A new generation of artists is expanding the musical horizons in India and bringing something new to a rapidly-growing scene that is becoming more innovative.
Hailing from Gurgaon in India, one of the loud voices is a unique artist named Nivid, who has been described as a ferocious industrial rock musician and a musical embodiment of anger.
Nivid is composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Aditya Virmani, who is a one-man project when producing songs and then teaming up with Devasheesh Sharma (guitar) and Nihar Apte (bass) for explosive live performances.
Inspired, in particular, by Nine Inch Nails, Nivid recently released the song The World Around Me (Infinite Support)|Sanskaari, which is a musical melting pot of sounds combined with a strong social message.
Eastern Eye caught up with Aditya to talk about his sound, unique influences and musical message.
What first connected you to music?
Listening to Born In The USA by (Bruce) Springsteen and News Of The World by Queen on repeat are the earliest memories of being hooked to music. Somewhere Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd happened, which helped have an impact on how I perceived sound and music.
What led you towards your musical sound?
Distortion was hugely responsible as a sonic effect to draw me towards writing the kind of music I do and the music I listen to.
Where does the name Nivid comes from?
Nivid is a Sanskrit word, which means information. It also means to deliver or to give.
Tell us about your recent song release?
The World Around Me (Infinite Support)|Sanskaari is about an ideal Indian. It is about a ‘virtuous’ man who aims to change the world through his beliefs and by instilling them into others through influence, force, coercion or guilt. It features an intense kick-drum pattern and the third verse where the guitars go out briefly serve as highlights of the track. The music video for it was shot in San Francisco at the Clarion Alley Mural Project by Kerry Porter from Frontman Media, and features some cool glitch effects.
What can we expect next from you?
We have more material than we’ve written. We’d love to present that and would like to perform it for people to watch.
How important is it for you to put a message in your songs?
It is vital to tell a story. It is equally important to leave cryptic information both lyrically, through the use of language, and musically. It is best done when it isn’t too obvious.
Tell us, which issues do you feel most strongly about?
Artistic liberty and giving artists absolute freedom of speech along with an environment and opportunity for them to present their work!
Do you think music has the power to make a change?
Music has the power to influence one’s thoughts, for sure. It has a great power to deliver information. And it can make people aware of the world they live in. That could possibly lead to change.
Which artists or band have inspired you most?
Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails (NIN) and the entire NIN family for their work and fearless experimentation over the years, and maintaining integrity. Archive has been a big influence. Game composers Mick Gordon and Jesper Kyd. A bunch of Indian composers such as Nitin Sawhney and Sandeep Chowta. The list is quite extensive, actually.
Who else is on the list?
(David) Bowie and (Frank) Zappa. Bands such as U2, Tool and Deftones. A lot of post-rock bands, including some important ones like 65daysofstatic and Maybeshewill. Massive Attack, Portishead, The Knife, Gusgus and some of Aphex Twin’s work. I was inspired by Skyharbor and followed them till Guiding Lights. I really like Fuzzculture from India and some of Shaair and Func’s records. Filter has been a great influence too. A lot of obscure classical music from India and I find jewels on All India Radio. But it’s mostly straight out Nine Inch Nails.
What is the plan for the rest of the year?
To put out the rest of the material, find some good scoring projects on the side, assemble a band, tour and perform. Easier said than done!
How much does performing live mean to you?
Playing live is the final stage after being able to put out material and content; to get it out and promote it in front of everyone. It is quite important and I find it exciting to be able to do the same. The feeling of being on stage in front of people who appreciate your music is unparalleled.
What has been the most memorable concert?
Playing in front of a bunch of people in Jaisalmer in Rajasthan in the middle of the vast Indian desert at night was quite an experience.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
Trent (Reznor) and Atticus (Ross). Those sessions would help me further better my craft and would get me to meet and spend time with my heroes creating art.
What music dominates your playlist?
NIN, Archive, a bunch of 1990s music, Manson, John Wick soundtracks, some Garhwali music and Periphery III. Some classical music from India now that I am using the All India Radio app. Filter, 3teeth and some Scarlxrd, Ghostemane, Shingo Nakamura and Tujiko Noriko.
What are your big passions away from music?
I love driving in the country and am an off-road enthusiast. Video games and technology are something that I keep looking out for.
What is your biggest musical motivation?
