Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Vikash Bhai: New spin on the traditional British pantomime

The lead actor of The Foreigners' Panto, written by Shani Erez, talks about the play that has its world premiere at Bold Theatre in London

Vikash Bhai: New spin on the traditional British pantomime

POLITICAL comedy The Foreigners’ Panto has its world premiere at Bold Theatre in London next Tuesday (3) and runs throughout the month.

Written by Shani Erez, The Foreigners’ Panto is based on her personal experience of facing deportation and revolves around a group of immigrants trying to put on their own version of a traditional British pantomime.


The musical satire, with original songs, has a talented cast led by Vikash Bhai. It adds to diverse projects the versatile actor has done. Eastern Eye caught up with him to find out more.

How do you lookback on your acting journey?

With gratitude. It is because of the people I’ve met along the way, that I’m here enjoying what I get to do now.

Which character has been the closest to your heart?

I’d have to say Farhad, from Ben Sharrock’s film Limbo.

Tell us about your new play The Foreigners’ Panto?

The Foreigners’ Panto is a fun, silly and insightful political musical comedy. It’s a sharp satire on the lives of immigrants in the UK, told through their eyes. A group of immigrants are attempting to put on their version of a traditional British panto.

We have the usual suspects, like the dame, villain and even a cow, as well as some not so usual others.

Tell us about the character you portray?

I will be playing Lord Villain, the hero of the story. And look, they will all try to convince you that he is the evil mayor of London, but they’re wrong and probably lying. He’s just misunderstood. You make one mention of wanting to rule the world and everyone sees you as evil.

Who are you hoping will connect with the story of this play?

This might be a bit of a cliché – everyone who comes to see it. Whether you like pantos, don’t like them, have never seen one or don’t even know what one is, this play will have a little something for everyone.

What is the biggest challenge of playing this role?

Having too much fun. Is that possible? I suppose the villain in a panto is quite a bit of a challenge. It’s a kind of a fine line between the audience both liking and not liking you. They’ve got to love to hate you and I think with the help of (directors) Shani (Erez), Sarah (Goddard), and Marianne (Badrichani), we’ll find it.

What is your own favourite moment in the play?

Great question. Honestly, it is difficult to choose one, but Visa the cow played by Amanda Villanova has some great one liners. I’m also looking forward to singing these new songs.

You say about getting nervous before a performance, but how do you feel

being on stage?

Theatre is my first love and it’s been a while since I’ve been on stage. So, I’m both nervous and excited.

What according to you makes for good theatre?

So many things, and it’s so subjective. For me its character driven stories, some comedy and poignancy. Some years ago, I saw a play called These Trees Are Made Of Blood at the Arcola, and till date it’s one of the best things I’ve seen. It was a fun show. The characters took you on a journey – you laughed with them, sang songs with them and they brought you on side, which set up the ending perfectly.

What inspires you?

Watching other great performances, music, audiobooks, and sometimes even a conversation you might overhear at a bus-stop.

Why should we all come watch the play?

It’s a fun show and a ‘panto’ in October. We have a great cast – Suzy Kohane, playing Benedict Bumbercatch, Fabrizio Matteini as Dame Foreign, Gabriel Paul as John Constable, Aliya Roberts playing Zara Foreign and Amanda Vilanova as Visa (the cow). They will all make you laugh, and my singing will make you cry. See you in the panto bar or at the pub after the show.

The Foreigners’ Panto is on from next Tuesday (3) until October 28 at BOLD theatre, 21 St George’s Road, London SE1 6ES. www.boldtheatre.com

More For You

Cardi B shocks Paris Couture Week with live crow and bold Schiaparelli look

Cardi B poses with a live crow outside the Petit Palais in Paris

Instagram/lamodemagazine__

Cardi B shocks Paris Couture Week with live crow and bold Schiaparelli look

Quick highlights:

  • Cardi B appeared at Schiaparelli’s Autumn 2025 couture show in Paris holding a live crow on her arm.
  • Her dramatic black gown was designed by Daniel Roseberry, Schiaparelli’s creative director.
  • The surreal look paid tribute to Elsa Schiaparelli’s legacy of theatrical, boundary-pushing fashion.
  • The show marked a shift in Roseberry’s aesthetic, away from corsetry towards freer silhouettes.

Paris Couture Week opened on a dramatic note this year as Cardi B made a startling entrance at the Petit Palais wearing a black Schiaparelli gown, with a live crow perched on her arm. The rapper’s appearance outside the venue sent photographers scrambling as the bird flapped and squawked, setting the tone for a show rooted in tension, elegance, and surrealism.

