Eastern Eye highlights 25 standout moments and trends to look forward to:
1. Music superstars: The UK’s love for live music will be met with more major concerts headlined by music stars. January kicks off with the Rewind Queens concerts featuring Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Anuradha Paudwal, and Alisha Chinai. Kumar Sanu will perform in London (February 15) and Leicester (February 16). April will see UK tours from Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Satinder Sartaaj and Armaan Malik. Expect many more big names, including south Indian music stars, to announce shows soon.
2. Regional cinema stunners: Regional Indian films in languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Malayalam, Kannada, and Gujarati continue to challenge Bollywood’s dominance. This thriving trend is set to grow in 2025, offering a rich variety of movies in cinemas, on streaming platforms, and at international festivals. A standout event will be the screening of RRR at the Royal Albert Hall in London on May 11, accompanied by a live orchestra performing its stunning score. Collectively, these productions will provide film enthusiasts with greater choice and a more comprehensive representation of Indian cinema.
RRR
3. Cinema celebrations: This year marks milestone anniversaries for several iconic films, including 70 years of the 1955 classic Shree 420. Two standout celebrations promise unforgettable events: the recordbreaking 1995 romance Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge will celebrate 30 years with the UK premiere of its stage adaptation Come Fall In Love this summer. Meanwhile, the cult classic Sholay turns 50, with live events and screenings of the 1975 masterpiece.
4. Book smart: Literary enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting lineup of books from talented British authors in 2025. Notable releases include The Midnight King by Tariq Ashkanani (April 10), The Girl in Cell A by Vaseem Khan (May 1), and The Chemist by AA Dhand (May 22). Additionally, paperback editions of acclaimed novels such as Finding Sophie by Imran Mahmood will be available, offering readers more choices.
5. Free events: A variety of free events will enrich 2025, including vibrant summer melas in parks across the UK. South Asian Heritage Month will feature a diverse lineup of activities, from film screenings to live performances. The Nehru Centre in London will host culturally rich music and dance events. There will also be free exhibitions and workshops around the UK. The free Mid-day Mantra shows in Birmingham will return.
The cover of the book The Girl in Cell A by Vaseem Khan
6. Stand-up comedy stars: The UK comedy scene in 2025 will be buzzing with solo tours by stars like Sukh Ojla, Paul Chowdhry, Guz Khan, Eshaan Akbar, and Russell Peters. Hilarious ensemble shows, including Ladies of Laughter, The Muslims Are Coming, The Indians Are Coming, and Desi Central, led by Midlandsbased Luv Entertainment, will also delight audiences. Monthly South Asian comedy nights such as Brown Sauce will showcase a mix of rising talents and seasoned headliners. Additionally, the popular Arabs versus Asians show is set to make a return.
7. Soho stunners: Soho Theatre in central London has been instrumental in bringing Indian stand up comedy talent to the UK like no other organisation in recent years. In 2025, the venue will continue to host standout solo shows, while also showcasing many top comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. Additionally, British Asian talents will feature prominently at the theatre, which now boasts a dedicated south Asian Heritage section online, highli hting a diverse array of performances.
8. Big Aziz comeback: Following the success of Dev Patel’s Monkey Man in 2024, which highlighted his multifaceted talents as a writer, director, producer, and actor, comedian Aziz Ansari is set to make a similar impact in 2025. Ansari returns with the Hollywood film Good Fortune, a project he has written, directed, and produced. He also stars alongside Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, and Sandra Oh in this intriguing tale of an angel who loses his wings after swapping the body of a struggling man with that of his wealthy employer. This marks a triumphant return for Ansari, showcasing his creative brilliance.
Aziz Ansari
9. Film festival treasures: Film festivals remain a treasure trove for discovering hidden cinematic gems. The annual London Indian Film Festival and London Asian Film Festival will return with dynamic programmes featuring premieres, top talents, and short film competitions. The London Film Festival and Raindance will also showcase a strong south Asian presence. Additionally, keep an eye out for Bangladeshi and Pakistani film festivals.