To innovate and to expand the ‘box’!
Why do you love music?
Because, I can’t touch it! It’s intangible. It touches me and it’s something that comes out of me.
Facebook & Instagram: @nividofficial and www.nivid.bandcamp.com
Trailer is geo-blocked in India; film to release overseas on 27 June.
Netizens accuse Diljit Dosanjh of being “anti-national”.
Diljit Dosanjh’s much-anticipated horror-comedy Sardaar Ji 3 will not be screened in Indian cinemas. Instead, the film will only be released in international markets on 27 June, after calls for a boycott intensified online due to the inclusion of Pakistani actors, particularly Hania Aamir. The move follows the tragic Pahalgam terror attack and renewed enforcement of the entertainment industry’s ban on cross-border collaborations.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) wrote to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), requesting that Sardaar Ji 3 be denied clearance. Their objection stems from the casting of Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela, at a time when India-Pakistan relations are strained following the April attack that left 26 people dead.
In line with government directives discouraging any partnerships with Pakistani artists, the makers dropped plans for a domestic release. Director Amar Hundal’s film now gears up solely for an international audience.
Hania Aamir’s Instagram account was also blocked in India after she allegedly made anti-India comments post-Operation Sindoor. The incident added fuel to the controversy already surrounding the film.
Trailer blocked in India, Diljit faces social media heat
On 22 June, Diljit Dosanjh shared the trailer on Instagram, writing: “Sardaar Ji 3 releasing 27 June OVERSEAS only. FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.” The YouTube trailer, however, is not accessible in India due to geo-blocking. While teasers and songs remain available, the trailer featuring Hania prominently has been restricted.
Sardaar Ji 3 features Diljit as a ghostbuster exorcising spirits from a haunted UK mansion. Hania Aamir plays a fellow ghost hunter, while Neeru Bajwa adds a romantic twist. But the film’s quirky humour has been overshadowed by the strong online backlash.
Many netizens called Diljit “shameless,” accusing him of prioritising career over country. Some even demanded his removal from upcoming films like Border 2. For now, Sardaar Ji 3 heads to a global audience, leaving behind a fierce debate in its wake.
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We’re also both very physical with our humour and play off each other well
After a smash-hit UK debut, India’s most-watched crowd-work comedy duo is back – and this time, they’re armed with an even wilder new show. Abishek and Nirmal: The Great Indian Positivity House invites audiences into a bizarre world where you can anonymously confess your darkest deeds and most questionable opinions.
Staged at Soho Theatre in London from July 21–25, the show will then head to the Edinburgh Fringe in August. It promises their signature fast-paced crowd work and razor-sharp improvisation. With no two shows ever the same, they aim to make every night unrepeatable and unforgettable. Eastern Eye caught up with the dynamic duo to talk about comedy chemistry, on-stage secrets and their biggest influences.
What made you two want to team up?
Abishek: We come from similar backgrounds, consume similar content, and laugh at each other’s jokes. A middle-class upbringing, a love for theatre, and a shared passion for the same kind of humour brought us together.
Did you both expect to become such a successful double act?
Nirmal: It struck me early on during touring. Initially, we’d do 20 minutes each and then come together for the final 20, which audiences really enjoyed. We soon realised our on-stage chemistry worked. We’re also both very physical with our humour and play off each other well. (No innuendo intended.)
What’s been your most memorable moment as a duo?
Nirmal: After every show, we’d go out with some audience members and ask them to show us around their city. I think our last day at Edinburgh Fringe was epic – we were up till 4 am dancing, drinking pints, with a flight back to India at 8 am. Total chaos. Abishek: Touring internationally will always be a core memory. I’ll never forget our first show in Dubai – it felt so surreal. We genuinely felt taller than the Burj Khalifa that day!
How would you describe your brand of comedy?
Abishek: We do a lot of crowd work and improv. Our biggest strength is our physical comedy, combined with (self-proclaimed) impeccable chemistry on stage.
What drew you to interactive comedy?
Nirmal: I love stand-up, but it takes a year or two to build a solid hour. Audience-interactive shows let us flex our improv muscles and keep it fresh every night. We never ran out of shows this way. And repeat audience could enjoy our shows too. It’s liberating – we get to respond to the exact moment we’re in. And we love being surprised by the crowd.
What’s the biggest challenge of interactive comedy?
