The UK has an increasing number of newly discovered treasures who are shining brightly and rewarding those lucky enough to find them in the music world.
One of these priceless artists is British singer, songwriter and sarangi player Amrit Kaur, who has entertained audiences with her multi-dimensional talent. With her natural gift for music, she makes an otherworldly connection with her listeners. The accomplished London-based artist has cleverly combined Punjabi folk, r’n’b and soul in songs, which she has performed at major festivals.
Also an educator and social entrepreneur, she has a wealth of interesting music on the way and someone you will be hearing a lot more from.
Eastern Eye caught up with Amrit to speak about music, live performance, future hopes and inspirations.
What first got you connected to music?
I will never know how to answer that. All I know is, I wanted a voice and a way to express myself. I used to pray for it, I still do. And here I am.
What led you towards the sarangi and what do you most love about the instrument?
I grew up in the 1990s and wanted to be a pop star. One day I announced it to my parents and they said, ‘if you want to sing, you can go to the gurdwara and learn kirtan’, which is the Sikh equivalent of ‘you can go to church and sing gospel’. I loved singing so it didn’t bother me. I was still writing songs and singing in English too. At the kirtan class I also learned to play the dilruba and sarangi (stringed instrument). I gravitated towards the sound, as most people do. I began playing at 13 and by 14, I was touring internationally with it.
Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?
Movie soundtracks are my earliest music memory. I was that crazy person who would forward all VHS tapes to the credits to listen to the music being used in the film uninterrupted. My first CD was the Lord Of The Rings trilogy score. My dad was, well, confused when I begged him to buy it for me in Woolworths. He said, ‘we already have all three films. What do you want this for?’ My dad caught the woman behind the till watching me beg him to buy it.
What happened next?
(Laughs). He said, ‘alright, but this is your Christmas and birthday present.’ I listened to the songs on repeat, just as I did the movies. I know the music to those films by heart. I can listen to it and can imagine all the scenes. I don’t even need to watch the films anymore. In terms of other influences, there was of course kirtan, Punjabi folk and my dad’s weird 1970s music (which I recently found out was Genesis and some other bands) around the house too.
Tell us what led you towards your unique musical sound?
My music is totally organic. I’m not trying to be innovative or come up with a new genre. My music is a mix of the sounds that make me who I am.
You are able to generate a lot of emotion in your voice, where does that come from?
Singers like Abida Parveen, Reshma, Etta James and Nina Simone all sang from their souls. I was moved by their voices. I connected with them. They seemed to express themselves the way I wanted to express myself. I was rubbish at talking. Singing was freedom.
How much does performing live mean to you and what has been your most memorable one?
The stage is where I come alive. I am my highest and truest self. There is nothing to hide behind. Performing at a UN General Assembly event in New York as a Global Youth Ambassador was amazing. I sang Sam Cooke’s Change Is Gonna Come and a wave of sound hit me as the whole theatre started singing with me. I love audiences who sing along. It’s all about the music.
How much does being such a great live performer inform your composing side?
I definitely write songs and music that would be perfect for a live audience. I envision it all while I’m writing and composing. I know exactly how I want the audience to feel.
You have received praise from a lot of high-profile people; which has meant the most to you?
Singing for Rick Rubin at his home in Malibu was a surreal moment. But the audience members who come to me after shows, the tears, speechlessness and warm embraces say much more than words. That is why I do music.
What is the master plan going forward?
No master plan. I’m learning to be content with what I have and make a living being an artist. It is easy to get caught up in the grind and forget that we are artists, not administrative machines. I just want to create meaningful art and touch the lives of as many people as I can with my music.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Right now, I would love to work on a film score with AR Rahman or Nitin Sawhney. I’m already working on some exciting collaborations with female artists, who I admire. There are too many to name who I have on my wishlist.
What are your big passions away from music?
I am a historian. I studied BA and MA history at SOAS, University of London, specialising in south Asian history. I am currently writing a historical novel based on women’s experiences in Punjab.
What can we expect next from you?
I am playing lots of live shows and releasing the rest of the music from (my project) #EternallyDisplaced.
