RECENTLY commenced theatre play 10 Nights is the latest offering from acclaimed writer Shahid Iqbal Khan and it is perhaps his most unique work yet.
The comedy-drama being staged at Bush Theatre in London until November 6 revolves around a man who decides to take part in itikaf, which is sleeping and fasting in the mosque for the last 10 nights of Ramadan, but soon regrets that decision and is forced to confront a side of himself he’s been trying to keep hidden.
Eastern Eye caught up with the writer to discuss his funny and emotional story of one man’s journey of self-discovery.
What inspired your new play 10 Nights?
I was on the Graeae writing programme Write To Play. One of the assignments was to write a five-minute monologue. I based the monologue on some of my experiences of observing itikaf. Then out of that monologue grew a bigger play with a fictional story.
How does this compare to your other written work?
From the production point of view, it’s very different from my previous plays. Graeae and Tamasha care deeply about making art accessible to as many people as possible. Every single performance will have English and Urdu captions, as well as BSL and audio description. Graeae integrates BSL and captions into the performances so that it feels organic and not as if it’s something that has been conveniently tagged on.
What is the key message you want to convey with this story?
I don’t have a specific message to impart. I leave it up to the audiences to take away what feels relevant to them. But there are themes and messages in the play about self-acceptance, forgiveness, and patience.
10 Nights
Are you not afraid that centring a play around a mosque would cause controversy?
I have a fantastic team that comprises of a Muslim cast and creatives. If I was the only Muslim creative involved, then I definitely would be worried. I would be very busy making sure that everything was authentic and respectful. But luckily, I have a great team who are aware of all the mosque etiquette and pronunciation etiquette and that really helps a lot.
Who are you hoping will connect with the story?
Everyone! That’s probably too ambitious but I hope it resonates at a human level so that anyone – regardless of their religious background – finds something to connect with.
Do you have a favourite moment?
That’s like asking which child is your favourite. All of the moments are my favourite. I do have a soft spot for the beginning because it asks a question and then the rest of the play is about seeking an answer to that question on a subconscious level.
So, what according to you makes for good theatre?
That’s hard to pin down. I think good theatre is when the audience is engaged, and you can feel the buzz in the air. And people often forget that there is a lot of variability in live performances. One show might be lacking in energy and the cast aren’t having a good day. But the following day, it can feel like a completely different play if the cast has picked up their energy levels and given it their all.
How do you feel as a creative that lockdown has lifted, and performances are on again?
I’m very excited. I was quite emotional when I went to my first post-lockdown play. It was See You At The Octagon at Octagon Theatre.
What can we expect next from you?
More plays! I’ve been selected to undertake a commission and writing attachment to Graeae and Royal Court in 2022. I am really looking forward to using this time to explore and develop my creative practice.
Why should we all watch 10 Nights?
It’s in the studio space at Bush Theatre. It’s a lovely warm intimate space with a long history of amazing theatre. Just to step into that space would be an enormous privilege in itself.
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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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.
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His debut novel, Nectar on the Seven Hills – The Pure Seed
By day, Prabhu Ram is a senior executive at a top investment bank in London. But when the suit comes off, another world unfurls – one filled with ancient sutras, secret societies, forgotten kingdoms and cosmic adventure.
His debut novel, Nectar on the Seven Hills – The Pure Seed, is a bold, genre-blending odyssey that bridges the sacred and cinematic, the mystical and the modern.
Set deep within the mythical forests of the Eastern Ghats, it is the first in an ambitious fantasy trilogy. The story follows three young protagonists – siblings Magadh and Yukti, and their friend Rudra – who return from America to India, only to stumble into an extraordinary mission. What begins as a routine visit transforms into a high-stakes race against dark forces and ancient enemies. At the heart of their quest lies the Pure Seed, a potent symbol of wisdom and power that could alter the course of humanity.
“The seed of this story was planted during a hike in Tirumala,” says Ram, reflecting on the moment inspiration struck. “The richness of India’s ancient history and wisdom found in Vedic literature, particularly the Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita, have always guided me. I often try to apply the core principles from these timeless scriptures to the corporate world, as an investment banking professional. That desire to bring these ancient ideas to a younger audience in a modern and engaging way became the foundation of this creative journey.
“A Harry Potter-style adventure had long been in my mind. Once I began plotting the characters, the story started to evolve into its best version.”
A bilingual writer and award-winning Tamil poet, Ram’s love for language, particularly his mother tongue, has been a lifelong passion.
“My creative writing journey started in Tamil – one of the world’s oldest languages, with a rich literary heritage. I had the opportunity to study the language in depth, which deepened my admiration for its vast and expressive poetic tradition,” he explains. “Discovering the works of many authentic Tamil poets was a turning point in my journey as a writer. I used to write poetry during long bus rides to school when I was young.”
Ram creates a global narrative tapestryOm Books International
Drawing on ancient Indian epics, Nectar on the Seven Hills – The Pure Seed is a homage to Indian texts, but also a cross-cultural historical reimagining.
