directed comedy-drama features a great cast that includes talented young lead Viraj Juneja. He stars opposite Rameet Rauli in the story of a Punjabi girl with limited English, trapped with a London-based family, after the man she is supposed to marry runs away, and finds herself in an unlikely love story with his seemingly dangerous younger brother.
The actor, best known for 2019 independent British comedy feature film Get Duked!, along with short films and TV appearances, has great presence as the love interest in the multi-layered movie adaptation of hit theatre play There's Something About Simmy.
Eastern Eye caught up with him to find out more.
What first connected you to acting?
Performing! I’ve always been a performer, okay what I really mean is, I’ve always loved being centre of attention. Doing school plays and short films, knowing the audience was watching me, it was a drug. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with acting as a craft, but yeah that was certainly the origin.
What was the experience of working on Little English?
Unlike anything else! We were shooting in a real house, which presented its own problems but meant we became one massive family. (Laughs) I think we all took turns to nap in that bed upstairs. There was just an incredible synergy. It became such a special place to be. I was buzzing to go to work every morning. Even on my days off I had massive FOMO! I wanted them to call me in so I could just hang out with everyone.
Tell us about the lead character you play?
I play Haripal, or Harry, who has been labelled as a ‘bad egg’ in the local community, however, there’s so much more to him. He’s a young man who’s experiencing some mental health issues having been abandoned in the world. He is struggling to find his authentic self. Deep down there is a lot of good and love in him.
What was the biggest challenge of playing this role?
Harry very much likes to keep himself to himself. He doesn’t have a good relationship with anyone, especially his mum. I, on the other hand am very extroverted and love my mum dearly. Seema, who plays my mum in the film, is phenomenal and being present with her in those scenes really stayed with me.
With Rameet Rauli in Little English
What was it like working with writer/director Pravesh Kumar?
A privilege! Pravesh has championed South Asian voices for the past 20 years and RIFCO (his theatre company) is the home for our stories and audiences. To be a part of his first feature is such an honour. I’d love to work with him again but moreover I’d love to watch more of his work. He has an incredible relatable warmth. Film sets can be chaotic, but he was never fazed by anything.
You and Rameet Rauli are great in the lead roles. What was it like working with her?
She is amazing. We had so much fun working together. She’s brilliant and such a wholesome person to be around. Her bubbly energy is infectious. Her character Simmy is phenomenal - to be lost in a new world alone, be feisty at times and yet comedic, isn’t easy, but Rameet effortlessly nailed every beat with aplomb. I’ve learnt things from working with her. (Laughs) Oh and she’s a massive diva. Sorry Rameet!
Who are you hoping connects with this movie?
Honestly, I feel the film will resonate with everyone who goes to watch it. The characters are so relatable. The story is heartbreakingly beautiful and the music so uplifting. After every screening, people have come up to us saying, ‘you remind me of my brother, sister, aunt, grandad etc.’ This authentic film really takes you on a journey.
What is your own favourite moment in Little English?
To film, definitely the scenes where the family are all together. Ameet (Chana) and Goldy (Notay) had me laughing every time. Seeing everyone in costume and nailing their characters, were the moments when I knew we were creating something special.
How much did being surrounded by good actors in the film help you?
Incredibly so. I feel honoured that I got to work with Madhav Sharma, who plays Bauji (grandad). He’s a living legend with a wealth of experience and would regale me with his endless tales. There was a moment when I sat there and realised ‘Oh sh*t this dude is the Mr Shah from East is East!’ What a privilege it was to have spent time with him.
What inspires you as an actor?
Exploring different sides to myself. We’re human beings and go through so many emotions. I want to embrace them all because you never know when something may help you connect to a character in future. I love the feeling of watching something back and not recognising myself.
Why should we all watch Little English?
Little English is a film with massive heart. We’ve never had a film that so authentically represents South Asian culture on screen before. It will have you laughing, crying, hugging those around you and maybe also dancing in the aisle.
Acclaimed Scottish-Pakistani theatre-maker Lubna Kerr returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with Lunchbox – the final instalment of her deeply personal and widely praised ‘BOX’ trilogy, following Tickbox and Chatterbox.
