Independence Gala marks end of UK India 2017 Year of Culture

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1 Independence Gala marks end of UK India 2017 Year of Culture A spectacular Independence Gala will mark the culmination of UK India 2017 Year of Culture with a joyous celebration of British and Indian culture and collaboration on Wednesday 4th October at London s Southbank Centre. Performances by over 150 artistes will traverse a wide spectrum, from sublime classical to foot-tapping folk. Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood, Israeli composer and musician Shye Ben Tzur and Indian band Rajasthan Express will present collaborations from their critically acclaimed album, Junun. The Independence Gala will mark the culmination of the UK- India 2017 Year of Culture, a year-long celebration of the deep cultural ties, partnership and the long relationship between India and the UK in what is a year of great significance for the world s largest democracy as India marks 70 years as an independent democratic republic. The Independence Gala will feature two distinct sections with a line-up of over 150 artistes from both countries performing in perfect synergy, cultural exchange and collaboration. The evening will begin with a contiguous showcase over a score of music and dance performances including Indian regional and classical dances, tap dance, hip hop, opera and choir by the acclaimed London Contemporary Voices and a slow rhumba performance lighting up the stage in a medley from pioneering accessible dance company, Step Change Studios. Regional Indian dances There will be earthy regional Indian dances, from the Gotipua, an ancient and traditional tribute to Lord Krishna to the heady, athletic and martial art-inspired Chhau dance form.

2 Leading dance exponents including London-based Kuchipudi dancer Arunima Kumar, renowned Kalakshetra alumnus Geetha Sridhar, among others, will perform the timeless and intricate movements of classical Indian dances like the Bharatnatyam, Kathakali-Mohiniyattam and Kathak. Musical performances Musical performances will feature British Indian composer and virtuoso sarod player Soumik Datta, Slovenian-born improv guitarist Igor Bezget and British-Austrian genre-defying percussionist Bernhard Schimpelsberger, a strong exponent of Indo-western rhythmic fusion, among many other acclaimed performers from both countries, who will all come together in meaningful artistic partnerships. British opera soprano Patricia Rozario will regale with her renditions and, as the tempo builds, music conductor Sharat Chandra Srivastava will orchestrate a grand foot-stomping finale.

3 Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood After the medley, audiences will be treated to a breath-taking headline performance by Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood and Israeli composer and musician Shye Ben Tzur in collaboration with Indian band Rajasthan Express who will perform material from their critically acclaimed album, Junun. Recorded in a makeshift studio inside the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the album was made with Radiohead s producer Nigel Godrich and comprises Ben Tzur s compositions, which feature devotional Sufi qawwal musicians who sing in Urdu as well as in his native Hebrew. About the UK-India Year of Culture has been declared the UK-India Year of Culture (India@UK2017) following the joint announcement in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-prime Minister David Cameron of a bilateral initiative to mark the deep cultural ties and the 70th anniversary of India s Independence; a

4 commitment that was reiterated during Prime Minister Theresa May s visit to India in November The Year of Culture is a year-long celebration of partnership and the long relationship between India and the UK. India and the UK, bound together for long through the inextricable threads of history, have been friends and allies who have facilitated mutual progress across culture, economics, commerce, and science. Both nations, strengthened by the uniqueness of their rich histories and cultural traditions, have a dynamic and culturally animated relationship. HE Mr. Y.K. Sinha, Indian High Commissioner, said, The Independence Gala will be a fitting celebration of the 70th anniversary of India s independence, showcasing some of the best cultural collaborations between India and the UK. The Gala will bring together distinctive art forms and performers from India and the UK in a magical montage of dance and music. I hope the audience will get to see the vibrancy and depth of our cultural ties at this spectacular event, which will be a celebration of friendship and togetherness. The Independence Gala is presented by High Commission of India London UK; Ministry of Culture Government of India; Indian Council for Cultural Relations and leading Indian festival producer Teamwork Arts. The Independence Gala, 4th October 2017 at 8pm, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 8XX. Ticket Prices: ( 2.50 booking fee), available from

