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Food London News Restaurant Reviews

VORI, London: Holland Park’s Favourite Modern Greek Taverna

Run by three brothers – the Greek street food pioneers behind the much-missed Hungry Donkey in Spitalfields – and named after their favourite beach on the island of Andros in the Cyclades, VORI is a modern taverna that celebrates all that is special about Greek food, wine and hospitality. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

Although it only opened a year ago, Vori has quickly become a firm favourite with Holland Park locals and visitors alike. They flock here throughout the day to enjoy lovingly prepared and authentic rustic dishes, many cooked over charcoal and all created using seasonal Greek and local ingredients of the highest provenance, against a backdrop of terracotta walls and gleaming, slate-grey tables. Not content to rest on their laurels, Markos Tsimikalis and his siblings are marking Vori’s first birthday with a  launch of an exciting new menu.

The Greek table is all about sharing dishes, connecting with friends and family and recounting stories, all of which are at the heart of Vori. Thus the Faros lunch and dinner menus continue in the same fashion as before, with dishes coming out in waves as and when they are ready.

Diners will still be able to enjoy signature fare such as Kolokithokeftedes (deep-fried courgette fritters, feta & Greek yoghurt) and Manitaria (seasonal grilled mushrooms, petimezi & pine nuts). These established favourites will now be offered alongside new dishes, many of which will change weekly, according to the season. Grilled fish and meat is offered as specials, dependent on what Vori’s trusted local suppliers have sourced for them that day.

Generous rustic roasts for the table to share such as kid goat (Katsikaki) is complemented by new nibbles like Htapodi (octopus carpaccio) and small and medium plates including Keftedakia (Greek meatballs), Matsata Thalassinon (home-made Cycladic pasta, seasonal seafood & bottarga) and deep-fried Mastello cheese with chilli thyme honey.

In addition, Vori has added new dishes to its ever-popular breakfast offering, from Brizolaki (grilled onglet steak, hand-cut chips & fried egg) through to Avgofeta (egg sourdough, tomato & Graviera cheese).

Vori – now with the strapline Greek Plates & Wine – will of course continue to champion indigenous Greek wines, as well as a range of unpasteurised beer from award-winning Greek microbreweries. The festivities don’t end there however. On 5 May – Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday-Vori will be serving a special set menu. 

The most important date in the Greek calendar, Orthodox Easter is characterised by traditions and customs that date back centuries. Vori will be honouring these with staples such as slow-roasted joints of lamb and kid-goat, Mageiritsa (a thick soup made with lamb offal, onion & rice), Tsoureki (sweet bread) and, of course, the customary dyed eggs for smashing, all of which are served in homes and restaurants throughout Greece on this day.

Vori offers a meal experience that’s relaxing and indulgent, with service that is impeccable, in chic surroundings and upscale vibe, with delish dishes which look and taste exquisite, all in all Vori is a remarkable restaurant and it’s a must visit in London for the best of Greek cuisine. Highly Recommended!

Vori is open from Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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Food London News Restaurant Reviews

SPAGNOLETTI: An All-Day Italian and Pasta Lab

Spagnoletti serves Italian soul food enriched with contemporary flair, in a whimsically retro-futuristic environment and centred around an ethos of one simple ingredient: flour. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

They make their fresh ingredients onsite every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the theatrical open kitchen where discerning diners and go and enjoy all manner of pastries, breads, snacks, small plates, sharing plates, pasta dishes, signature standouts and sweet desserts.

Debuting a brand-new flour-lab concept in the heart of King’s Cross, the menu is a loving collaboration between their Chefs, and the wacky restaurant design itself is inspired by one of London’s most innovative engineers.

The interior is cleverly divided into different environments perfect for individuals, groups, parties, or business events. A journey to the upper floor will take you to Spagnoletti Spritz Lounge, housing a long communal bar that serves draught Venetian wine, beer on tap and a creative cocktail station.

From lunchtime onwards, you can witness the making of agnoletti, rigatoni and stunning ciccetti dishes, lovingly created and served from the open cucina that takes centre-stage on the ground floor. 

Henry Chebaane is the creative mastermind behind the interiors of the Megaro hotel overall and At Spagnoletti, he has imagined a vibrant, stylish, and exuberant environment sitting behind the 19th century façade. The name and design are inspired by Charles Spagnoletti, the 19th century London engineer and inventor, who was responsible for the development of the telegraphic signalling systems first used on the Metropolitan line, and then on most of the British railways which were passing through King’s Cross Station. There are plenty of hidden surprises that were inspired by this innovator – around every corner at Spagnoletti, there’s something new to discover.

