This past weekend, the South Asian Sounds Festival at London’s Southbank Centre offered a powerful testament to the soft power of India — a celebration of culture, music, and shared heritage that transcends borders and brings people together in harmony. Festivals like these are not just artistic showcases; they are gentle yet profound forces that shape perception, foster connection, and reflect the timeless values of beauty, unity, and dialogue that lie at the heart of Indian culture.
At a time when the world feels increasingly fragmented, festivals that celebrate art, culture, and connection across borders and traditions offer something rare: unity through diversity. What made this festival particularly special was its programming — a vibrant lineup curated through the combined efforts of various promoters and programmers. The result was a unique combination of sounds, stories, and shared experiences.
I had the privilege of being there as part of the audience and as a contributor — the screening of my documentary Moving Mountains took place during the festival. The film, which follows the story of Ma Anand Sheela, explores themes of resilience, caregiving, and inner transformation.
Together with Prewien, founder of Rasique Music School in Rotterdam, I attended three concerts that showcased the South Asian musical expression:
Jaz Dhami lit up the space with energy and cross-genre charisma, blending Punjabi pop with global sounds. For Jaz, music is his way of keeping Punjabi boli alive, passing it on through rhythm and soul. He gave a very powerful comeback, celebrating Punjabi music and culture.
Osman Mir, with his deep and soulful Gujarati singing, transported the audience to a different realm entirely — meditative, heartfelt, and spiritual. Joined by the incredible Third Culture Collective and orchestral arrangements by Kavi Pau, this fusion of folk, bhajan, and classical traditions truly celebrated Gujarat’s rich musical heritage.
Roopa Panesar, a sitarist of rare depth, captivated us with her classical brilliance and modern sensibility. Every note she played felt like a dialogue with the divine. Last year she gave a sold out performance in Rotterdam for DesiYUP.
Each of these performances stood entirely on its own — different genres, different energies — but together, they formed a narrative of what South Asian music can be when given the stage and respect it deserves.
Beyond the stage, the true power of the weekend was in the connections we rekindled and created. It was wonderful to reconnect with Sandeep Virdee of Darbar Festival — someone whose work has continuously elevated Indian classical music in the UK and beyond. This year Darbar is celebrating its 20th anniversary, programming Kaushiki Chakraborty and Ranjani Gayatri Sisters.
We also caught up with Seema Anand, who we had the pleasure of programming during last year’s Eindeloos India Festival. Last year, she was a highlight of the Eindeloos India Festival in the Netherlands, where she gave a powerful and thought-provoking talk on the Kama Shastra that left a lasting impact. Her storytelling, presence, and commitment to cultural preservation continue to inspire. It’s always inspiring to meet with Seema, a storyteller whose wisdom touches hearts.
We also met again with Soumik Datta, whose performance we featured in Mone Rekho — a multidisciplinary exploration of memory and migration.
And there were many more — promoters, musicians, storytellers, art lovers — all gathered in one place, not just to witness culture, but to live it.
The South Asian Sounds Festival reminded me why we do this work. It’s not just about presenting concerts. It’s about building bridges, celebrating nuance, and creating room for stories that haven’t always had space to be told.
Thank you to the Southbank Centre and all the visionaries behind this festival. May it continue to grow, connect, and inspire.
With Love,
Mahesvari