Inspired by her own upbringing as a Pakistani immigrant girl in Glasgow, Lunchbox is a powerful one-woman show that tackles themes of identity, race, bullying and belonging through the eyes of two teenagers growing up on the same street but living vastly different lives. With humour, honesty and heart, Kerr brings multiple characters to life, including her younger self and a troubled classmate, as she explores whether we are shaped by our environment or capable of breaking the cycle.
Ahead of the show’s run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, she speaks to Eastern Eye about her creative journey, the inspiration behind the trilogy and why she believes now is the time to share these stories.
Lunchbox is a powerful one-woman show that tackles themes of identity, race, bullying and belongingInstagram/ lubnakerr
How do you reflect on your creative journey?
When I started writing my first play Tickbox, I doubted myself – would anyone come to see it? But it has since been staged all over the UK and is still touring. I have come so far in my creative journey and love being able to find new stories to tell the world.
How much are you looking forward to returning to the Edinburgh Fringe? I love the Fringe. It is my favourite part of the year.
Tell us about your new show. Lunchbox is a one-woman show and is the final part of the ‘BOX’ trilogy of my life as a Pakistani immigrant girl growing up in Glasgow. There are eight characters – some familiar and some new.
How does this compare to your other shows Tickbox and Chatterbox?
It is similar but different. It explores the next stage of my school life, but this time through the eyes of the bully, Steven.
How have you felt going on a journey with this unique trilogy?
It was never meant to be a trilogy when I first started writing, but as the stories came out, I realised I had so much to share that I could not do it all in one play.
What is the biggest challenge of doing a solo show?
Keeping well and pacing your energy. There is no understudy, so I need to make sure I get enough rest and can be fresh for my shows every day.
She says, ''do not assume you know what is going on in people’s lives behind closed doors''Instagram/ lubnakerr
Who are you hoping to reach with this show?
Those who were bullied, those who stood by and did nothing, and those who were the bullies.
Is there a key message you want to convey with this show?
Do not assume you know what is going on in people’s lives behind closed doors. I want audiences to think about who they wrote off in life. Who could they have given a hand to? Whose life did they assume was a waste? Who will they be clapping for? Have they forgiven their bully?
What do you most love about live theatre?
I love performing and sharing unheard or untold stories about the diaspora. We have such a rich culture and heritage, and we need our voices to be heard. Theatre is the vehicle to do this.
How do you feel when you are on stage?
I love being on stage, whether performing a play or doing comedy. I love feeling connected to the audience – having them hold onto my every word and fall into a trance with my characters, helping them forget their worries for an hour.
Why should we all come and watch your new show Lunchbox?
Lunchbox has a universal theme of bullying and discrimination, but it is told by an older south Asian woman. How many of us are out there doing this? I want to inspire anyone of any age to come and share their stories on stage, and let the world know that we are more than just curries and cricket (though I do love both).
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A NEW play looks at the cultural divisions in society, especially in the West, and shows how people can still come together and build a community even if they don’t always agree, its playwright has said.
The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs, by Iman Qureshi, follows a group of women, mostly lesbians, who come together to sing in a choir, while sharing their lives, making new friendships, experiencing love, and finding humour during their time spent together. Themes of identity, politics and personal struggles are explored in the story.
“I hope everyone comes to watch it,” Qureshi, 38, told Eastern Eye.
“When I wrote this, I wanted to show how a minority community, like a group of lesbians, can represent a universal story that anyone can connect with. So, I hope the play reaches a broad audience. Of course, I’d love all the lesbians to come and see it, but I believe it has a much wider appeal. “
The play touches on issues that affect many people, especially women, today.”
First performed at Soho Theatre three years ago to a packed audience, the play has now been reworked for the Kiln Theatre by Qureshi and director Hannah Hauer-King.
The writer said, “It’s quite rare for a play to transfer, especially three years after its original run. We’ve worked hard to update it, so it feels fresh and relevant to 2025. During the initial performance, the audience laughed a lot, which actually surprised me. “
I kept telling the marketing team it was a drama, but they insisted it was a comedy. I didn’t realise it was that funny. During the performances, the actors had to pause because people were laughing so much. The response was very warm and joyful.”