10. Sufi sounds: Qawwali music continues its resurgence in 2025 with a blend of spirituality and electrifying performances at concerts, community events, and major festivals like Womad. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will embark on another UK tour this April, performing alongside his son, Shah Zaman Ali Khan. UK-based acts such as The Orchestral Qawwali Project and Chand Ali Khan & Group will deliver captivating shows, while Pakistan’s Chahat Mahmood Ali Qawwal is also set to return for another tour.
11. Top telly: Indian television serials will continue to captivate audiences in 2025, with favourites like Anupamaa, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, Bigg Boss, Kaun Banega Crorepati, and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi leading the charge. New shows are also gaining traction, with many available across multiple platforms. Unlike some streaming content, Indian TV serials will maintain their reputation for being family-friendly, offering wholesome entertainment for all.
Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain
12. Musical mastery: World-class maestros will grace the stage in 2025 with exceptional classical Indian concerts. The year begins with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s headline performance at the Royal Festival Hall in London on January 25. Classical homegrown talents such as Roopa Panesar and Jasdeep Singh Degun will also captivate audiences across the UK. Music enthusiasts can look forward to a range of events, from intimate free performances to grand productions in major venues. Highlights include the annual Darbar Music Festival, which unites exciting newcomers and global icons, as well as performances at culturally rich spaces like The Bhavan and the Nehru Centre in London.
13. Bollywood sequels: Hindi cinema in 2025 will be dominated by sequels, whether continuing existing stories or reviving popular franchises with standalone films. Anticipated releases include Raid 2, Dhadak 2, Jolly LLB 3, Housefull 5, and De De Pyaar De 2. However, the most eagerly awaited is War 2, an action-packed entertainer starring mega-stars Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr. Fans can also expect announcements of other sequels as the year unfolds.
14. Female secret agents: Bollywood’s male-dominated spyverse gets a powerful addition this Christmas with the female-led action film Alpha. Starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, this big-budget entertainer joins the successful franchise that includes Pathaan, War, and the Tiger series. Fans can look forward to thrilling action sequences, stunning locations, and high-profile cameos from stars who have appeared in the earlier films.
15. Delightful dance: From contemporary to Indian classical, 2025 will feature captivating performances throughout the year. UK talents like Akram Khan, Amina Khayyam, Aakash Odedra, Jaivant Patel, Sonia Sabri, and Vidya Patel will deliver standout shows. Highlights include two unmissable productions at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London: Mythili Prakash: She’s Auspicious (February 28-March 2) and Aakash Odedra: Songs of the Bulbul (July 17-19).
16. Pakistani drama: Pakistani serials, celebrated worldwide for their compelling storytelling, have achieved recordbreaking viewership in recent years. This success is set to continue in 2025 with dramas led by top stars. A major highlight is the release of Netflix’s first Pakistan-themed original, Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo. The series boasts a stellar cast, including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Ahad Raza Mir, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Maya Ali, Iqra Aziz, and Hania Aamir.
17. American girl power: The prominence of south Asian talent in Hollywood continues to rise, with North American female stars leading the way. Never Have I Ever star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan makes her film debut in Freakier Friday and Slanted. Avantika Vandanapu shines in the action thriller Ballerina Overdrive, while Megan Suri takes on a role in Companion. Mindy Kaling also remains a powerhouse.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
18. Perfect parties: The British Asian club scene will stay lively, offering regular parties packed with the biggest dance anthems. Kuch Kuch, the UK’s longest-running Bollywood night, will continue to thrill partygoers. London-based brand Bombay Funkadelic will lead the way with a diverse array of events, including Bollywood club nights, Holi celebrations, boat parties, Halloween specials, and cricket-themed gatherings, ensuring there’s something for everyone throughout the year.
19. UK TV: British TV in 2025 will shine with the talents of top British Asian hosts and actors. Romesh Ranganathan will continue his reign as a standout figure with a slate of hit shows, including Rob & Romesh Vs…, The Ranganation, The Weakest Link, and The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan. Fans can also look forward to the return of popular comedies Man Like Mobeen and Juice.