Their menu is designed for the meals to be shared, rather than individual portions – the proper Italian way! Visit them for Italian soul food, served in a retro-futuristic ‘flour lab’ amidst the buzz of London King’s Cross. They are all about Simple, honest Italian food which is enriched with contemporary flair to deliver an uncompromised quality of flavours at affordable prices. The vibe of the restaurant is welcoming and relaxed, the music creates a chilled downtime vibe, the food is delicious and unique in amazing flavours, ingredients are fresh, presentation is charming, service is attentive, all in all its a wonderful experience and is Highly Recommended! 

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-Top News Arab News London News

London police chief faces calls to quit over Gaza protests

Other figures including UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden were highly critical of the Met but stopped short of saying Rowley should go…reports Asian Lite News

The head of London’s Metropolitan (Met) Police is facing calls to quit over the force’s handling of pro-Palestinian protests. Both the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) and former UK home secretary Suella Braverman have called for Sir Mark Rowley to resign or be sacked, accusing him of having “emboldened” antisemites.

Braverman used an op-ed in The Sunday Telegraph to demand Rowley’s resignation, saying people who were “flagrantly antisemitic” were being “waved on by the police.”

She said: “Either this is gross incompetence, or it’s a culture coming from the top, where thugs are free to intimidate and harass while the rest of us have to keep our mouths shut and stay out of the way.”

In a statement, the CAA’s chief executive, Gideon Falter, said: “Racists, extremists and terrorist sympathisers have watched the excuses and inertia of the Met under his command and been emboldened by his inaction at precisely the moment when he should be signalling a renewed determination to crack down on this criminality.

“What the Met under Sir Mark has done to the Jewish community over the course of six months is utterly unforgivable and it is time for him to go. Enough is enough.”

Other figures including UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden were highly critical of the Met but stopped short of saying Rowley should go.

Dowden told The Sunday Telegraph that the force had been “disrespecting” Jews while Lord Walney, the UK government’s adviser on political violence, accused the Met of displaying “institutional antisemitism.” Rowley said: “Every member of the Met is determined to ensure that London is a city in which everyone feels safe.

“We absolutely understand how vulnerable Jewish and Muslim Londoners feel since the terrorist attacks on Israel. Some of our actions have increased this concern. I personally reiterate our apology from earlier this week. Today, as with every other day, our officers will continue to police with courage, empathy and impartiality.”

Falter has been at the centre of a row about the policing of demonstrations after the CAA published footage of a police officer describing him as “openly Jewish” during a protest in central London on April 13.

In the clip, another officer told Falter he would be arrested if he did not leave the area because he was “causing a breach of peace with all these other people” as his presence was “antagonising.”

The Met apologised on Friday, suggesting opponents of pro-Palestinian marches “must know that their presence is provocative” and they are “increasing the likelihood of an altercation” by lining the route to object.

But the force subsequently issued another statement apologising for the “further offence” caused by its first apology.

Falter said his treatment had been “a disgrace” and “the inevitable conclusion of six months of inertia and contextualising crimes away by a Met that has curtailed the rights of law-abiding Londoners in order to appease mobs rife with anti-Jewish racists and terrorist sympathisers.”

Policing minister Chris Philp said on Saturday he was “deeply concerned” and would meet Rowley the following week to discuss the incident.

He said: “No-one should be told their religion is provocative, nor an innocent person threatened with arrest solely because of someone else’s anticipated unreasonable reaction.”

Home Secretary James Cleverly has also written to the Met and London Mayor Sadiq Khan about the incident.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We welcome the Met Police’s apology, and recognise the complexities of policing fast-moving public protests, but simply being Jewish – or of any other race or religion – should never be seen as provocative.

“Anyone of any religion should be free to go about their lives and feel safe doing so.”

A spokesperson for Khan said: “Everybody must feel safe going about in London wherever they please. The way the original incident was dealt with by the Met was concerning and the original response put out by them was insensitive and wrong. The Met have an extremely difficult job – particularly so when it comes to operational decisions taken while policing marches – but in the end the Met must have the confidence of the communities they serve and it is right that they have apologised for the way the incident was handled and their original public response.”