Describing the changes for the Kiln production, Qureshi added, “The ending has changed a lot. We rewrote parts during rehearsals. At the Soho Theatre, the first half felt light and comedic, while the second half felt quite heavy. We wanted to bring more lightness and music into the second half, so it didn’t feel like we were switching genres. Now, the whole piece feels more unified in tone.”
Qureshi was born in Pakistan, grew up in Saudi Arabia, and moved to London at 16. She said her hope was that the word “lesbian” in the title will not stop south Asians from coming to see the play.
“I know the word ‘lesbian’ in the title might put off some in the Asian community, like aunties and uncles. But I really hope they come. My mum watched it the last time and loved it. Both my parents are coming this time. I hope others from south Asian backgrounds see that lesbians are human, too. There’s humour, love, and passion. I hope people are moved by it.”
The crew of The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs
Qureshi said the play reflects real issues faced by many Asian women and added that there is still “a lot of ignorance” in Britain about how hard it is to migrate. “People think you can just come here, get a job, a council house and benefits. But that’s not true,” she said.
According to her, the heart of the play is about listening. “We live in a world where it’s easy to avoid people who don’t think like us. Online, we only see what we agree with. But the theatre is different, you can’t switch it off. You have to sit and listen. You might not agree, but you can still understand and empathise,” she said.
Qureshi added that the play’s choir conductor has a line that sums up this message: “You sound best when we listen to each other.”
Another theme is about finding one’s voice, especially for those who have felt shame about who they are. “Many characters in the play have struggled with identity – gay shame, lesbian shame,” she said. “The choir gives them a safe space to be proud, to discover who they are, and to celebrate each other.”
Qureshi studied English literature, initially worked in journalism, law and the charity sector, and became a full-time playwright around six years ago. Her earlier play, The Funeral Director, won the Papatango Prize in 2018 and opened the door to more writing opportunities.
Reflecting on representation in British theatre, Qureshi said Asian stories are still underrepresented. “We struggle to get big names or access large stages. Often, when our stories are told, they’re negative – about terrorism or honour killings. That makes me angry. I wanted to prove I can write anything, not just ‘Asian’ topics.”
She believes Asian stories matter because they challenge racism and help people feel seen. “ G r o w i n g up, everyone I saw on TV was white. I remember wishing I was white. Today, I’m proud of my heritage, my skin, and my language. But young people shouldn’t have to feel like I did.”
Qureshi credits role models such as the National Theatre’s Indhu Rubasingham, and Asian playwrights Tanika Gupta and Anupama Chandrasekhar for paving the way for those like her.
The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs opened at Kiln Theatre on June 13 and will run until July 12.
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The 2005 film Sarkar explored power, loyalty, and justice in Mumbai’s underworld
There have been many Hindi cinema projects inspired by Hollywood films, and Sarkar ranks among the finest. The brooding political crime drama, which paid tribute to the epic 1972 gangster film The Godfather, became a gritty, homegrown tale of power, loyalty and justice.
Directed by Ram Gopal Varma and set in Mumbai’s morally murky corridors of influence, the film centred on Subhash Nagre – a man feared, respected and mythologised. Played with majestic restraint by Amitabh Bachchan, the story followed Nagre’s control over the underworld, political power centres and a grey zone where justice was delivered through unofficial means. His sons, the hot-headed Vishnu (Kay Kay Menon) and the more composed Shankar (Abhishek Bachchan) – became central to this tale of betrayal, legacy and redemption.
A still from Sarkar, inspired by 'The Godfather' and rooted in Indian politicsIndia Glitz
Released on July 1, 2005, it marked a turning point in Indian cinema, celebrated for its storytelling, atmospheric visuals and memorable performances. Eastern Eye marks its 20th anniversary with 20 fascinating facts about the film.
1. The main character, Subhash Nagre, was loosely inspired by real-life figures such as Indian politician Bal Thackeray.
2. Unlike most Bollywood remakes of international cinema, Ram Gopal Varma openly acknowledged that Sarkar was heavily inspired by The Godfather.
3. Varma had originally planned to make the same film in the early 1990s, with Sanjay Dutt and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead father and son roles. Dutt’s legal troubles led to the project being shelved.