Ram creates a global narrative tapestry that includes a hardened Chinese military officer on a covert mission and an ancient enemy waiting to seize the same force. Their paths intersect with the protagonists in a high-stakes race against time that explores lost knowledge, secret societies, and long-forgotten sutras.
At its core, the novel is a fantasy adventure with heart and heritage. Its cinematic storytelling and rich characterisation have struck a chord with younger Indian readers. The book quickly climbed the Amazon India charts to become a bestseller.
“Many readers have described the world-building as outstanding,” Ram shares. “A distinctive feature of the trilogy is the organic integration of scriptures and Sanskrit verses from the Bhagavad Gita and the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. This approach has resonated particularly well with younger readers, drawing them closer to our rich spiritual heritage. Reviews from critics have also highlighted this element as a major strength of the work.”
Ram credits his upbringing steeped in literature and the arts, as well as the creative edge demanded by his professional life, as major influences on his writing.
“I try to bring creativity into everything I do, even in my day-to-day work. The corporate world has taught me something important: when you're competing with some of the brightest minds out there, being unique and creative is often the only path to truly stand out. Otherwise, you're just another number in the system.”
His fascination with the cosmos – galaxies, stars and the mysteries of the universe – also plays a role in shaping his imagination.
“These unanswered questions inspire me immensely. They spark ideas, fuel my imagination, and often find their way into my writing in unexpected ways.”
Ram has poured so much passion into crafting the book that he loves every part of it. “But if I had to choose, my top pick would be an epic moment in the story where the modern world suddenly and seamlessly transitions into an enchanting ancient setting. The shift is unexpected and leaves the protagonists completely speechless.”
This turning point in the narrative enables the characters to realise that they are not ordinary individuals, but rather destined for something far greater. It features characters from the lost kingdom of Kishkindha, from the time of the Indian epic Ramayan, who come to life. “Additionally, a pivotal character from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam – a divine bull – appears to deliver a powerful secret that lies at the heart of the story. It’s a moment designed to leave readers truly awestruck.”
Moments like this elevate the book beyond adventure, tapping into themes of destiny and cosmic purpose.
Ram’s literary influences are broad and global. He cites The Lord of the Rings as a foundational inspiration. “Tolkien’s world-building is peerless,” he says. Among Indian writers, Amish Tripathi’s Shiva Trilogy made a lasting impact. “I deeply admire the way he reimagines mythology with a fresh, contemporary voice.”
Dan Brown’s fast-paced, code-cracking thrillers also played a part in shaping Ram’s approach to suspense and pacing.
As the trilogy unfolds, Ram promises the stakes will grow higher and offer more adventure in the next two books. His aim from is to captivate young readers and draw them into the fascinating world of ancient history, from India’s rich cultural heritage to other great civilisations. “At the heart of this trilogy is a deeper mission: to subtly introduce key messages and teachings from ancient scriptures, making them engaging and accessible. In the second instalment, readers will meet even more characters drawn from ancient texts who come alive to guide and sometimes challenge the protagonists. The story continues to expand in scope, magic, and meaning.”
He explains that the trilogy draws inspiration from the legendary Samudra Manthan – the churning of the ocean – a pivotal moment in ancient Indian history when there was an epic struggle between the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons). “This symbolic event, representing the eternal battle between good and evil, becomes even more central as the series progresses. In the second and third books, this theme intensifies, with antagonists gaining strength.”
The mythological elements, combined with significant historical events, are woven together to create memorable moments for readers. “My goal is not just to make the sequel better, but to elevate it in a massive way. Expect more magic, more fantasy, and a deeper, darker setting where multiple characters chase their own agendas on the path to an ultimate revelation.”
What makes a great novel, he believes, is the ability to completely absorb a reader.
“A great book is unputdownable. It should grip the reader so fully that they do not want to do anything else until they’ve turned the last page. When a novel feels as addictive as binge-watching a Netflix series, the writer has truly succeeded.”
He says for that to happen, everything must align. “The story must connect. The plot must feel fresh and original. The language should be simple yet powerful. The style needs to inspire. The characters must come alive, so much so that the reader feels what they feel, roots for them, fears for them, and even wants to take revenge on the antagonists themselves.”
For aspiring writers, Ram has one central message: don’t stop until you’re holding the paperback in your hands. “That moment is worth every struggle,” he says.
And why should readers pick up his novel now available in UK? Ram smiles: “You don’t just want to read a book, you want to live in it. That’s how I feel every time I pick up a great story. It should pull you in, leave you breathless, and never let go. If you're ready to experience history like never before, in a universe that is both ancient and astonishingly new, then Nectar on the Seven Hills – The Pure Seed is your next adventure. Truly magical. Admirably global. Ambitiously rooted in ancient wisdom. The characters will leave you awestruck. The plot will give you goosebumps.”
Nectar on the Seven Hills – The Pure Seed is available now, published by Om Books International