5 BFI India on Film showcases New Bollywood, 21 Apr 30 May Co-curated by BFI Head Curator Robin Baker and writer and programmer Meenakshi Shedde, the BFI s India on Film programme starts with Bollywood 2.0 in April and runs until December The programme has kicked off this month at BFI Southbank with Bollywood 2.0, a focus on New Bollywood films which have pushed the boundaries of conventional Bollywood filmmaking by combining song and dance numbers with more realistic stories that tackle issues such as caste, crime, homosexuality and feminism. The films in Bollywood 2.0, which runs from 21st April 30th May 2017 have been acclaimed at festivals worldwide as well as finding large audiences in India and overseas. Bollywood 2.0 New Bollywood has dynamited the myth of the great, happy Indian family and pressed the eject button on the masala formula of romance, fights, six songs and a happy ending. The tectonic plates of art and entertainment have converged, making for a growing middle ground of Mindie films realistic films about people like us, but with songs. Liberated from convention, they tackle issues including caste, crime, homosexuality, the oppression of Muslim minorities, dysfunctional Indian families and feminism and many have delightful numbers that make you want to leap up and dance! Globalisation has brought international co-productions, yet many voices retain their originality. The films in our Bollywood 2.0 season have been acclaimed at festivals worldwide and found audiences in India. Meenakshi Shedde, Guest Curator of India on Film

6 Music in Indian Cinema: Song and Dance Music is the language of languages AR Rahman Song and dance are Indian cinema s unique selling points. The country s musicals and dancicals are rooted in Indian folk song and dance, and song picturisation is an art, fusing poetry, music, choreography, cinematography and editing. Our Song and Dance season includes Om Shanti Om, a send-up of Bollywood tropes, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali s period film Bajirao Mastani, which is replete with jaw-dropping music, dance and song picturisation. Satyajit Ray s The Music Room (Jalsaghar), an exquisite elegy to the connoisseur, showed that song and dance could be integral to arthouse films too. Tamil director Mani Ratnam s Bombay features the musical genius AR Rahman, who won two Oscars for Slumdog Millionaire and also scored I Have Found It (Kandukondain Kandukondain), an eye-popping Tamil adaptation of Jane Austen s novel Sense and Sensibility.

7 India on Film: Bollywood 2.0 Baahubali: The Beginning Friday 21 April :10, NFT3 Court Sunday 23 April :10, NFT2 Queen Friday 28 April :20, NFT3 Court Saturday 29 April :30, NFT3 UK Premiere: Baahubali: The Conclusion + Q&A with director SS Rajamouli and cast Tuesday 02 May :00, NFT1 Sold out! Om Shanti Om Tuesday 02 May :00, NFT2 Om Shanti Om Friday 12 May :00, NFT2 The Music Room Saturday 13 May :45, NFT2 Seniors free matinee: Pinjar + intro by Lalit Mohan Joshi, director of the South Asian Cinema Foundation Monday 15 May :00. NFT1 General Admission The Music Room Thursday 18 May :40, NFT2 Exploring Silent Indian Cinema + Q&A with Lalit Mohan Joshi and Pandit Vishwa Prakash Saturday 20 May :00, NFT3 The Coming of Sound and the Golden Era + Pandit Vishwa Prakash and Lalit Mohan Joshi in conversation Saturday 20 May :30, NFT3

8 Bajirao Mastani Sunday 21 May :30, NFT3 Bombay Monday 22 May :20, NFT3 Bajirao Mastani Tuesday 23 May :00, NFT3 I Have Found It Friday 26 May :05, NFT2 Bombay Saturday 27 May :45, NFT3 I Have Found It Tuesday 30 May :10, NFT3 3 cinema tickets on the door for anyone aged 25 and under. For further information about BFI India on Film programme, visit:

9 The Art of Indian Cinema Running alongside the India on Film programme at BFI Southbank from Friday 14 April through until December, The Art of Indian Cinema is a free exhibit of stunning posters and other promotional material drawn from the collections of the BFI National Archive, immersing visitors in the colour, spectacle and artistry taken from the golden age of Indian cinema art. India on Film is part of UK/India 2017, a major cultural collaboration between the two countries. In collaboration with The British Council. About UK/India 2017 Year of Culture UK/India 2017 is a yearlong celebration of the long-standing relationship between India and the UK, which will see a vast programme of cultural exchange and activity take place in cities across both countries. Working with a huge number of partners and institutions, the British Council is developing a programme of cultural activity which will connect and inspire people in both countries; and strengthen and celebrate the UK and India s cultural ties. For more information on UK/India 2017, please visit About the BFI The BFI is the lead body for film in the UK with the ambition to create a flourishing film environment in which innovation, opportunity and creativity can thrive by: Connecting audiences to the widest choice of British and World cinema Preserving and restoring the most significant film collection in the world for today and future generations Championing emerging and world class film makers in the UK investing in creative, distinctive and entertaining work

