Fans of Hindi-language stand-up are in for a treat this May as one of India’s most beloved comedians, Zakir Khan, brings his latest show, Papa Yaar, to the UK. Known for his razor-sharp wit, heartfelt storytelling, and signature poetic style, Zakir is all set to captivate audiences once again with a fresh blend of humor and emotion.
Papa Yaar is more than just a comedy performance—it's a reflection on personal relationships, identity, and life’s absurdities, delivered in Zakir’s unmistakable voice that has resonated with millions across the globe.
Tickets for all shows are available now at www.ticketmaster.co.uk. With limited dates and high demand, fans are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
On Sunday, 25 May, music lovers in Middlesex and beyond will have the rare opportunity to experience an unforgettable evening with the legendary Anup Jalota at the Beck Theatre, Hayes. Known as the “Bhajan Samrat” (Emperor of Bhajans), Anup Jalota is a celebrated Indian singer and musician famed for his soul-stirring bhajans and ghazals that have touched millions worldwide. This culturally rich concert promises to bring the spiritual and poetic essence of Indian devotional music to life, right in the heart of Middlesex.
Whether you are deeply connected to Indian classical and devotional music or simply curious to explore a new musical tradition, this concert offers a perfect blend of spirituality, art, and heartfelt emotion. Held at the well-regarded Beck Theatre on Grange Road, this event is expected to draw a diverse audience eager to witness Anup Jalota’s mesmerizing performance.
Anup Jalota has been a towering figure in Indian music for over four decades. His unique ability to fuse the spiritual with the musical has earned him immense respect and a devoted fanbase not just in India, but internationally. Known for his deep, soothing voice and flawless diction, Jalota’s bhajans invoke a sense of peace and devotion, making them timeless classics.
In addition to bhajans, Anup Jalota is renowned for his ghazal renditions – poetic songs that express love, longing, and life's philosophical musings. His mastery in delivering both these forms of music with emotion and authenticity is unmatched. Audiences attending the Beck Theatre concert can expect to be transported through a variety of moods, from serene devotion to contemplative reflection.
The concert promises to be a carefully curated showcase of some of Anup Jalota’s most beloved bhajans and ghazals, as well as a few surprises for fans. The Beck Theatre, with its excellent acoustics and intimate setting, will provide the perfect atmosphere for a close connection between the artist and his audience.
Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with spiritual melodies and poetic beauty that celebrate Indian heritage and music traditions. It’s an ideal occasion for families, music enthusiasts, and anyone interested in experiencing a slice of India’s rich cultural tapestry.
The Beck Theatre is located at Grange Road, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 2UE. It is easily accessible by public transport and offers ample parking facilities nearby.
Tickets for this much-awaited concert are available on the Beck Theatre’s official website at www.becktheatre.org.uk. Given the popularity of Anup Jalota’s performances, early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
This May, Birmingham Hippodrome will present Bibi Rukiya’s Reckless Daughter, a powerful dance-theatre production by acclaimed choreographer Amina Khayyam. Running on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May, the show explores how patriarchy is not only imposed by men but also reinforced by women within family structures. Through a striking fusion of contemporary and classical South Asian dance, the performance offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on tradition, control, and female agency.
Bibi Rukiya’s Reckless Daughter highlights the often-overlooked role women play in maintaining patriarchal values. Mothers, grandmothers, and other female relatives sometimes enforce social rules that restrict younger women’s freedom, passing down expectations through generations. Khayyam’s choreography captures this tension, portraying the conflict between obedience and rebellion with emotional intensity.
Blending classical Kathak with modern dance theatre, Khayyam uses movement and storytelling to examine cultural identity and gender roles. Her work invites the audience to engage with uncomfortable truths about power and tradition, making the performance both visually captivating and intellectually challenging.
Taking place at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre in Southside Birmingham, this intimate venue provides the ideal setting for an immersive and impactful performance. The theatre’s commitment to diverse and innovative productions makes it a fitting home for Khayyam’s exploration of social norms.
Tickets are available at www.birminghamhippodrome.com. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness a fearless artistic exploration of how women both challenge and uphold patriarchy within families.
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Rushil Ranjan & National Youth Choir to Premiere Groundbreaking Choral Work in London
LONDON, UK – On Sunday, 18 May, Queen Elizabeth Hall at London’s iconic Southbank Centre will come alive with the sound of a genre-defying choral performance, as acclaimed composer Rushil Ranjan collaborates with the National Youth Choir to present an innovative new work. Blending the intricate melodies of Indian classical music with the rich traditions of Western choral harmony, this performance is set to mark a major milestone in the evolution of cross-cultural musical expression in the UK.
Rushil Ranjan, widely recognised for his cinematic and emotionally resonant compositions, has crafted a brand-new choral piece that promises to transport audiences on a musical journey across continents and traditions. This latest composition is not just a concert—it is a cultural experience, designed to break barriers and celebrate the universality of music.
Known for his previous works with both British and South Asian artists, Ranjan’s unique musical voice is rooted in both his Indian heritage and his Western training. His ability to interweave Indian ragas with lush orchestration has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following. With this new piece, he brings that sensibility to the choral stage, offering audiences something they have likely never experienced before.