4. Varma had initially signed Amitabh Bachchan for another film titled Ek, but he scrapped that script and instead focused on making Sarkar with him.
5. Interestingly, the first film Amitabh and Abhishek were supposed to appear in together was their home production Ranveer, co-starring Sanjay Dutt and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The project was shelved after its launch.
Sarkar became a landmark gangster film in Indian cinemaIndia Glitz
6. Although Bunty Aur Babli (released in May 2005) marked their first on-screen appearance together, Sarkar was the first project the father and son signed as co-stars. Both actors delivered powerful performances that reflected their on-screen synergy and off-screen bond.
7. The success of Bunty Aur Babli followed by Sarkar marked a major turning point in Abhishek Bachchan’s career. After struggling to establish himself since his 2000 debut Refugee, he went on to win multiple Best Supporting Actor awards and earned wide critical acclaim.
8. Varma was working on Naach simultaneously with Abhishek and declared that he was a better actor than Amitabh. Abhishek appreciated the compliment but responded that no one is better than his father.
9. As this was newcomer Katrina Kaif’s third film, she was still working on her Hindi language skills – resulting in all her dialogues being dubbed by a voice artist. She had earlier debuted with Amitabh in Boom (2003), but had no scenes with him in Sarkar.
The film introduced a uniquely Indian take on the mafia genreRotten Tomatoes
10. Supriya Pathak, who played Amitabh’s wife in the film, had previously acted with him only once – in Shahenshah (1988), where she portrayed a sister figure.
11. This remains the only Ram Gopal Varma film to feature Anupam Kher.
12 . Sarkar broke the Bollywood norm of including traditional song-and-dance numbers. Instead, music was used exclusively in the now-iconic background score, which enhanced the film’s realistic tone.
13 . The haunting ‘Govinda Govinda’ chant, integral to the film’s atmosphere, was originally composed for Varma’s 1994 Telugu film Govinda Govinda. (Amitabh Bachchan had initially questioned its relevance in Sarkar.)
14. Kay Kay Menon revealed that his role in Sarkar gave him confidence and wider recognition. He said, “It marked a turning point in my career, where I felt truly acknowledged for my work and could confidently present myself as an established actor.”
Set in Mumbai, Sarkar portrayed the dark world of parallel justiceRotten Tomatoes
15. The acclaimed film went on to spawn the sequels Sarkar Raj (2008) and Sarkar 3 (2017).
16. A 2014 Telugu remake titled Rowdy was made with veteran actor Mohan Babu and his real-life son Vishnu Manchu in the roles originally played by the Bachchans. Although it received positive reviews, it met with only moderate success.
17. The film is archived at the Academy of Motion Pictures Library.
18. Sarkar is referenced in Ed Glaser’s book How The World Remade Hollywood, which explores international remakes and reinterpretations of iconic American films.
Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar marked 20 years of influence and acclaimIMDb
19. Earlier this year, Amitabh revealed that he rewatched Sarkar for the first time since its 2005 premiere and wrote in his blog: “I was absolutely amazed at the quality of the film, its direction, and above all – this is not a father speaking – dazzled by Abhishek’s performance. What restraint, what close-ups, what eye expressions, what presence, what a performance!”
20 .Other Bollywood films loosely inspired by The Godfather include Dharmatma (1975), Aakhri Sanghursh (1986), Dayavan (1988), Zulm Ki Hukumat (1992), Aatank Hi Aatank (1995), Sapoot (1996) and The Power (2021). However, Sarkar arguably remains the most faithful – and finest – adaptation.
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It was part of a global promotional campaign for Jackson's HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I album
Ten giant Michael Jackson statues were built in 1995 to promote his HIStory album
The 32ft figures appeared around the world and followed him on tour
Some remain visible in places like Switzerland, Italy, and South Africa
Others have been removed or stored due to controversy after Jackson’s death and allegations
Owners now face challenges selling, relocating or preserving the monuments
A colossal promotion campaign
In June 1995, Londoners witnessed an unusual spectacle: a 32ft statue of Michael Jackson being floated down the River Thames. It was part of a global promotional campaign for Jackson's HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I album. A total of ten fibreglass statues were made, all modelled on the album cover image, and they accompanied the singer on his worldwide tour.