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Minister ‘deeply concerned’ by Met protest row

Gideon Falter, chief executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, was wearing a kippah skull-cap when he was stopped in the Aldwych area of London and threatened with arrest…reports Asian Lite News

The policing minister has said he is “deeply concerned” after a Met Police officer described an antisemitism campaigner as “openly Jewish” during a pro-Palestine march.

Gideon Falter, chief executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, was wearing a kippah skull-cap when he was stopped in the Aldwych area of London and threatened with arrest on 13 April.

Falter was told by police his presence was causing a “breach of peace”. The Met has since apologised but Mr Falter called for the force’s commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to resign or be sacked.

Policing Minister Chris Philp said he would meet Sir Mark to discuss his concerns.

He said: “No-one should be told their religion is provocative, nor an innocent person threatened with arrest solely because of someone else’s anticipated unreasonable reaction.”

Scotland Yard has apologised twice for the officer’s phrase.

An initial apology from the Met on Friday was withdrawn after it was criticised as victim-blaming and the Met issued a second statement saying that “being Jewish is not a provocation” and apologised again. It said: “Jewish Londoners must be able to feel safe in this city.”

In a video clip shot at the march, the police officer said: “You are quite openly Jewish, this is a pro-Palestinian march. “I’m not accusing you of anything but I’m worried about the reaction to your presence.”

In a statement issued on Saturday, Falter said what happened at the march was a “disgrace” but the Met’s response in the aftermath was a “stain” on the force’s reputation.

He said Sir Mark should resign or be sacked and he claimed “racists, extremists and terrorist-sympathisers” had been “emboldened” by the Met’s “failure to curtail the marches”.

Falter said there had been a “surge” in anti-Semitic crime and he accused the Met of “inertia”.

Earlier on Saturday, a Home Office spokesperson said the government recognised “the complexities of policing fast-moving public protests” but added being Jewish or of any other religion should not be seen as “provocative”.

The spokesperson added: “Anyone of any religion should be free to go about their lives and feel safe doing so.” It is understood that Home Secretary James Cleverly has written to both the Met and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan about what happened.

A spokesperson for Khan said: “Everybody must feel safe going about in London wherever they please. “The way the original incident was dealt with by the Met was concerning and the original response put out by them was insensitive and wrong. The Met have an extremely difficult job – particularly so when it comes to operational decisions taken while policing marches – but in the end the Met must have the confidence of the communities they serve and it is right that they have apologised for the way the incident was handled and their original public response.”

Tens of thousands of pro-Palestine protesters had gathered in London to call for a ceasefire and to urge the UK government to stop all arms sales to Israel. Falter said he had been walking in the capital after attending synagogue and was not there to counter-protest.

In the clip, another officer said to him: “There’s a unit of people here now.

“You will be escorted out of this area so you can go about your business, go where you want freely, or if you choose to remain here because you are causing a breach of peace with all these other people, you will be arrested.”

The Met has faced criticism for its handling of a series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations since the renewal of hostilities in Gaza last October.

Meanwhile, the Met Police has apologised after an officer said an antisemitism charity leader looked “openly Jewish” as he was threatened with arrest for being near a pro-Palestine march. The force then withdrew its initial statement, after “reflecting on the strength of the response” to it, and issued a second apology for causing further offence.

The original statement talked about a “new trend of those opposed to the main protests appearing alongside the route to express their views”, and “knowing their presence is provocative”.

However, this was criticised as victim-blaming, and the Met issued a second statement saying that “being Jewish is not a provocation” and apologising again.

In the video, one police officer said: “You are quite openly Jewish, this is a pro-Palestinian march, I’m not accusing you of anything but I’m worried about the reaction to your presence.” Another officer said: “You will be escorted out of this area so you can go about your business, go where you want freely or, if you choose to remain here, because you are causing a breach of peace with all these other people, you will be arrested.”

