DESIblitz

DESIblitz discusses NHS Talking Therapies with NHS Therapist Emran Hussain to find out how this valuable NHS service can help UK based South Asian communities and their mental health.

The multi-talented Aditya Narayan is a notable singer in Bollywood, along with a successful TV host, presenting musical shows. Aditya was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India on August 6, 1987. This makes him a Leo in terms of the star sign. He grew up in a musical family, with his both parents, Udit Narayan Jha and Deepa Narayan Jha also being singers. His grandparents, Hari Krishna Jha and his grandmother Bhuvaneshwari Jha were also musically minded. He got his first big break in Bollywood, singing ‘Rangeeela Re’ with Asha Bhonsle from Rangeela (1995).

Siddhant Kumar AKA Sid K was born in New Delhi, India and has many talents including singing, songwriting, and composing music. He first started singing at the young age of 10 in school where he entered competitions for solo singing and won several awards and prizes. Over the years, he has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the industry like Daler Mehandi, Guru Randhawa, Imran Khan, Zack Knight, and Sonu Nigam plus many more.

We explore and talk about the struggles of being Gay and Asian. Being gay and Asian or LGBTQIA+ and coming out can have severe consequences even in this day and age. We discuss how you can teach parents not to let homophobia get in the way of loving your child for the person they were born to be, and how to be proud of your identity whatever you choose it to be and much more!

Dev Patel and Anupam Kher star in the harrowing trailer for Hotel Mumbai (2019). The upcoming thriller is a dramatisation of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Iranian actress, Nazanin Boniadi, known for her work on television shows like Homeland (2013), Scandal (2014) and Counterpart, (2017-present) plays Armie’s wife. Their characters are David and Zahra, a couple with a newborn baby, who are guests at the hotel during the attack. This is a joint production of India, USA and Australia, the film is the direction of Anthony Maras. The film takes inspiration from the documentary, Surviving Mumbai (2009). The movie tells the story of the victims and survivors from the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The film features British Indian actor, Dev Patel and Bollywood legend, Anupam Kher in main roles.

Mukhtar Sahota is a British music composer and producer, and he is well known for being in the band Sahotas. Mukhtar was born in Wolverhampton and as a talented musician, he plays multiple instruments and comes from a musical family. The DESIblitz team caught up with him and learned more about him and his life.

Pakistani actor Sheheryar Munawar continues to enjoy the immense success of his fame within the film industry. He is known for his roles in the likes of Ho Mann Jahaan and Meray Dard Ko Jo Zuban Miley is one of the brightest stars of Pakistani cinema right now. Despite his chocolate hero good looks and undisputed charm, Sheheryar has been outspoken about his desire to play roles that don’t stereotype him as a typical romantic hero. Watch this video to hear more about him and his role in Parey Hut Love.

We speak to Pakistani actress, model and video jockey Maya Ali about starring in her new film Parey Hut Love. Maya Ali who plays the lead role in Parey Hut Love has found working in this film as a “great experience.” She has learnt so much from Mahira Khan. Wishing to emulate Mahira, Maya said: “I wish I could copy her ada and her moves, which I have already seen in More Saiyan (song).” Maya also acknowledges that the comedy of Ahmed Ali Butt in the film is the best. Overtime Maya has had a shift in opinion about her co-star Sheheryar Munawar after working with him in PHL: “I’m very much blessed that I’m working with him. I did not know much about him before this film. But I’ve already done two-three shoots with him.” Maya admits that television is a big medium in Pakistan. Hence she will give preference to dramas. But as a film actress, she will continue to act, subject to the script

This programme of DESIblitz workshops aims to encourage more people from BAME backgrounds to explore creative writing through a series of eight workshops, curated by media journalists and established British Asian authors, including Tommy Sandhu, Sarfraz Manzoor, Bali Rai and AA Dhand.

This programme of DESIblitz workshops aims to encourage more people from BAME backgrounds to explore creative writing through a series of eight workshops, curated by media journalists and established British Asian authors, including Sarfraz Manzoor, Bali Rai and AA Dhand.

Asim Raza directs, Parey Hut Love. He previously directed the urban style film Ho Mann Jahaan starring Mahira Khan, Adeel Husain and Sheheryar Munawar. Apparently, Mahira was the first choice for Parey Hut Love. But later Maya Ali came in to replace her. Besides Ali, Sheheryar Munawar is playing the lead hero role in this upcoming Pakistani film. Zara Noor Abbas aka Arsala from the popular serial Khamoshi (2017) makes her silver screen debut with this romantic modern age Pakistani movie. The seasoned Imran Aslam is the writer of this film, which promises to take the audience on a two-hour voyage filled with love, emotions and much more.