The statues were the product of a transatlantic effort. American sculptor Diana Walczak worked closely with Jackson to design a clay prototype. In the UK, artist Stephen Pyle oversaw the construction of the fibreglass versions, assisted by sculptor Derek Howarth and a team based at Elstree Studios. Built in just four months, the statues bore some differences from the original prototype due to limited access.
A statue above a Dutch McDonald's
One of the most well-known statues stood for years above a McDonald’s car park in Best, a village in the Netherlands. Restaurant owner Peter Van Gelder purchased the statue from Sony at a 1996 charity auction and installed it as a promotional feature.
The monument became a local landmark, drawing Jackson fans who visited regularly to celebrate the singer's birthday or commemorate his death. However, in 2019, following the release of the Leaving Neverland documentary which raised new allegations of child sexual abuse, McDonald's corporate headquarters in the US requested its removal. It now lies in storage, hidden under a tarp.
Van Gelder has considered donating it to a fan club, but due to its size, relocating it requires a building permit. “The interest in the statue is decreasing,” he notes.
From nightclub attraction to unsold collector’s item
In Austria, another statue stands in the courtyard of a closed nightclub west of Vienna. Franz Josef Zika, the former owner of The Baby'O, bought the statue at a radio charity auction in 1998 for around £9,300. Initially met with scepticism by family members, the statue eventually became a feature at the venue, placed in the smoking area and surrounded by bars.
The club closed in 2023 due to nearby residential development. Zika is now looking to sell the statue and has received interest from Sweden and Hungary but cites cost as a barrier. “Maybe I’ll send it to Mars. Elon will do this for me!” he jokes.
Fairground fixture in Switzerland
Another Jackson effigy resides with Luna Park, a long-running fairground event in Lausanne, Switzerland. Purchased in 2008 from a previous owner, the statue has been lightly refurbished, with gold accents added to its uniform. Although it has not been displayed in recent years, organisers confirmed it is not for sale.
Out of place in South Africa’s miniature world
Santarama Miniland in Johannesburg, once a popular educational park showcasing miniature replicas of South African landmarks, also hosts one of the Jackson statues. Despite the park being largely abandoned, the statue still stands, oddly juxtaposed against the park's "miniature" theme.
Blogger Heather Mason, who visited the park in 2013, described the scene as strange but memorable. “The MJ statue was the best photo op in the park,” she wrote.
Repainted and on sale in Italy
In Milan, Europark Idroscalo unveiled a freshly restored version of the Jackson statue in June 2019, just months after Leaving Neverland aired. A flash mob accompanied its reintroduction, and the statue was given new paint and sunglasses.
Park officials revealed the statue had previously been covered due to the allegations, and at one point modified to resemble a robot to distance it from Jackson's image. It is now up for sale once again.
Legacy in limbo
The statues were the product of a transatlantic effortGetty Iamges
While some of the statues remain visible in unlikely corners of the world, many have been removed or hidden due to shifting public sentiment. For others, storage, cost, and controversy have made preservation difficult. Thirty years after their creation, the towering monuments to Michael Jackson's legacy now stand as both relics of a global pop campaign and reminders of a career clouded by enduring debate.
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Each painting is visually vivid and scientifically supported
The exhibition Swara Raga Chitra by HN Suresh, Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bengaluru, was inaugurated on 14 June by Supreme Court advocate Sri Santhana Krishnan. Open daily until 22 June, the exhibition runs from 11 am to 7 pm at The Bhavan.
Artworks grounded in cosmology and music
The 50 digital paintings showcase a blend of cosmology and Indian classical music, with a focus on their scientific and metaphysical links. Featured works include Navagraha Mandala (nine planets) and Rashi Mandala (twelve zodiacs), grounded in astronomy and astrology.
Inspired by tradition, enriched by research
Each painting is visually vivid and scientifically supported, resulting from Suresh’s collaborations with leading scientists in India and abroad. Central themes of time and space tie the exhibition to deeper philosophical ideas.
The 50 digital paintings showcase a blend of cosmology and Indian classical musicThe Bhavan
The compositions accompanying the artworks were created by scholar-musician Dr. T. S. Sathyavathi, drawing inspiration from the Sri-Tatva-Nidhi of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III.