10 Promoting British film and talent to the world Growing the next generation of filmmakers and audiences The BFI is a Government arm s-length body and distributor of Lottery funds for film. The BFI serves a public role, which covers the cultural, creative and economic aspects of film in the UK. It delivers this role: As the UK-wide organisation for film, a charity core funded by Government By providing Lottery and Government funds for film across the UK By working with partners to advance the position of film in the UK. Founded in 1933, the BFI is a registered charity governed by Royal Charter. The BFI Board of Governors is chaired by Josh Berger CBE. The BFI Southbank is open to all. BFI members are entitled to a discount on all tickets. BFI Southbank Box Office: Unless otherwise stated tickets are 12.10, concessions 9.70 including Gift Aid donation. Members pay 2.00 less on any ticket Young people aged 25 and under can buy last minute tickets for just 3, 45 minutes before the start of screenings and events, subject to availability Tickets for FREE screenings and events must be booked in advance by calling the Box Office to avoid disappointment For further information about BFI India on Film programme, visit:

11 The Queen marks the start of the UK-India Year of Culture 2017 The Queen marked the official start of the UK-India Year of Culture with a reception at Buckingham Palace on 27th February The Palace was lit up with a peacock and dancing figures to highlight the celebration of the long-standing relationship between the UK and India which will see cultural events, exhibitions and activities taking place in both countries throughout In attendance were India s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, High Commissioner of India, HE Mr Y K Sinha; the Deputy High Commissioner of India HE Mr Dinesh Patnaik; Foreign Secretary The Right Hon Boris Johnson MP; The Right Hon. Priti Patel MP, Secretary of State for International Development; The Right Hon Matt Hancock MP, Minister of State for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries; Tristam Hunt MP; Peers and business, arts and community leaders from both India and the UK. A joint initiative by The British Council, the Indian High Commission and the UK government, the UK India Year of Culture will give audiences a chance to experience innovative and exciting creative work from some of the best UK and Indian companies, artists and institutions. The UK India Year of Culture follows the joint announcement in 2015 by Prime Minister Modi and then-prime Minister David Cameron of a bilateral initiative to mark cultural ties between the UK and India; as well as Prime Minister Theresa May s visit to India in November 2016, which further strengthened the relationship between the two countries. The Year of Culture will include programmes celebrating India s heritage and contemporary culture as part of the dynamic India@UK2017 festival. The India@UK2017 programme will

12 blend artistic traditions from the UK with a wide spectrum of Indian cultural and literary traditions across multiple venues in the UK. London to celebrate UK/India 2017 with an Illuminating India season The Science Museum in London is to open a season of exhibitions and events in September this year dedicated to the people, culture and skills of India. Running from 21 September 2017 to May 2018, Illuminating India will centre on two exhibitions celebrating the rich culture and history of innovation in India. The season announcement which took place on 1st February 2017 the day of Vasant Panchami the spring festival, was attended by HE Mr. Y.K. Sinha, High Commissioner of India to the UK and His Excellency Mr. Dinesh K. Patnaik, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK and more than 150 guests from the British Indian diaspora. Announced by Prime Minister Theresa May and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2016 as the UK premier visited India to open the UK-India Tech Summit, the Science Museum s activities will mark the British Council s UK/India 2017, a season celebrating the vibrant cultural history of the two countries. By taking a global perspective on the development of science and technology, the Science Museum aims to engage new audiences and strengthen international relationships between British and Indian scholars and cultural institutions. One exhibition is an ambitious and unprecedented survey of photography in India from the emergence of the medium in the

13 nineteenth century to the present day. The other will highlight the long tradition of scientific thought in India from the ancient past to the present day. It will look at the country s expertise in observation, calculation and innovation, emphasising the importance of science in India as a way of understanding the world and creating a better society. As the most visited museum in the country by school groups, the Science Museum is uniquely placed to engage the next generation of scientists and engineers in developing a global perspective on science and innovation. «1 of 28» Ian Blatchford, Director of the Science Museum Group, said: India s history and culture are built on a rich tradition of scientific thought and innovation. The stories we will be showcasing through this vibrant season not only shaped India but had global significance.