We interview international musicians Neel Kamrul, and Sheikh Dina together with Stephan Meier, Artistic Director of BCMG. Music in Dialogue links classical musicians from the UK with those from Bangladesh and Pakistan. Music in Dialogue is part of Transforming Narratives, a ground-breaking project to establish Birmingham as a leading international centre for contemporary Pakistani and Bangladeshi arts, for the mutual benefit of Birmingham and cities in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

DESIblitz exclusively chats to Navdeep Suri, the grandson of the famous Punjabi novelist Nanak Singh. Talking about his life, translations and in particular, Khooni Vaisakhi, a poem dedicated to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

DESIblitz exclusively chats Prof. Madhavi Menon about Love, Sexuality and Desire in India at JLF 2019. Including LGBT, Indian values and rape.

Amrit Kaur Lohia is a London based singer-songwriter, vocalist and a very talented player of many instruments including the Indian Sarangi. She has represented UK Punjab Heritage before the Queen for her Diamond Jubilee at Lambeth Palace, and is a Sarangi student of Shri Surjeet Singh, senior student of legendary Sarangi maestro Pandit Ram Narayan. We interview Amrit about her musical career and her interests after her Anhad Nad (Sounds from the Sikhs) performance at the Jaipur Literature Festival.

DESIblitz exclusively chats to Bollywood star Manisha Koirala about her journey to survive cancer, her book 'HEALED' and film career, at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2019 in London.

Talented UK based Punjabi singer and musician Banger continues to grow a large fan base, with the release of his ninth track ‘Lalkareh Marda.’ Banger has many years of music behind him. From a young age, he learnt from the very best. Ever since then he has not looked back. Proud of his Punjabi heritage, Banger is famous for singing and Bhangra moves. DESIblitz caught up with Banger to discuss his musical background, ‘Lalkareh Marda,’ traditional versus digital approach and the music of the past to present.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) brings the brilliant play Venice Preserved to Stratford-Upon-Avon. Originally written by Thomas Otway in 1682, director Prasanna Puwanarajah has revamped the original into a shorter and thrilling production. The audience is struck by an exciting modern theatre from the opening scene: enter techno music, digital screens, laser beams and 80’s costumes. In this video we interview Prasanna Puwanarajah, Les Dennis and Natalie Dew.

Aladdin (2019) is a recreated version of the 1992 animated classic. In this video we get access to exclusive behind the scenes footage and speak with actors Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott. Following the success of many live-action films such as Cinderella (2015), Jungle Book (2016) and Beauty and the Beast (2017), audiences will get to see the beloved Aladdin, which hits the theatres from May 24, 2019. Aladdin (2019) is a fantasy musical remake of the 1992 classic by Disney, with some live action. Mena Massoud who is a recurring star of Jack Ryan (2018- present) on Amazon Prime Video was picked for the iconic role of Aladdin. Naomi Scott was chosen to play the much-loved character of Princess Jasmine. Legendary actor Will Smith portrays the hilarious Genie. Marwan Karwan takes on the role of Jafar, with Navid Negahban playing the Sultan.

We are "Rockin' with the Best" in this video as we interview the hip-hop duo from Chandigarh, India Kru172.

In an exclusive gupshup, we interview 3 of India's finest rappers, Naezy, Black Zang and Dee MC. We talk to them about their struggles, lives, the rise of rap music and hip hop lifestyles in India and their musical influences.

Founded in 2006, the SOI is the first and only professional symphony orchestra in India. It is founded by both NCPA Chairman Khushroo N. Suntook and Marat Bisengaliev, who is currently working as the orchestra’s Music Director. Since it began, the orchestra has performed in India and internationally. Furthermore, the SOI can boast that it has worked with over fifteen renowned conductors. This includes Charles Dutoit, Martyn Brabbins, and Carlo Rizzi, to name a few. Zane Dalal made his debut in Orchestral Conducting in the United States at Indiana University. He became one of their most distinguished conducting students, performing a wide range of new works, concerti and symphonic repertoire.

DESIblitz catches up with Mumzy Stranger to chat about his collaboration on 'DANCE' and his thoughts on the UK music scene.

The England Kabaddi Association have announced their men’s and women’s national teams for the inaugural World Cup Kabaddi 2019. The women’s team features 10 players from diverse backgrounds. There is provision to select two more female players before the World Cup Kabaddi starts. Whilst Emma Jones is skipper of the women’s team, Phoebe Schecter will be her deputy. The female players will play in a number of different positions.

The men’s World Cup Kabaddi 2019, one of the most eagerly awaited events in the world, will take place in Melaka Malaysia. The nine-day exciting tournament running from July 27 to August 4, 2019, features England. The England squad consists of a strong line-up for the mega event. They have opted for a mix of experience and youth. The Malaysia Kabaddi Federation (MKF) will host the rectangular style tournament, as per approval from the governing body, World Kabaddi. There is a lot of hype and interest amongst the kabaddi fraternity from around the globe. Representatives from five continents have been tirelessly working behind the scenes to prepare their sides for this historic event.

Ustad Zakir Hussain is an Indian tabla maestro. Born to a tabla playing artist, Allah Rakha, he followed in his father’s footsteps. Hussain who has accompanied Pandit Ravi Shankar (late), as well as Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, is a former recipient of the Grammy award. It is his aptitude for collaboration that set him on the path to success at the Grammy awards. Besides composing films like, In Custody (1993), he has formed groups such as Shakti with other musical talents. Zakir teamed up with Mickey Hart, Sikiru Adepoju and Giovanni Hidalgo for the Global Drum Project (2007) to win a Grammy award. He received the recognition in the ‘Best Contemporary World Music Album category at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on February 8, 2009. Making the most of technological advances, the album utilises more digital sounds to remain fresh and relevant even in modern times.