ALSO READ-Sadiq promises 40,000 new London council homes  

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Food London News Restaurant Reviews

Mamalù: Extraordinary Italian Cuisine In London

Opened only a matter of months, award-winning restaurant Mamalù has quickly attracted both locals and visitors to Earl’s Court with its charming and authentic Italian dining experience. Mamalu is the ultimate authentic Italian experience! Directly imported and certified seafood, homemade pasta, seasonal vegetables and uniquely tender dry-aged meat. These tastes will transport you on an incredible dining journey, accompanied by a professional, warm hospitality family. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

Whether the occasion is a leisurely weekend family lunch or an intimate dinner for two, Mamalù’s elegant, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere is synonymous with the warm hospitality that Italian culture is famous for. Showcasing an array of exceptional Italian classics, dishes are prepared using high- quality, sustainable and seasonal ingredients.

Directly from the Italian waters, they offer the freshest raw and cooked seafood, one bite will have you dreaming of Summer days living la dolce vita. Their sommelier will carefully craft the ultimate pairings from our curated list of old world wines… leaving your taste buds excited to discover more. At the heart of Mamalù’s offering is this seafood, much of it caught by certified boats along the coasts of the UK and Italy. The signature is undoubtedly the gorgeous Plateau Royal, with its medley of Mazara red prawns, Sicilian langoustines, pink prawns and plump Gillardeau and Cocollos oysters. Other delights from the raw bar include red tuna tartare with avocado & rocket and red Mazara prawn carpaccio with lemon zest, all complemented by cooked dishes of the calibre of Breton lobster and fried Mediterranean octopus with baby chicory.

That said, there is still plenty here to tempt carnivores too. Then ofcourse the Pasta, often the star of any Italian show, is directly produced daily made using their in-house pasta machine guaranteeing a softer, smoother texture and slightly richer taste. Paccheri, tagliolini, gnocchi…their Pama Parsi pasta machine does not disappoint. Not only is the quality higher thanks to their choice of prime materials, but the flavour is out of the ordinary.

Tradition is also the mainstay of the deliciously indulgent dessert menu where favourites such as home-made tiramisu and that Tuscan staple Torta della Nonna, a rustic tart made with cream and pine nuts, take centre stage.

It’s not just the food that has put Mamalù on south west London’s culinary map. The restaurant’s knowledgeable in-house sommelier delights in suggesting the perfect wine pairing from a carefully curated list of Italian and French vintages.

Looking to bring something a little different to the London dining scene, Mamalù’s owners determined to put their own distinctive twist on the traditional Italian restaurant. 

Using quirky details like the unique tiles and patterns that adorn the interior, the result is a captivating fusion of modernity and nostalgia that captures the essence of a typical brasserie reimagined for the modern era. Tucked away from the bustle of the restaurant, Mamalù offers a private dining room that can accommodate up to 18 guests. Ideal for corporate or private lunches or dinners, bespoke menus can also be arranged.

In addition, the restaurant can cater for all types of external event; clients can choose from an array of signature dishes, including Mamalù’s raw bar selection.

Mamalù is open from Tuesday to Friday, 6pm-11pm and Saturday & Sunday, 12.30pm-3pm and 6pm-11.30pm.

Mamalu with its exquisite food, impeccable service, hospitable and friendly staff, excellent drinks selection, comfortable vibe offers discerning diners a dining experience to remember! Highly Recommended! 

ALSO READ: HAPPY SECOND BIRTHDAY HOKUS POKUS!

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Food London News Restaurant Reviews

HAPPY SECOND BIRTHDAY HOKUS POKUS!

With its artfully curated collection of exquisite botanical-infused creations and retro-futuristic steampunk vibe, Hokus Pokus has been casting a spell over locals and visitors alike since it opened officially back in April 2022. Hokus Pokus recently celebrated its second birthday hosting a soirée with their discerning guest list, free flowing drinks served with finesse, exquisite music playlist and delectable nibbles which were top-notch in flavour, taste and undoubtedly its presentation! A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

Located where Bloomsbury meets King’s Cross and led by the brilliant mixologist Greg ‘Doc’ Chudzio, London’s ‘underground apothecary bar’ is a living tribute to the rich history of the local area.

In particular, it takes its inspiration from 19th century quacks like Dr James Morison, who in 1828 opened the “British College of Health’’ just down the road from Hokus Pokus and who famously claimed his vegetable pills could cure any ailment.

Fast forward a couple of centuries, and the potions and elixirs found at Hokus Pokus – some of which are infused while others are pickled, smoked or even set on fire – don’t lay claim to any health benefits, but will certainly help improve the mood of all who drink here!