You also do a lot of youth work…
As a beneficiary of a youth organisation myself, I became a youth worker. I work with young people around the world from all walks of life; coaching them on how to be socially conscious global social leaders, building their confidence and making sure the next generation learns the lessons from history that we haven’t. When I tour, I usually do outreach workshops with local community groups and youth organisations too. I’ve worked in the USA, Canada, India, China and all over Europe. My favourites were in Princeton University and rural schools in Punjab. I learned so much from them. This experience allows me to be an informed global youth ambassador for A World At School - a campaign to get children around the world into school regardless of nationality, gender or social status.
Tell us about your theatre work?
I trained as a theatre director at The Young Vic Theatre. I was the music director of a play called Tales of 1947 while at the university. Since then, I have worked on many theatre productions as a producer and musician. I watch a lot of Off-West End theatre because there is so much talent to be appreciated and so much art we all should be supporting. I really recommend checking out the Young Vic Theatre, Arcola Theatre, Kiln Theatre and Tara Arts in London.
What music dominates your own playlist?
My listening habits vary according to the projects I am working on. I listen to loads of movie scores and all the power-house female vocalists, old and new. I also love powerhouse male vocalists like Jacob Banks, who is epic when performing live.
As a great sarangi player, what do you think is the future of classical music, is it to mix up with other commercial genres?
I think the keyword is accessibility. There is still a stigma around classical music of all types - that it is costly, elitist, boring and your future is to be a soloist or join an orchestra of sorts. We are surrounded by classical music all the time; the movie scores we hear, soundtracks on Netflix series we binge, or the Indian classical that you hear on ‘ambient’ yoga playlists on Spotify.
There are great teachers out there who make classical music fun. Indian classical music has deep spiritual roots. If this is to continue, we must make it accessible. Instead of the sacred arts fading and being replaced, we can use these sounds to enhance, enrich and diversify the music we make.
If you could master another instrument, which one would it be?
I would really love to master the kora. What an extraordinary instrument.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
‘The one who conquers the mind, conquers the world’, said Guru Nanak. It’s all about managing your ego, thoughts and the lens with which you see the world. Winning is a mindset. We have already won.
What inspires you as an artist?
Universal human experiences. I have played my music around the world. Many times I have sung to audiences who did not speak the same language as me or understand the language I was singing in. But the tears would come. The hugs would be tighter and blessings would be uttered. This connection we all have, the suffering we are all able to feel, the happiness we can all share - inspire me.
Why do you love music?
My sixth grade teacher, who was also a jazz musician, signed my t-shirt on the last day of primary school: ‘Music is the language of the soul. Never give up.’ Music is more than just pleasure or an audio healing ritual for me. It is my walking stick on an extraordinary journey of understanding something much bigger than myself. It supports me, keeps me grounded and it moves me forward.
Rumours are swirling that Shah Rukh Khan may soon headline India’s most expensive film yet, with a whopping £28.5 million (₹300 crore) offer reportedly on the table. The production house behind the buzz? Mythri Movie Makers, the banner that backed Pushpa and Rangasthalam. If true, this would be SRK’s biggest payday ever.
Mythri Movie Makers eye massive collaboration with SRK for their next big ventureGetty Images
A historic pay packet or just industry chatter?
Multiple outlets suggest that Mythri is in talks with SRK for a £28.5 million (₹300 crore) deal, a figure unprecedented in Indian cinema. The film is also said to be directed by Sukumar, whose skill in bringing together commercial appeal with deep storytelling made Pushpa a national sensation.
Early reports estimate the film’s overall budget could touch £95 million (₹1,000 crore), factoring in Khan’s fee, large-scale production elements, and a full-blown pan-India marketing campaign. If accurate, this would make it the most expensive Indian film ever made, surpassing RRR, Ramayana, and Adipurush in terms of scale and ambition.
But there’s a twist: according to sources, no meeting has yet taken place between Shah Rukh and Mythri. Sources close to the actor claim he is entirely focused on King, his upcoming action film with daughter Suhana Khan and director Siddharth Anand. As per this report, SRK will only start exploring new projects towards the end of 2025.
Shah Rukh Khan may become India’s highest-paid actor with this upcoming filmGetty Images
Sukumar’s direction, Mythri’s ambition, but what’s next for SRK?
If the project with Mythri Movie Makers does move forward, it could redefine how pan-India films are conceived, taking advantage of Bollywood’s reach with South India’s storytelling prowess. Sukumar’s directorial vision paired with SRK’s stardom might be the crossover moment Indian cinema has long awaited.
