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Malaysian Paper

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HK TVB stars to perform inGenting o Kenneth Ma, Joel Chan, Katy Kung, Edwin Siu among nine celebrities to appear

These nine HK TVB stars are looking forward to an evening interacting with fans in Malaysia.

F ANS of Hong Kong’s TVB are in for a treat this April 19, as nine of its most well-known actors and actresses come together at Arena of Stars in Resorts World Genting for the Star Glories Shine concert. Organised by MMM Entertainment, Star Glories Shine features a star-studded line-up comprising Kenneth Ma, Joel Chan, Katy Kung, Edwin Siu, Mayanne Mak, Brian Chu, Karl Ting, Archie Sin and Danny Hung. Show-goers will not only get to experience their stage presence, but also relive some classic

soundtracks from popular TVB dramas, evoking fond memories while creating new ones. Beyond music, dances and interactive sessions, Star Glories Shine is a rare gathering of numerous TVB celebs at one go. As one of the largest live shows, with a line-up of TVB icons in recent years, fans have the opportunity to see the notable figures showcase their different sides and diverse talents beyond their on-screen roles. A few artistes on the line-up will also be making their debut performance in Malaysia as well.

Dropping it Dehli-style THE internet is a weird and wonderful place, allowing bands from anywhere in the globe to have a crack at global stardom.

No longer dependent on being at the epicentre of any scene, bands can suddenly capture the imagination of netizens worldwide due to serendipity, unique proposition or both. As for Bloodywood, it was most certainly the case of having both align at the same time. Formed in 2016, Bloodywood started as a parody metal band with founding member Karan Kartiyar uploading songs fusing popular Bollywood tunes with metal elements. Later joining forces with Jayant Bhandula, they recorded an absolute killer version of Linkin Park’s Heavy , which set the internet alight. Giving the band confidence to start writing original material which reflects their subcontinent origin, Bloodywood set about with the blueprint of merging the disparate sounds and influences to create someting new and refreshings. Ditching his corporate lawyer gig, Karan was able to concentrate on Bloodywood full time, resulting in the band’s debut Rashak in 2022. Bloodywood became the first band from India to crack the Billboard charts. The latest LP Nu Dehli was released last week to much fanfare, with title track already ammassing over five million streams on Spotify. Not far behind is the band’s collaboration with Japanese genre benders Baby Metal, Bekhauf crossed the four million mark. The shadows of Linkin Park and Korn loom large here as tunes such as Hutt and Dhadak could very well have

Malaysia’s theatre-maker Shafeeq Shajahan.

Bringing Malaysian storytelling to global stage SHAFEEQ Shajahan, known for Sepet The Musical and Melur The Musical , returns to Soho Theatre, London this April. This marks the second time Liver & Lung, the British-Malaysian theatre company, brings Malaysian storytelling to a global stage.

Nu Dehli is available for streaming.

Shafeeq, a director, writer and composer, has won seven Malaysian national arts awards since 2014. Konstantinides, an acclaimed composer and pianist, has worked on productions including Cabaret at the University of Washington Drama Group and performances at the Edinburgh Fringe and Soho Theatre. Shafeeq is a South Asian artist, who is proud of his heritage, music and stories. “I have worked hard to bring these stories to the spotlight with a fresh, liberal twist,” he said. The Bollywood Guide to Revenge promises a fun, joyous ride that celebrates truth, divinity and beauty. “In a dangerous world, we must remember our stories are worth fighting for. Join me for a night of unforgettable entertainment, where an age-old tale meets a sick disco beat. I cannot promise you vengeance, but I can offer a seductive night of powerful transformation.”

come off the latest of the former. The Fieldy-worship can be heard on the bass heavy Daggebaaz, which is no bad thing, given how well that particular sound melds with Bloodywood’s Indian elements. The fusion never feels forced, instead it just works with the pounding rhythms, whether it is Bhangra or a popular flute motif adding plenty of colour. Even when the band sings in its native language, it just sounds right. Never once does it cross into the territory of cheesiness or cliche. The album is just over 30-minute running time is just the right length as not to overstay its welcome, diluting its impact into a novelty. The tunes are hard, heavy and well-crafted, with the fusion of Indian elements adding just the right dash of freshness to the genre of nu-metal. Nu-metal was never afforded the kudos it deserved. Perhaps, Bloodymetal’s Nu Dehli will change that. –by R. BALA

The Bollywood Guide to Revenge blends vintage Bollywood glamour with disco beats, exploring redemption, love and identity. Starring Shafeeq and composer Vasilis Konstantinides, the show promises a camp-filled, energetic performance. The production explores into Shafeeq’s personal experiences, weaving in stories from his mother’s past and his life as a person of colour in London. Set to a soundtrack of classical Indian music, Cypriot folk rhythms, jazz and disco, it pays tribute to Bollywood heroines of the 70s and 80s. It also highlights how people of colour in the West navigate success and self-expression against societal expectations.

Bloodywood’s fusion never feels forced with Indian elements. – PICS FROM FACEBOOK @BLOODYWOOD