The alchemists at Hokus Pokus combine numerous processes, including infusions, fat-washing and extraction, with a myriad of house-made liqueurs, herbal infusions and pure fruit extract to create a quite extraordinary list of libations.

Among the signature serves are Mix Berry Fusion, a magical medley of vanilla-infused Boatyard Vodka, pure fig & mixed berries extract, elderflower liqueur, apple juice & citrus elixir.

Smokey Sour Mash meanwhile is an astonishing amalgam of wagyu-washed Michter’s US*1 Original Sour Mash & a barrel-aged blend of vermouths. A combination of apple, cherry & chicory smoke is then used to elevate the cocktail.

Complementing these contemporary creations are some equally irresistible concoctions based on recipes from a bygone age, Coffee & Orange Chocolate among them, not forgetting a small but concise list of immaculately handcrafted Alcohol-Free Prescriptions.

It’s not just the drinks that are anchored by King’s Cross’ heritage and location. Hokus Pokus’ retro-futuristic steampunk engine room, brilliantly imagined by acclaimed British artist and designer Henry Chebaane, is similarly inspired by Victorian science, quack medicine, alchemy books and esoteric literature.

With its unique blend of creative alchemy and escapism, Hokus Pokus will entice anyone in search of extraordinary experiences. It certainly did just that for all their guests at their second birthday party! You can check out the vibe and action in all these photos, it was a party to remember!

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Business London News UK News

OHANA 8 embarks on mission to make UK homes and businesses digital-ready

With its headquarters located in London, OHANA 8 employs 10 staff with brand ambassadors spread across major cities in the UK.

Asian businesses in Birmingham are set to benefit from faster broadband and become digital-ready, thanks to OHANA 8, one of Britain’s fastest-growing telecommunications provider.

The proactive move is part of OHANA 8’s mission to raise awareness of phone companies’ intent to withdraw the existing analogue system, called the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by the end of next year.

The withdrawal of the PSTN, which is an ageing network that is becoming harder and more expensive to maintain, is industry-led.

Business leaders are due to meet in Birmingham’s China Town next week to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which is being led by OHANA 8’s Managing Director, Steven Pun.

Mr Pun, who has worked in the digital sector in the UK and abroad for over 20 years, said:

“We aim to revolutionise the way businesses connect with their customers and drive growth. We are committed to providing innovative solutions that go beyond the ordinary, inspiring progress and setting new standards in the telecommunications industry.”

Mr Pun’s ultimate desire is to create an affordable social tariff, particularly for home-users, low-income families and owners of small-to-medium-sized businesses.

“By working smartly and collaboratively we can help each other. In society there is enough for our need, but not our greed. I want to focus on the former and give back to those who need it most,“ added Mr Pun.

Mr Pun’s ambition aligns with that of the West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street.

“Digital is vital to the continued success of the West Midlands economy because it is the golden thread across all the industries which will provide jobs in the 21st century,” said Mr Street.

With its headquarters located in London, OHANA 8 employs 10 staff with brand ambassadors spread across major cities in the UK.

OHANA 8 is keen to partner with leaders and organisations in the UK who wish to help their respective communities.

Two leaders in the Midlands who have been impressed by the outstanding customer service and product offer from OHANA 8 are Ken Tong and Irene Chu, from Birmingham Chinatown Business Association and Birmingham Chinese Society, respectively.

In a joint statement, Ken and Irene said:

“We remain staunchly committed to looking after decent, law-abiding and hardworking citizens and their families. Cash is tight for many. Not everybody can afford faster broadband. But OHANA 8 has proved to us that it puts people’s digital need ahead of profits and we fully endorse this approach and outlook which is desperately needed in these challenging times.”

OHANA 8 aspires to be more than just a telecommunications company. It aims to bridge the gap between buyers and sellers, forging even stronger connections and networks that empower people and communities from all nationalities to thrive. Its vision is to revolutionise the way businesses connect with their customers and drive growth, setting new standards in the UK telecommunications industry.