20. British theatre: British Asian theatre is set to captivate audiences, with acclaimed writers like Tanika Gupta presenting new work and established companies such as RIFCO delivering family-friendly plays. Top UK talents will take on key roles in productions, while emerging voices will find fresh opportunities to shine. Notable companies to watch include Tara Arts, Tamasha, Phizzical, The Thelmas, and Kala Sangam.
21. Spiritual sounds: Devotional concerts will continue, offering a rich array of performances specialising in Bhajan, Kirtan, and Sufi music. UK-based exponents like Bhavik Haria will lead the way, providing something meaningful for audiences. These concerts promise to unite generations and deliver enlightening experiences. For updates on upcoming shows, check sites like Eventbrite.
22. Content creators: The dominance of social media continues to spotlight a new generation of online stars in 2025. Whether it’s comedy, dance, or meaningful content, creators of all ages will deliver engaging material for audiences. Educational reels covering topics like cooking, fitness, sexual health, wellness, interior design, and environmental awareness will also gain traction. A recent Eastern Eye article highlights some standout creators, making them well worth exploring for essential and entertaining viewing.
Simone Ashley
Getty Images for Netflix
23. Cool Britannia: The new wave of British stars will continue to make waves in international projects. Bridgerton star Simone Ashley will shine in high-profile films F1 and This Tempting Madness. Dev Patel adds to his stellar resume with the psychological horror film Rabbit Trap, while Riz Ahmed stars in Hamlet and The Phoenician Scheme and takes on triple duties as star, writer, and producer for Amazon Prime’s Quarter Life. Charithra Chandran is set to impress with multiple TV projects, including One Piece, Pillow Talk, Song of the Sun God, and Arzu. One Day star Ambika Mod returns in the much-anticipated series Playdate, while Rish Shah gears up for laughs in the American comedy Overcompensating.
24. Inclusivity: The ongoing push for inclusivity is set to amplify south Asian representation across all facets of popular culture in 2025. From live events and literature to radio, TV, and film, diverse British Asian talent will continue to shine. Major platforms like Glastonbury and Womad will spotlight south Asian performers, while opening doors for aspiring talents.
25. Top UK newcomers: There has been a surge in British newcomers in recent years, with many making a mark in the western mainstream. Whether in music, comedy, dance, poetry, acting, or writing, look out for new talent to emerge in 2025. This will also include some surprising everyone with star-making turns.
Many will be featured in Eastern Eye, the UK’s top supporter of new British Asian talent. The number one UK South Asian newspaper will continue to include breaking news, exclusives, celebrity interviews, fabulous features, and more. We look forward to sharing another actionpacked year with you.
Based on true events, the prison drama revolves around Gupta who, with his two trusted fellow jailers, confront notorious inmates in Delhi’s Tihar jail and the deep-rooted politics in the 1980s.
The series will debut on Netflix on Friday (10).
“I’m a student and lover of contemporary history and I like to shine a light on it in an interesting, entertaining and engaging way. That’s my approach to everything. I love filmmaking and I’m up for a challenge every time to try something (new),” said Motwane.
Zahan Kapoor, the grandson of late cinema legend Shashi Kapoor, makes his series debut with the show.
Motwane said Black Warrant offered him an opportunity to explore a hidden world that is “tough, complicated, and full of contradictions”.
He previously helmed Sacred Games on Netflix and Jubilee on Prime Video.For the new show, Motwane visited Tihar jail and also talked to Gupta to understand the day-to-day operations in prison, including how inmates pay for water and gangs operate inside the premises.
“I told my crew constantly, ‘you are a fly on the wall’, or you are peeping into somebody’s room and feel like you are taking vicarious pleasure out of what is happening on screen. That’s been the operative mantra throughout,” he said in an interview.
“There is something voyeuristic about looking at a jail. There’s an intrigue about what happens inside – what are the people like? Are they all criminals? Are there any silver linings?”
Zahan Kapoor in a scene from Black Warrant
When Motwane read the book, he said the relationship between Gupta and serial killer Charles Sobhraj was so compelling that he decided to guide the audience into the prison through Gupta’s perspective.