However, it’s important to note that nothing has been officially announced. The speculation may be premature, especially since SRK is currently tied up with King, expected to start production in early 2026. Until he wraps that, other projects remain on hold.
Pan-India film with ₹1000 crore budget reportedly being planned with Shah Rukh KhanGetty Images
For now, fans are watching closely. Whether or not this massive collaboration materialises, the very idea that Indian cinema is inching toward £95 million (₹1,000 crore) productions, with actors commanding £28.5 million (₹300 crore) fees, is itself proof that the stakes have never been higher.
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Angelina Censori joins Kanye West and Bianca on luxury trips as family bond grows stronger
Angelina Censori, the younger sister of Bianca Censori, is now firmly in the spotlight after being spotted alongside Kanye West and Bianca on back-to-back trips across Europe and Asia. From Spain to Japan, the 20-year-old has been photographed vacationing, dining and shopping with the controversial rapper and her famous sister.
From sun-soaked Spain to neon lit Tokyo
Last month, Angelina shared photos from a Spanish getaway where she joined Kanye and Bianca at a luxurious waterfront location in Mallorca. Fans quickly took notice, especially after snaps with West’s business associate Sneako sparked dating rumours. She shut the speculation down fast, posting online: “We are not dating.” During the same trip, Bianca caused a stir by strolling through a local market in a sheer outfit that revealed everything. Witnesses described shocked reactions from locals, but no legal action was taken. Spain’s topless laws protect such public displays, at least in certain areas.
The trio’s next stop was Japan, where Angelina posted pictures from an upscale dinner at Tokyo’s WAGYUMAFIA restaurant and a high-end vintage shopping spree. One snap showed graffiti reading “Ye is god”, and another highlighted a store label featuring North West’s name. Meanwhile, Kanye remained true to his incognito style, wearing an oversized black hoodie pulled low over his face.
Kanye West and Bianca Censori file lawsuit against celebrity dentist Dr. Thomas Connelly, alleging reckless drug administration and exploitation Youtube Screengrab
Spotlight grows on Angelina as Bianca’s fashion continues
Angelina’s public appearances haven’t been limited to casual outings. She also accompanied Bianca and another sister, Alyssia, to Kanye’s Vultures 2 listening party in Salt Lake City. Seated in the front row, the Censori sisters were photographed wearing sleek, skin-baring outfits, with Angelina opting for a nude-toned two-piece set. Their mother, Alexandra, was also spotted at the event, adding to the whole family affair vibe.
Back in Spain, Bianca once again turned heads in a jaw-dropping leather thong bodysuit during a photoshoot where Kanye appeared relaxed and affectionate, placing a hand on her behind. Angelina was also part of the shoot, wearing similarly revealing clothes that further fuelled comparisons between the sisters.
Bianca Censori turns heads in a sheer fishnet top and tights during latest outing Instagram/biancacensori
Adding to the buzz, Kanye has reportedly changed his name again. After legally becoming “Ye” in 2021, recent filings list him as “Ye Ye” in connection to his ventures like Yeezy Apparel and Getting Out Our Dreams Inc. As his personal life and career continue making headlines, it seems Angelina is quickly becoming a familiar face in Ye’s world.
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Elizabeth Hurley poses nude in a field to mark her 60th birthday
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Alongside the image, Hurley highlighted three major personal landmarks: 30 years working with Estée Lauder, 20 years of her swimwear label Elizabeth Hurley Beach, and her new romance. “Feeling very blessed and grateful for having the best friends and family in the world,” she wrote.
Hurley and Cyrus find love after reconnecting post-divorce
Hurley and Cyrus met on the set of the 2022 holiday film Christmas in Paradise. Although there was some sparks at the time, they lost touch and reconnected in 2024, after Cyrus ended his short-lived marriage to singer Firerose. It was Hurley who reportedly reached out during his divorce, a message that led to a deeper connection.
By April 2025, the pair made their relationship public on Instagram. The singer later posted a birthday message calling Hurley “the love of my life.”