Abishek: You never know how a joke will land. You have to read the room well and only prolong an interaction if the person is clearly enjoying it.
With no two shows ever the sameInstagram/ theabishekkumar
How much of your routine is planned in advance?
Nirmal: The beginning, middle, end, and format are always set. But that’s it. We’ve built our shows on the road, so we keep adding and experimenting with new bits.
What’s the secret to great improvisation?
Abishek: Ride the scene’s energy – no matter how dumb the premise sounds. Go with the flow. BS with full conviction!
How do you stay in sync on stage?
Nirmal: It’s muscle memory at this point. I know when he’ll take a punchline or jump in, and he knows when I’ll interrupt. It’s built over time by doing this again and again.
What has performing in the UK been like?
Abishek: Amazing. We’ve toured the UK multiple times now, and every visit feels like coming home, thanks to the huge Indian diaspora.
How do UK audiences compare to those in India?
Nirmal: I love our international audiences – they come for a sense of familiarity. They’re away from home, and our references, language, and vibe create that comfort. For at least an hour and a half, it feels like home.
The beginning, middle, end, and format are always setInstagram/ theabishekkumar
Do you have creative differences – and how do you manage them?
Abishek: We do, but we don’t shy away from tough conversations. We’re brutally honest with our feedback and open to change. That’s the healthy part of this duo.
Tell us an embarrassing secret about each other.
Nirmal: When Abishek is sleep-deprived, he goes full chaos mode – like an elephant about to mate. He starts doing sixth-grade-level pranks on everyone around. This is a 30-year-old man. Abishek: Nirmal has to poop before every show. The moment the announcement plays, he’s off to the loo.
Who are your comedy heroes?
Abishek: Robin Williams, Russell Peters, Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler, Ricky Gervais... and Indian legends like Nagesh and Crazy Mohan, who’ve had a huge influence on me. Nirmal: Kanan Gill, Rahul Subramanian, Kenny Sebastian, Hasan Minhaj, Aziz Ansari and Dave Chappelle.
Why should people come to your London shows?
Nirmal: To feel like you’re in South India for a whole hour. It’s better than the North. (I say this in jest.) I could have said I’m joking, but I had to say jest, didn’t I? It is a nice word though.
Abishek & Nirmal: The Great Indian Positivity House at Soho Theatre in central London from July 21-25. www.sohotheatre.com
Grenfell Uncovered, Netflix’s new feature-length documentary about the 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster, has been widely praised by reviewers and early viewers for its serious and emotionally resonant portrayal of one of the UK’s worst modern tragedies.
Directed by Olaide Sadiq, the film retraces the events leading up to the fire that claimed 72 lives and sparked a national reckoning over building safety, housing policy, and corporate responsibility.
Reviewers highlight structured storytelling and emotional impact
Critics have noted that while the film does not introduce new findings beyond what was already published in the 2024 final report of the Grenfell Inquiry, it succeeds in conveying the scale and depth of the disaster to a global audience. Several reviewers praised the documentary’s editing, with The Guardian calling the timeline “agonisingly well-paced” and noting its ability to balance personal accounts with broader systemic failings.
The film weaves together the first 999 call, testimony from bereaved families, and a detailed exploration of decisions made by companies and public authorities. Reviewers have drawn attention to how the documentary contrasts human loss with what the inquiry called a “merry-go-round of buck-passing” by corporations and officials.
Personal stories placed at the centre
The emotional core of Grenfell Uncovered, according to several reviews, lies in the personal testimony from those who lost loved ones. These are presented alongside findings about companies such as Arconic and Celotex, which the public inquiry found engaged in “systematic dishonesty” in relation to the cladding materials used on the tower.
Critics have said the film powerfully illustrates how profit motives, weak regulation, and political decisions intersect with devastating human consequences.
Praise for Netflix’s decision to commission the documentary
Media observers have commended Netflix for producing a one-off film on such a politically sensitive topic at a time when many streaming platforms are opting for safer, more commercial programming. Some called it a “rare act of public-interest filmmaking” and noted that, despite global trends favouring true crime and celebrity-driven content, Grenfell Uncovered focuses on accountability and justice.