“The lens was always about Sunil’s story. If he is the centre of the wheel, then what are the spokes that are going to go around – so him with his colleagues, family and relationship with prisoners. That’s always been the focus of it,” Motwane said.
“Sunil’s journey through Tihar Jail provided a unique perspective like no other to capture that complexity. The trailer (which dropped last week) is just a glimpse of how the series will peel back the layers of a world that is as brutal as it is complex as it is fun... I can’t wait for viewers to uncover the humanity and grit within this powerful narrative,” he added.
American filmmaker David Fincher’s series Mindhunter also served as a “minor inspiration”, Motwane said.
Gupta said he wanted to shed a light on life in prison through his book. “People should know what is happening inside the jail... For prison managers, it is important they know what the conditions were back in the 1980s, and to take curative steps to resolve things. Much was to be done,” he said.
“Certain incidents mentioned in it are very emotional. There were certain things that I wanted to tell the public – like drugs were very prevalent from 1981 to 1984; there were exhortation rackets; inhuman treatment of the prisoners. I was aware of some incidents, which we incorporated in this book,” he added.
Choudhury said it was magical to see her words come to life on screen. “When you write a book... you always imagine what this world is like and it is up to the readers, they think about it. So for me to watch it, it was like, ‘Oh my god, we wrote something, now it is flesh and blood’.”
Black Warrant also stars Rahul Bhat, Paramvir Singh Cheema, Anurag Thakur and Sidhant Gupta. It features special appearances from actors Rajshri Deshpande, Tota Roy Chaudhary and Rajendra Gupta.
A is for awards: Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai won so many awards that it entered the Guinness Book of World Records, bagging top honours across Bollywood ceremonies, including best film, best director, best actor, and best music.
B is for box office: This unexpected blockbuster became the year’s second-highest-grossing Bollywood film, drawing audiences worldwide.
C is for casting: Shah Rukh Khan was initially approached for the lead role but turned it down, leading to the director’s son, Hrithik Roshan, stepping in and making a historic debut. Kareena Kapoor was originally cast opposite him but left the project after a disagreement, paving the way for debutante Ameesha Patel to take on the role.
D is for different double: Hrithik Roshan redefined the portrayal of double roles in Bollywood by breaking traditional stereotypes. He explained, “For the cool dude Raj in the second half, I made him wear glasses and kept him clean-shaven. I gave Rohit, the simpleton, stubble. Traditionally, stubble was reserved for the hero and glasses for the nerd. I reversed that, and it worked like magic.”
E is for Ek Pal Ka Jeena: While the soundtrack (see M) featured multiple hit songs, Ek Pal Ka Jeena became a standout due to its remarkable picturisation. The song showcased Hrithik Roshan's extraordinary dance skills, including his globally celebrated signature move, and earned Farah Khan top honours at all major choreography awards.
F is for frenzy: Hrithik Roshan’s debut sparked an unprecedented level of overnight superstardom, creating a massive fan frenzy that was dubbed ‘Hrithik-mania.’
G is for glasses: Hrithik Roshan reused the glasses he wore as the suave Raj in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai for his portrayal of the mentally disabled Rohit in Koi Mil Gaya, another hit film produced and directed by his father, Rakesh Roshan.
H is for hidden: Hrithik Roshan’s extra thumb, a well-known physical feature, was carefully concealed and never shown in his debut film, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai.
I is for impact:Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai left a lasting impression on popular culture with its fashion, dance moves, music, and stunning locations. Most significantly, Hrithik Roshan redefined the Hindi film hero by combining a muscular physique with exceptional dancing skills. The film inspired countless aspiring actors, including future stars, to pursue a career in Bollywood.
J is for Jasveer: Before rising to fame as a popular TV actress, Jasveer Kaur worked as a background dancer, including in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. The film also marked the acting debut of TV personality Tannaz Irani.