The Italian Job is a cult Hollywood movie that’s been made twice, originally in 1969 and then in 2003. Now, Bollywood has made its version based on the 2003 Hollywood film, called ‘Players’ with the leading role of Charlie Mascarenhas played by Abhishek Bachchan. Alongside, Abhishek, the film stars Bipasha Basu, Bobby Deol, Sonam Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Sikander Kher. The directors Abbas-Mustan and producers acquired rights of the Italian Job to make Players.

Actor and comedian Humza Arshad, Britain’s Badman is back. The British Pakistani first gained popularity after he uploaded his video series, Diary of a Badman, onto YouTube in 2010. The infamous series garnered over 96 million views, awarding Humza the title of one of Britain’s most popular online comedians. The online show became an instant hit, with Humza reaping online stardom overnight. After working on several other projects, Humza has unveiled his children’s book, courtesy of publishers, Penguin Random House.

Directed by one of Hindi cinema’s top directors, Karan Johar, Student Of The Year is a romantic comedy set in a collage, and stars newcomers Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra. Acclaimed Director, Karan Johar, makes his fifth directorial venture with Student Of The Year. The movie is brought to you by Eros Entertainment, Dharma Productions and Red Chillies Entertainment. Student of the year stars Varun Dhawan, Aliya Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra, Ram Kapoor, and Rishi Kapoor. The films is directed by one the finest directors in Hindi cinema, Karan Johar, with whom we last saw direct the blockbuster movie, My Name Is Khan back in 2010, which grossed in over 200 Crores.

Side Partition is a live Asian Band Act from the UK who plan to deliver fun and entertaining new singles and live shows.

Hailing from Loharin, Kashmir, Feryna Wazheir is one of the most beautiful women in Bollywood. Born and raised in Scotland this apna lass has been into films from childhood.

In an exclusive Gupshup with DESIblitz, director Pawan Kumar talks about his desire to do the film. Having been crowd-funded, Lucia offered Pawan and his team complete creative freedom and opened a door for budding young artists to enter the industry.

Award Winning, and critically acclaimed director Prakash Jha, has a hard hitting social message movie Chakravyuh. The movie is brought to you by Eros Entertainment and Prakash Jha Productions.

Mercury Prize-winning tabla player, composer and producer Talvin Singh is known for his fusion of Indian classical with Electronic music.

A romantic comedy, Gori Tere Pyaar Mein, ‘Only Love Can Bridge The Gap’ for Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Starting her career off as a Bollywood journalist, Puneet Bhandal was immersed in the world of Indian film. She spent her days on film sets interviewing Bollywood celebrities and directors at the top of their game.

Guz Khan, the British Asian teacher turned comedian has enjoyed a stratospheric rise from self-produced content for social media and YouTube to television.

DESIblitz speaks openly and candidly to UK Punjabi singer FOJI GILL who is back after his time in prison. We chat to him about his difficult past, the present and new song Sher Di Poosh.

Richa Chadda is an Indian actress who works in Hindi films. After debuting with a bit role in the comedy film Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008), she worked as a supporting actress in several films.

Mrunal Thakur is an Indian actress and model who appears in Marathi movies and Indian soap operas.

Vasay Chaudhry is a Pakistani screenwriter, actor, director, producer, host and humorist who is uniquely in touch and comfortable with Punjabi culture.

Accomplished actress and model, Mawra Hocane, gets cosy with DESIblitz in an exclusive chat about her work, career and personal life.

We talk to the cast of the much-anticipated sequel is one of the first productions to be made between India and Pakistan, boasting an array of talent from either side of the border.

Sharon Carpenter is a successful journalist and host of a live quiz show app. DESIblitz met with Sharon to discuss her inspiration, HQ Trivia and career.

A special conversation with eminent writer and poet Javed Akhtar, along with renowned actress Shabana Azmi.

Tulsi Kumar started her career by singing backing tracks in Bollywood movies such as Chup Chup Ke, Humko Deewana Kar Gaye and Aksar.

Born and raised in West London, the 27-year-old musician is famously known in his hometown of Heston for belonging to a family of martial artists, specialising in Karate.

Hailing from West London, Hyde is trained as a graphic designer, but has worked within the Asian media industry from the age of 15. Performing music to various crowds, moving on to radio and progressing into comedy.

Anushqa is signed to aligned Virgin EMI Records and was discovered on Viacom18’s talent show `The Stage’ on COLORS Infinity, India’s leading English Entertainment channel, where she was a finalist on Season 1.

RaOol speak to us about his music, life and career, he also adds a little ThodaBingThodaBang to the interview!

Pakistani actor and musician Ali Zafar takes the lead in action-comedy Teefa in Trouble. In an interview with DESIblitz, he discusses the film and his role.