SINGER, songwriter and producer Maya Batra has had a close connection to music from a very young age, which has turned into a flourishing career.
She has released acclaimed songs, including recent releases Tuhi Tuhi and Collided. She also hosts a successful radio show and has more original music on the way.
Eastern Eye got the multi-talented Maya Batra to select 10 songs she loves.
Tuhi Tuhi by Maya Batra: This is a song based on a kirtan I grew up singing with my family. My interpretation of Tuhi Tuhi is, ‘I see you in me’. We are all connected more than we realise. Especially, with the unjust treatment of the farmers in India who do so much for us, I knew it was the right time to share this message and raise awareness about what they are peacefully protesting for, which should be their basic human right.
In Between (Reprise) by Junaco: A special and soothing song to listen to. Every time I play this, it makes me feel at ease and reminds me that I am on the right path. Even and especially if it feels uncomfortable, I need to trust where I am and where I am going.
4 Steps by Wyann Vaughn: This song makes me want to dance and always lifts my mood. It has been on my playlist for months. Wyann Vaughn is an incredibly gifted artist. I highly recommend checking out her work.
Therapy by Summer Payton: Another song that makes me feel good. Summer’s vocals are therapeutic in itself, but the production and the whole vibe is my jam.
Take Me by Keeka: This song is so special. It uplifts me every time I hear it. I had the privilege of also helping write the verses with the incredibly talented Keeka. It’s about holding on to the people you love in your lowest and highest times, and how you'll always be there for them.
Beautiful Day (Radhi’s Theme Song) by Maya Batra: This was written for Radhi Devlukia Shetty’s amazing YouTube Channel. Radhi gave me a few of her favourite phrases, which I incorporated into a theme song for her channel that captured her essence. Little did I know that her fans would connect to it so much that it has been played over three million times between YouTube and Instagram. So due to popular demand I created a full song and released it to streaming platforms. I’m so grateful people are enjoying the music and have so much more to share.
Your Hand is Safe in Mine by Blush: This song is like a warm hug. Blush is one of the most incredible writers and vocalists I’ve been blessed to hear. Her new EP is gorgeous and this is a favourite.
Jalebi Baby by Tesher: This has been on my playlist. It automatically gets me on my feet and brightens up my mood. I love the fusion of English to Punjabi and I’m such a foodie; so naturally, I love it. He’s a super talented artist and producer, whom I hope to collaborate with one day.
Get Me High by Cameo Adele (Ft Joules): One of my personal favourites. The whole concept is just so clever. The production and vocals are all so well done, and then you see the music video and your mind is just blown. Two powerhouse artists on one track. You can’t go wrong with this.
I Choose You by Maya Batra: A song that was written as a stream of consciousness morning meditation. It is a tribute to my love and experience in a long-distance relationship. No matter the distance, when it's the right soul that inspires you to be the best version of yourself, you choose them over and over again. This applies to love, friendship, and even self-love.
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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.