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Events Films London News

Kaushik Ray’s Poignant Short Film ‘The Lime Green Shirt’ Premiered At BFI Flare 2024

Lime Green Shirt, which premiered under the ‘Tender-hearted’ category on Saturday 23rd March and Sunday 24th March 2024 at BFI Southbank. Jointly produced by Ray’s own production house, Taran Tantra Telefilms with Neeraj Churi alongside Berlinale Talent Pooja Chauhan (Goldfish). A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

The 16-minute short, picturised in the English language with Bengali, revolves around Saraswati Sinha (Lillete Dubey, Monsoon Wedding), a retired and widowed doctor, who lives alone in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Desperate to reconnect with her son Akash (Kush Khanna, Boogie Man), with whom she has become estranged over the years, Saraswati travels to London to stay with him. A successful trader with a stylish Penthouse apartment, Akash seems to have it all. Yet, beneath the veneer of success, he is plagued by deep-seated traumas and crippling self-doubt, which he blames on his strict upbringing by an unforgiving mother who demanded academic greatness at the expense of his passion for music.

As the unintended consequences of her authoritarian parenting become painfully clear, Saraswati realises she must confront her fears and transgenerational traumas if she wants to rebuild a relationship with the son she barely knows.

Inspired by a true incident in the filmmaker’s life, the picture was shot last year, with two original songs written by Kaushik and the lead actor Kush. The poetic storytelling is inspired by social realism of filmmakers like Mike Leigh and the humanism/colour palettes of Satyajit Ray. Therefore, he has the flair of exploring the middle classes, with a key focus on the British Asian queer community. This influence is also mirrored in masterpieces by idol visionaries like Pedro Almodóvar.

“The Lime Green Shirt in many ways is my own origin story. At its heart is the kernel of my own truth, albeit its retelling is fictionalised. I am fascinated by the balance of fact and fiction, and have always found myself drawn to human drama that explores the nuance and space between the black and white. Life is filled with contradictions, and I embrace them. I look for the rainbows in the grey. As a filmmaker it is essential to me that I to equip my wider team with female and QPOC cast and crew, with a deliberate view to bring diversity into storytelling,” Kaushik said.

“BFI Flare has such a special place in my heart. The first short I co-produced, Muhafiz (The Protector), premiered in 2022, and that’s where I met the producer of The Lime Green Shirt. So to have my first film as writer/director debut there, feels super special. Towards the end of my legal career, I started supporting queer Indian filmmakers in telling interesting stories, as a producer. My film is based in London (as am I), so it’s sort of a homecoming for me,” he added.

The Lime Green Shirt marks Kaushik’s first film as writer/director. His feature debut A Life A Rose is being produced by French production house Backup Media and Bombay Berlin Film Productions Limited, with leading Indian actress Deepti Naval (Lion) in the main role. This same-sex love story between two septuagenarian Indian women was ground-breaking in its scope.

Kaushik Ray – Taran Tantra Telefilms (Director)
Following a 20-year career as an international development lawyer, British-born Kaushik Ray runs a small film production company (www.tarantantra.com) focusing on South Asian LGBTQ+ content, in particular stories about intersectional prejudice in minority communities.

Pooja Chauhan (Producer)
Berlinale Talent Pooja Chauhan trained at New York Film Academy and won the VFF Talent Highlight and Arté Kino Awards for her project Girls will be Girls.

Neeraj Churi (Producer)
Neeraj is the founder and owner of Lotus Visual Productions (https://lotusvisualpro.com/) which provides a medium for performance artists and filmmakers via sponsorships, grants, and production opportunities to express their creativity towards generating vibrant and dynamic conversations.

The organisation strongly believes in the power of our creative projects to foster better understanding and bridge-building between communities while encouraging aspiring filmmakers and artists to bring their creative vision to reality, pushing the envelope on social taboos and acceptance.

The focus is on bringing stories of the South Asian LGBTQ+ community worldwide to the screen via a broad array of projects ranging from feature films, feature-length documentaries, short films, short docs, and social media projects. With active projects in various stages of production in India and the UK, strives for a robust and authentic representation of LGBTQ+ experiences on screen and provide opportunities for community members on and off the screen. They also promote South Asian Queer cinema by organising theatrical screenings in the UK and curating films for film festivals and corporate screenings.

ALSO READ: Tathagata Ghosh’s Short Film ‘IF’ World Premiere At BFI Flare, London

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Events Films London News

Tathagata Ghosh’s Short Film ‘IF’ World Premiere At BFI Flare, London

The prestigious BFI Flare 38th edition took place at BFI Southbank and on BFI Player in March 2024. The biggest LGBTQIA+ film festival in Europe, celebrates the best of queer cinema from around the globe. This year in particular featured fantastic content from South Asian filmmakers, including British South Asian filmmakers. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

The short film IF, by acclaimed Bengali filmmaker Tathagata Ghosh is a 26-minute short tells the story of a lesbian couple who are torn apart because of an arranged marriage, but with a mother’s love, perhaps another future is possible. 

