Last updated on May 2nd, 2023What’s in a name? I’m in Southall to review Brilliant restaurant, and my greedy fingers are crossed that it’s as brilliant as it says it is. Apparently, it’s King Charles’s favourite Indian restaurant and it seems Boris is also a fan. And with “Curry Queen” Dipna Anand at the culinary…
Visiting the Neasden Temple in London
Last updated on May 11th, 2021Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. I know, you won’t be able to pronounce the name, so just refer to it as the Neasden Temple. Yes, you read that right. Neasden. This divine temple, which you would expect to see in Agra, actually resides in north west London. It’s a masterpiece in Indian…
Splendours of the Subcontinent – Queen’s Gallery
Last updated on October 22nd, 2020When I went to India, I came back with a couple of silk rugs and my most treasured collection of Ganesha statues. Shame I didn’t know any Maharajas, as I might have returned with some souvenirs the likes of which you have never seen. That is, until now. In a…
FILM REVIEW: Viceroy’s House
Last updated on October 22nd, 2020Gurinder Chadha is dressed up to the nines and a little breathless: she’s just arrived from an audience with HM the Queen at Buckingham Palace. She’s at the Curzon Mayfair to talk about her new film, Viceroy’s House, which has been two generations and seven years in the making. Her…
A Blazing Beauty: Kipling’s India
Last updated on October 22nd, 2020I could have easily given up all my worldly rupees and even a piece of my soul for some of the artwork on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition, “Lockwood Kipling: Arts and Crafts in the Punjab and London.” There were no magic carpets here, but it certainly…
HOLI COW!
Last updated on October 22nd, 2020Holi is an ancient Hindu celebration which is also known as the Festival of Colours. It marks the end of winter and the start of the spring harvest season. All over India, the day after the first full moon in March, thousands of revellers pour into the streets and literally…