The outfit, crafted by Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli’s Autumn 2025 collection, featured graphic fringe and a towering beaded neckline. But it was the crow, alive, glaring, and restless, that stole the spotlight, embodying the fashion house’s long-standing obsession with the unexpected.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor joins growing criticism of Prada’s uncredited use of Indian design

Getty Images

Kareena Kapoor mocks Prada with her ‘OG Kolhapuri’ post as fashion giant faces backlash over copied design

Quick highlights:

  • Kareena Kapoor posted a cheeky Instagram Story flaunting Kolhapuri chappals, saying, “Sorry not Prada... but my OG Kolhapuri.”
  • Her post follows outrage over Prada’s ‘toe-ring sandals’ resembling the Indian Kolhapuri design.
  • A PIL has been filed in the Bombay High Court against Prada for unauthorised use of the Kolhapuri style without credit.
  • Prada acknowledged the inspiration and agreed to meet Indian artisans for dialogue.

Kareena Kapoor took a subtle yet sharp swipe at luxury fashion label Prada amid growing controversy around its recently launched ‘toe-ring sandals’, a design that closely mirrors India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals. Without naming the brand, Kareena shared a photo of her feet in silver Kolhapuri slippers during her London vacation and captioned it: “Sorry not Prada... but my OG Kolhapuri ❤️.”

The actor’s post struck a chord with many online, surfacing just days after Prada came under fire for allegedly copying the Kolhapuri design without acknowledgment.

Keep ReadingShow less
Monica Barbaro and Andrew Garfield  at Wimbledon

Garfield and Barbaro twin in Ralph Lauren for their most public appearance yet

Instagram/voguemagazine

Monica Barbaro and Andrew Garfield quietly confirm relationship with Wimbledon appearance

Quick highlights:

  • Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro stepped out in matching Ralph Lauren looks at Wimbledon 2025.
  • The couple shared affectionate moments courtside, including hand-holding and a cheek kiss.
  • They were first linked romantically in February after being spotted at a London play.
  • The pair may reunite on screen in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film Artificial.

Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro made their most public appearance yet as a couple on Sunday, arriving hand-in-hand at Wimbledon 2025 in coordinated white ensembles and sharing subtle yet sweet moments of affection. The actors, who were first rumoured to be dating in February, looked completely in sync as they entered the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on 6 July. Dressed in matching Ralph Lauren outfits, the two smiled for cameras and appeared relaxed throughout the day.

  Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro arrive hand in hand at Wimbledon in all whiteInstagram/voguemagazine

Keep ReadingShow less
Kantara Chapter

Rishab Shetty battles through flames in new Kantara Chapter 1 poster

‘Kantara Chapter 1’ poster released on Rishab Shetty’s birthday, confirms October 2025 theatrical date

Quick highlights:

  • Kantara: Chapter 1, the much-awaited prequel to the 2022 blockbuster, releases in cinemas on 2 October 2025.
  • Poster unveiled on Rishab Shetty’s 42nd birthday shows him in an intense warrior avatar.
  • The film explores the divine origins of Panjurli and Guliga, expanding the Kantara mythology.
  • Massive action sequences filmed with 3,000 participants over 50 days make it one of India’s biggest productions.

Rishab Shetty gave fans a fierce first glimpse into Kantara: Chapter 1 on his 42nd birthday, unveiling a new poster that shows him in full warrior mode. The upcoming prequel to the 2022 Kannada hit Kantara is now officially set to release on 2 October 2025. Directed and headlined once again by Shetty, the film is expected to dive deep into the spiritual and mythological roots of the original story.

   Kantara Chapter 1 poster  Instagram/rishabshettyofficial  

Keep ReadingShow less
Zayn Malik

Zayn Malik shares a moody preview of his upcoming song Fuchsia Sea

Getty Images

Zayn Malik raps about racism he experienced as Asian member of One Direction in "Fuchsia Sea"

Quick highlights:

  • Zayn Malik previewed a new track, Fuchsia Sea, on Instagram, touching on racism he experienced during his One Direction years.
  • “They still laughed at the Asian,” he raps, alluding to feeling othered despite success.
  • Malik was the only South Asian member of the band, which included Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and the late Liam Payne.
  • The track marks a rare public reflection on the racial dynamics behind his 2015 departure from the group.

Zayn Malik is turning to music to process the discrimination he says he experienced during his time with One Direction. On Saturday, 5 July, the 32-year-old singer previewed a raw and emotional rap song titled Fuchsia Sea, sharing a clip and lyrics on Instagram that many fans believe directly address racism he faced as the only South Asian member of the global boy band.

In the verse, Malik raps: “I worked hard in a White band, and they still laughed at the Asian.” The line immediately sparked intense conversation online, with listeners pointing out how it echoed long-suspected tensions about racial identity and representation during his tenure in One Direction.

Keep ReadingShow less