If’ starring Adrija Majumdar, Shivamrita Chakraborty, Bimal Giri, Paromita Mukherjee and Ranodeep Nandy is based on “people and incidents around me, I wanted to search for love in the darkness the film sheds light on-the challenges faced by queer individuals. My film is my cry of anguish in these troubled times. A cry which I hope will be heard and won over by love,” says Ghosh.

Director & Producer: Tathagata Ghosh

Writer: Buan G.

Cast: Adrija Majumdar, Shivamrita Chakraborty, Bimal Giri, Paromita Mukherjee, Ranodeep Nandy, Bina Ghosh

DOP: Sayan Biswas

Editor & DI Colorist: Amir Mondal

Sound Design & Film Mix: Anindit Roy, Adeep Singh Manki

Music: Nabarun Bose

Logo & Poster: Debanjana Haldar

Director’s Associate: Sanbarta Ghosh

Chief Assistant Director: Ashish Dubey

This is a film which is short in running time but mighty in impact. Excellent Acting, a crisp script, precise editing and seriously excellent Direction. This film is gripping also moving and is a must-watch. 

About the Director: A Berlinale Talents alumnus, Tathagata has always believed in telling stories of people from different social backgrounds. People who do not have a voice of their own. Tathagata has written for various leading web film magazines as well about cinema and film making. His Bengali detective novel “Senilar Sonket” got published in the 40th Kolkata International Book Fair in February 2016. He has also directed numerous commercials, music videos and written screenplays for several projects. His last short films “Miss Man”, “Footprints”, “The Scapegoat”, “The Meat” and “The Demon” have travelled to numerous prestigious international film festivals and have won several awards. Filmography: The Demon (2018), Miss Man (2019), The Meat (2020), The Scapegoat (2021), Footprints (2023), If (2024).

ALSO READ: Kaushik Ray’s Poignant Short Film ‘The Lime Green Shirt’ Premiered At BFI Flare 2024

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India News Lite Blogs London News

Multilingual presentations at House of Lords for World Poetry Day

All presenters at HoL_Jalaanjali_World Poetry Day

The event titled ‘Jalaanjali’ celebrated cultural and linguistic expressions of India and South Asia, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals and marking World Water Day simultaneously.

Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence has organised World Poetry Day at the House of Lords recently. Poems, songs, and dances in 20 languages were presented on the occasion, as the day fosters the convergence between poetry and arts.  Hosted by Rt. Hon. Lord Dholakia, Deputy Leader of the House, the event titled Jalaanjali celebrated cultural and linguistic expressions of India and South Asia, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals and marking World Water Day simultaneously.

Opening words were rendered by Lord Dholakia, who reiterated on the importance of celebrating different aspects of culture. Concept Note was presented by Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Founder of Sanskruti Centre, followed by dance on Sanskrit lyrics by young artists (Meera, Shravani, Sai Samruddhi, Sucheta and Yoshita) and by Medhavini, a Post-Graduate in dance from Bangalore University who danced on a composition which asks to bring rain to drought affected areas.

Poems, Songs and Dances were presented by Gita Cox (Assamese), Sreyashi Deb Roy (Bengali-Rabindra Nritya), Isra Abdulla (Divehi- Maldivian), Yasha Bhan (Dogri), Vibhuti Shah (Gujarati Garba), Dr Krishna Patel (Gujarati poem), Richa Jain(Hindi), Virender Choudhry (Himachali), Yashas Iyengar (Kannada), Dr Bernadette Pereira (Konkani-accompanied by Leonardo on Ghumot and Paulo on Guitar), Cllr. Sharad Kumar Jha (Maithili), Lakshmi Pillai (Malayalam), Swapnil Jagtap (Marathi), Leina Moirangthem (Meitei), Acharya Durga Pokhrel (Nepalese), Bhagyashree Singh (Odia), Manpreet Maycock (Punjabi poem written by Major Munish Chauhan), Sushil Rapatwar (Sanskrit), Renu Gidoomal (Sindhi), Dr Chandeera Gunawardena (Sinhalese), and Ragasudha Vinjamuri (Telugu).