- YouTubeYouTube / Netflix
Political figures featured in the film
The film includes an interview with former Prime Minister Theresa May, who addresses criticism of her response to the fire, particularly her decision not to meet survivors during her first visit to the site. Reviewers have pointed out that while May has previously expressed regret, the interview adds weight to the film’s broader themes of inaction by those in power.
Other institutions, including the Cameron government, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and the London Fire Brigade, are also examined in relation to their roles in the lead-up to and aftermath of the fire.
A reminder, not a revelation
While some reviewers noted that the documentary does not reveal much beyond what was already known, they argue that it is an important retelling for audiences who may not have followed the inquiry closely. In this context, critics say the film succeeds in its aim: to remind viewers of the tragedy’s preventability and the need for lasting change.
Grenfell Uncovered is currently available to stream on Netflix.
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Priyanka Chopra opens up about an on-set injury while filming Heads of State
Priyanka Chopra Jonas has opened up about a minor but shocking accident that occurred while filming her new action-comedy Heads of State, which premieres on Prime Video on 2 July. Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the actor recalled how she injured her face during a high-intensity scene, losing a piece of her eyebrow in the process.
The incident took place during a rainy stunt scene that required her to fall and roll on the ground as the camera closed in. “The camera operator came in a little closer, I came in a little closer, and boom! The matte box hit me right here,” she said, pointing to her eyebrow. “It took out a chunk. I was lucky it didn’t take my eye.”
Despite the bleeding cut, Priyanka didn’t halt filming. Instead, she reached for surgical glue, patched herself up on set, and wrapped up the day’s shoot. “I didn’t want to come back and shoot in the rain again,” she joked.
In the film, Chopra plays Noel Bisset, a sharp MI6 agent pulled into chaos after a diplomatic mission unravels. She stars opposite John Cena and Idris Elba, who play the heads of state she’s tasked with protecting. The actor shared that her character does a fair amount of the heavy lifting when it comes to action, including hand-to-hand combat and stunts.
While discussing the film, Chopra also spoke about the off-screen dynamics with her co-stars. She revealed that Cena and Elba hadn’t met before the shoot, so she stepped in to ease the introductions. “I was like the buffer. I had to make sure we didn’t just start punching each other,” she laughed.
She also mentioned how the set was filled with laughter, banter, and plenty of pranks, most of them aimed at her. “I guess I was the easy target,” she admitted.
Directed by Ilya Naishuller, Heads of State features an ensemble cast including Paddy Considine, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, Stephen Root, and Sarah Niles. The film will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.
Up next, Chopra is set to appear in SSMB 29 with Mahesh Babu and The Bluff, where she plays a reformed pirate.
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Priyanka Chopra enjoys traditional Indian feast at Vikas Khanna’s NYC hotspot
Priyanka Chopra Jonas found a taste of home far from home this week. The global star, alongside her manager Anjula Acharia and friends, enjoyed a memorable meal at Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna's New York City restaurant, Bungalow.
Honouring heritage and handicrafts over dinner
Khanna shared a touching glimpse into the evening on Instagram. He focused on the restaurant's beautifully adorned glass ceiling, explaining its deeper meaning. "Everyone asks why we decorate it daily when some might not notice," Khanna wrote. His reason was personal: "It’s not just for guests below, but for loved ones watching over us from above. Today, I adorned it especially for Malti Marie Chopra Jonas."
The gathering doubled as a tribute to the upcoming Rath Yatra festival and specifically honoured the skilled artisans of Sambalpur and Western Odisha. Videos showed Khanna tying traditional Sambalpuri handkerchiefs around Priyanka and Anjula's wrists as a meaningful cultural gesture. The rainy NYC backdrop added to the intimate atmosphere.
A satisfied star and return visits
The Indian feast clearly hit the spot. Priyanka reshared a video from Anjula showing Chef Khanna expertly serving dishes, captioning it simply: “Still in a food coma. You’re the best host, Vikas.” Pictures revealed a relaxed Priyanka dressed smartly in a black dress and matching blazer, posing happily with Khanna and her group. This was her second return trip to Bungalow; she previously dined there last year with her husband Nick Jonas, thanking Khanna then for "a taste of home."
While young daughter Malti Marie was mentioned in Khanna's heartfelt caption about the ceiling dedication, she wasn't visible in the shared photos or videos. Fans can next catch Priyanka on screen in the action film Heads of State, streaming on Prime Video 2nd July, where she stars alongside John Cena and Idris Elba.