14 Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, said: India has a rich scientific history that dates back thousands of years, and continues to influence societies across the world. This exhibition will educate new audiences on the exciting story of Indian design and innovation from the ancient past to today. It is a fantastic addition to the UK- India Year of Culture programme that will strengthen the special cultural partnership between our two countries and celebrate the shared ties across science, design and the arts. About the Science Museum As the home of human ingenuity, the Science Museum s worldclass collection forms an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical achievements from across the globe. Welcoming over 3 million visitors a year, the Museum aims to make sense of the science that shapes our lives, inspiring visitors with iconic objects, award-winning exhibitions and incredible stories of scientific achievement. More information can be found at sciencemuseum.org.uk. About UK/India 2017 UK/India 2017 is a year-long celebration of the long-standing relationship between India and the UK, which will see a vast programme of cultural exchange and activity take place in cities across both countries. Working with a huge number of partners and institutions, the British Council is developing a programme of cultural activity which will connect and inspire people in both countries; and strengthen and celebrate the UK and India s cultural ties. For more information on UK/India 2017 please visit

15 Prime Minister announces 2017 UK-India Year of Culture In welcoming Narendra Modi to the UK, David Cameron announced a year long programme to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Indian independence and UK cultural ties. The Year of Culture 2017 will see an exciting festival of events celebrating the vibrant cultural history of the two countries. Top UK institutions will partner with their Indian counterparts to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two nations, and showcase British creativity on the global stage. The India-UK Year of Culture will be a curated programme that gives audiences in India and the UK access to inspirational, engaging and diverse art, music, theatre, design, performing arts, film and literature. Prime Minister David Cameron said: The great partnership between India and the UK extends beyond economic ties to the boards of The Bard and the beaches of Bollywood. We have some of the best cultural exports in the world and it s about time we celebrated this, together. To mark the start of this cultural pairing, the British Library will be digitising 200,000 pages of their South Asian archives. Two centuries of Indian print will be part of a major programme to make the wealth of Indian printed books held by the British Library dating from 1714 to 1914 accessible to anyone around the globe. The British Library holds the finest collection of South Asian literature in the world. Madame Tussauds whose Bollywood figures are some of the most popular in London has also announced its first Indian

16 venture in New Delhi, scheduled to open in Parent group Merlin is set to invest 50 million in India over 10 years, rolling out other UK favourites such as Sea Life aquariums and Legoland Discovery Centres across Indian cities. Two of the most iconic British texts will tour India as part of the programme. The British Library will showcase Shakespeare s First Folio the first collected edition of the Bard s plays and the 1225 edition of the Magna Carta. One of India s premier museums the CSMVS Mumbai will tell the story of Indian civilisation in the context of world history using some items on loan from the British Museum. The UK is already a big hit with Indian tourists. Last year saw a record breaking 400,000 visits to the UK from India and in the first half of 2015 Indian tourists spent 199 million during their stays. Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said, the UK has an incredibly special relationship with India not just economically and through our historic ties but culturally, through our music, our theatre, our design and much more. An India-UK Year of Culture is a great opportunity for both our nations strengthening this dynamic cultural partnership and driving even more innovative ways to work together to make great art. The 2017 India-UK Year of Culture will include: A Festival of India in the UK A dynamic festival of arts and culture led by India s cultural organisations in the UK. The British Library s Magna Carta 1225 edition will be travelling to India. Accompanying the exhibition will be a series of public events that will include talks, debates and performances.

17 India and the World An exhibition at the CSMVS Mumbai that brings together a collection, some on loan from the British Museum, and others from private and museum collections in India. It will tell the story of Indian history and civilisation in the wider context of simultaneous events in world history. Shakespeare s First Folio tour to India by the British Library The First Folio is the first collected edition of William Shakespeare s plays, collated and published 7 years after his death. It is estimated around 750 First Folios were printed, of which 233 are currently known to survive worldwide. The British Library currently owns 5. India exhibition and India Gallery at Manchester Museum An India exhibition is being planned at the Manchester Museum before the opening of their India gallery. British Indians represent the largest ethnic group in Britain (1.5 million people) and three of the top six languages spoken are Indian: Punjabi, Bengali and Gujarati.