K is for Khao Phing Kan: The title track of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was filmed at Khao Phing Kan in Thailand, famously known as James Bond Island. The picturesque location has since become a favourite spot for Bollywood fans, many of whom recreate the iconic song there.
L is for Lucky Ali: The soundtrack of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai stands as singer Lucky Ali’s biggest Bollywood success, featuring the chart-topping songs Ek Pal Ka Jeena and Na Tum Jano Na Hum. These tracks remain fan favourites, and he continues to perform them live to this day.
M is for music: Rajesh Roshan’s award-winning soundtrack for Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai featured iconic hits such as Ek Pal Ka Jeena, Na Tum Jano Na Hum, Chand Sitaare, and the unforgettable title track. As one of the decade’s best-selling albums, it swept all the major Bollywood music awards.
N is for no: Rakesh Roshan initially declined to launch Hrithik as a hero, encouraging him to succeed on his own. When he eventually decided to cast his son in the lead roles, prominent figures in the film industry tried to dissuade him. However, after completing the script, Rakesh became convinced that Hrithik was the perfect choice for the double role.
O is for Otago:Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai became the first Bollywood film to be shot in New Zealand, featuring stunning locations like Queenstown, Christchurch, and Otago. Its success paved the way for other Indian films to be filmed in the country and contributed to a significant boom in Indian tourism to New Zealand.
P is for publicity: Unlike most newcomers, Hrithik Roshan did no promotional activities before the release of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. He explained to Eastern Eye: “People said as a new guy you have to do magazine covers and press interviews. You have to put yourself out there, but I did absolutely nothing. The first time people saw me was on the big screen. They only knew me through the promos and trailers of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. Nobody had really done that until then.”
Q is for quick: Although Kareena Kapoor exited the film, there is a blink-and-you-miss-it shot of her in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai from a distance – a detail that came to light many years later.
R is for Rakesh Roshan: Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was written, directed, and produced by actor-turned-filmmaker Rakesh Roshan. He dedicated over two years to the project, including guiding his son Hrithik through a physical transformation for the roles. The film became the biggest success of his career and marked the beginning of a dream collaboration with Hrithik, leading to subsequent blockbusters like Koi Mil Gaya and the Krrish series.
S is for superstition: Rakesh Roshan has consistently begun the titles of his films with the letter "K," believing it to bring good luck. He continued this tradition with Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai and followed it in all subsequent films, including Koi Mil Gaya, Krrish, and Kites.
T is for twist: The plot of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai includes a twist where the heroine encounters a lookalike of her deceased lover in the second half. This mirrors a similar plot element in the 1986 Kannada film Ratha Sapthami, although it has never been confirmed if Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was inspired by it.
U is for underwater: The dramatic underwater scene where Rohit meets his tragic end required Hrithik Roshan to dive 30 feet below the surface and stay submerged for nearly 45 minutes. Trained divers were on hand to guide him through the sequence. Reflecting on the moment, producer-director Rakesh Roshan said, “I felt proud of Hrithik. Remaining underwater for so long required a great deal of guts, more than anything else, as anything could have gone wrong at any time.”
V is for victory: Hrithik Roshan made history as the first actor in Bollywood to win both the Filmfare award for best debut and best actor in the same year. He replicated this success at other major award ceremonies, including IIFA, Screen, and Zee Awards, solidifying his place as a breakout star.
W is for weight-training: Hrithik Roshan’s chiseled physique in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai set a new standard for the Hindi film hero. His intensive weight-training regimen not only gave him a well-defined body but also earned him the nickname “Greek God.”
X is for X-Factor: While Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai boasted a strong storyline, memorable music, and stunning locations, its undeniable X-Factor was Hrithik Roshan. His performance marked the most impactful male debut in Bollywood history, redefining the Hindi cinema leading man and setting a new benchmark for future actors.
Y is for yacht: The romantic song Pyaar Ki Kashti Mein was filmed aboard the luxurious Star Clipper yacht.
Z is for ZEE5: When Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai premiered on television, it garnered exceptionally high ratings. Today, the film remains accessible on the streaming platform ZEE5, with unofficial copies also available on YouTube.