The performance is being brought to life by the National Youth Choir, a group of exceptionally talented young singers from across the UK. Known for their versatility, technical skill, and emotional depth, the choir has a long-standing tradition of performing challenging and contemporary repertoire. Their involvement not only highlights the next generation of British musical talent but also reinforces the importance of inclusive, boundary-pushing arts education.
By working with a composer like Ranjan, the choir continues to redefine what choral music can be in the 21st century—bold, diverse, and unapologetically global.
The Queen Elizabeth Hall, part of the prestigious Southbank Centre complex on Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX, is a fitting venue for this world premiere. Known for its commitment to diverse and cutting-edge performances, it provides the perfect platform for this boundary-breaking collaboration.
Audiences attending this one-night-only event can expect an evening filled with emotional depth, technical brilliance, and a powerful message of unity through music. The performance will resonate with fans of choral music, Indian classical music, world music, and contemporary composition alike.
On Sunday, 18 May, classical dance enthusiasts in London are in for a cultural treat as Anantakam, a captivating Bharatanatyam recital by the accomplished dancer Sankari, takes centre stage at The Bhavan. Rooted in the rich traditions of South Indian classical dance, this performance offers a profound exploration of ananda—the concept of eternal bliss—through a seamless blend of movement, music, and emotion. The event, accompanied by live Carnatic music, promises an immersive experience for audiences of all backgrounds.
Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest and most revered classical dance forms of India, originated in Tamil Nadu and is known for its intricate footwork, graceful expressions, and deeply spiritual narrative style. In Anantakam, Sankari draws from this centuries-old tradition to deliver a performance that is not only artistically refined but spiritually elevating. The title itself, Anantakam, evokes the boundless nature of divine bliss, which Sankari brings to life through her expressive storytelling and meticulous choreography.
Each segment of the recital will take the audience through a journey of devotion, joy, and surrender, where dance becomes more than just performance—it transforms into a form of prayer. The live music ensemble accompanying the recital adds another layer of authenticity and emotional depth, with melodic ragas, rhythmic percussion, and evocative vocals creating a powerful atmosphere of sacred celebration.
The Bhavan, London’s premier centre for Indian arts and culture, offers the perfect backdrop for this unique event. Known for nurturing both emerging and established artists, The Bhavan provides a welcoming platform for audiences to engage with classical Indian traditions in an intimate and inspiring setting.
Whether you're a long-time admirer of Indian classical dance or a newcomer curious to explore its beauty, Anantakam is an event not to be missed. It invites viewers to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with a sense of inner joy that transcends language and culture.
Join Sankari for an evening where devotion finds movement, and movement finds meaning.
Fans of devotional South Asian music are in for a rare and extraordinary experience this May. The internationally acclaimed Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali Group, direct descendants of the legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, will be performing live in London at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre on Sunday, 18 May 2025. This concert promises to be one of the most anticipated cultural events in the capital, celebrating the deep-rooted tradition of Sufi qawwali music and its power to inspire, heal, and connect audiences across generations and geographies.
Rizwan and Muazzam, nephews of the iconic qawwali maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, have spent decades mastering the rich, spiritual art form passed down through their family. Trained under the guidance of their late uncle, the duo now stands among the most respected contemporary qawwals in the world. Their performances stay true to the soul of traditional qawwali while bringing a unique energy and youthful passion that resonates with modern audiences.
Their ensemble features powerful vocals, rhythmic handclaps, harmonium, tabla, and dholak, all coming together to create a mesmerising and uplifting musical journey. For those familiar with classics like Allah Hoo, Tumhein Dillagi, or Ali Maula, Rizwan-Muazzam’s renditions breathe new life into these spiritual compositions with emotion and intensity.
The concert at the Royal Festival Hall is more than a musical performance – it’s a spiritual and cultural immersion. Attendees can expect a carefully curated selection of both traditional and popular qawwalis that explore themes of divine love, devotion, unity, and inner reflection. Delivered in Urdu and Punjabi, these poetic verses transcend language barriers, making them accessible to anyone open to feeling music with the heart.
Whether you're a devout follower of Sufi music, a fan of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, or simply someone curious to explore rich musical traditions from South Asia, this performance is a must-attend.
In a world filled with fast-paced digital content and fleeting entertainment, qawwali music offers a moment of stillness, connection, and elevation. Rooted in the Sufi Islamic tradition, it goes beyond entertainment — it is a form of spiritual expression that invites the audience to participate in a collective emotional journey. With rising interest in world music and cultural fusion, qawwali is gaining new followers across the globe.
The presence of artists like Rizwan and Muazzam ensures that this centuries-old genre continues to evolve while maintaining its authenticity. Their concerts are often described as transformative experiences that bring goosebumps, tears, and joy — sometimes all at once.
As part of the Southbank Centre’s rich and diverse cultural programme, this event offers the perfect opportunity to witness world-class live music in one of London’s most prestigious venues. The Royal Festival Hall is renowned for its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for a performance of such emotional depth.
If you’re looking to explore something profoundly moving and culturally enriching this spring, make sure to book your tickets early. This is more than a concert — it’s an evening of soulful celebration, spiritual resonance, and musical excellence.