Hurley confirms her relationship with country singer Billy Ray CyrusCosmopolitan
The couple also made a red carpet appearance together in Rome on 24 May, further confirming the romance. While Cyrus has faced strained relationships with some of his children, particularly daughter Miley, reports suggest he’s trying to rebuild those ties. Miley, who cut off contact with her father in 2023, has softened her stance, recently saying that while it was difficult at first, “everyone deserves to be happy.”
Family support and healing amid past drama
Hurley’s son, 23-year-old Damian, commented warmly on her birthday post, calling her his “best friend forever.” Friends and celebrities, including Heidi Klum and Sarah Michelle Gellar, also sent their love. Meanwhile, insiders say Cyrus is now prioritising family time and hopes his relationship with Hurley marks a new chapter, both personally and publicly.
Damian Hurley calls his mother his best friend in a birthday tributeGetty Images
As Hurley embraces 60 with confidence, she seems set on making this decade her boldest one yet.
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Enrique Iglesias returns to India with a massive concert planned in Mumbai
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Organised by EVA Live and BEW Live, the Mumbai gig promises a packed venue with over 30,000 fans expected. According to organisers, Iglesias will perform a setlist spanning his three-decade-long career, mixing early 2000s classics with recent hits. EVA Live’s founder Deepak Chaudhary called the show a “historic moment,” highlighting India’s growing appetite for iconic international acts. “The enthusiasm among fans is real. This show is about celebrating that global connection through music,” he said in a statement.
Indian fans gear up for Enrique Iglesias’ comeback performance after 13 yearsGetty Images
The production team has hinted at a full-scale arena experience, with elaborate visuals, lights, and staging tailored for a large-scale outdoor show. The concert will also offer special curated experiences for Mastercard users, including backstage access and artist interactions.
Tickets, presale access and how to register
Registrations are now open on the District App, with tickets to be released in phases. The first phase of Mastercard-exclusive presale starts on Friday, 20 June at 12 pm IST via Priceless.com, and ends on Sunday, 22 June at 12 pm IST.
A second Mastercard-only window will open on 22 June (12 pm IST) and close by 27 June (12 pm IST), this time on the District App. General sales will go live on 27 June at 5 pm IST.
Enrique Iglesias confirms Mumbai concert with career-spanning setlistGetty Images
Fans have been thrilled about the announcement online. “A dream come true,” one user posted. “No Delhi show but I’m booking tickets to Mumbai anyway,” wrote another. Following a string of recent high-profile international shows in India, from Coldplay and Ed Sheeran to Maroon 5, Enrique’s return is another big win for Indian concertgoers.
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Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom spark split rumours as insiders cite album stress and wedding delays
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, engaged since 2019 and parents to four-year-old Daisy Dove, are facing intense scrutiny as reports swirl about significant strain in their relationship. Insiders suggest the couple may be heading for a split once Perry’s massive Lifetimes tour concludes in December.
Album stress spills over to home life?
Sources point directly to the tough reception of Perry’s September album, *143*, as a major pressure point. Designed as a “bold, exuberant” celebration of love, the project landed with a thud for many critics. “Katy was deeply frustrated following the reception of her new album,” a source told PEOPLE. “It made her very stressed. Orlando was understanding, but it did cause some tension.”
Disappointing early tour reviews added further strain. Despite the critical noise, Perry’s tour was a success, selling out shows globally, including multiple nights in Mexico and Australia, before hitting the US in July. Perry has historically brushed off critics, famously advised by her therapist that “what anybody thinks about you is none of your business.”
This isn’t the couple’s first major hurdle; they famously split for nearly a year in 2017. Perry recently reflected on that initial breakup, revealing Bloom was more committed early on while she felt she needed to “swim in a different pond.” Their engagement five years ago sparked dreams of a destination wedding, but the pandemic derailed plans. Sources now claim the lack of progress on marriage is a sore point, with Bloom reportedly “over” the delay.
Five years after engagement Perry and Bloom remain unmarriedGetty Images
While they’ve credited couples’ therapy in the past for helping them stay “in tune” amidst busy lives and parenting, recent months reportedly saw them spending significant time apart, with Bloom spotted in Miami last month. Both have acknowledged the inherent challenges of merging their vastly different worlds: Perry’s pop “universe” and Bloom’s acting career.
Representatives for the couple have not commented on the split rumours. For now, Perry focuses on her tour, while the future of one of Hollywood’s most watched relationships hangs in the balance.