Bollywood celebrationstar’s

A BOLLYWOOD singer and composer, is currently on a UK tour that will stop in Reading this weekend.

Amit Kumar, the son of the legendary Kishore Kumar, has had a successful career in his own right, singing more than 150 songs in six different languages, and he has won numerous awards, including a Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer.

He has sung everything from romantic ballads to peppy dance numbers, and he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Bollywood, including Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, and Mohammed Rafi.

The Yeh Sham Mastani tour will be a celebration of Kumar's music and his career. He will be performing some of his biggest hits, as well as some lesser-known gems.

He will also be sharing anecdotes and stories from his life in the music industry.

The tour is a must-see for any fan of Bollywood music. It is a chance to see one of the greatest singers of our time in concert, and it is a chance to experience the magic of Bollywood music live.

Tickets for the tour are on sale now and cost from £27.33.

n For more details, call The Hexagon box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to www.whatsonreading. com

Exclusive

By JAKE CLOTHIER

jclothier@rdg.today

MEMBERS of Reading’s Ukrainian Community came together to watch the grand final of Eurovision on Saturday.

Following Ukraine’s song taking the top spot in Eurovision last year, the UK was chosen to host, meaning the performers and international audience descended on Liverpool for the final.

Reading Ukrainian Community Centre (RUCC) hosted those of Ukrainian heritage as well as refugees and their friends and family to join the world in watching the conclusion of the international song competition.

The centre saw children taking part in decorating eggs to represent the competing countries, which were put on display.

RUCC’s Mick Pollek said at the event that he had hoped the UK might win: “That way, we can return the favour and host a big party in a free Kyiv.”

Though Sweden would eventually go on to win this year, Ukraine made it to sixth place out of 26 entrants with TVORCHI’s Heart of Steel, and the UK’s Mae Muller came second to last, trailing only behind Germany.

Also in attendance was Mick Antoniw, who said: “This particular Eurovision is, I think, different to any others that have gone before.

“It’s different because Ukraine is now almost twinned is almost whole of Europe, and we can’t host for reasons everyone knows.

“The reality is that this is an incredibly political event; people on the front lines and in the trenches will be listening under armed attack.

“Seeing those events taking place here will give an incredible morale boost because those people will know that they are not alone.”

When Mr Antoniw visits Ukraine as part of the efforts to bring supplies and vital donations, those he meets say: “When we receive this stuff we know that we aren’t forgotten, we’re not alone, and that can be a real motivator to see this all through.”

As for whether Ukrainians had been looking forward to

Children attending the centre decorated eggs in the style of flags of countries taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest the event, he explained: “People are incredibly tense, and it is an opportunity to celebrate and let off a little steam.

“It’s also a way of reuniting with families back in Ukraine in many ways, through Eurovision, at a time when their lives are so difficult.”

With a number of children in attendance, the leader of the centre’s Saturday school sessions, Alexandra Sevko, said: “It’s very important for children, those who were born here, those of mixed heritage, and those who migrated.

“Ukraine is not isolated, and its culture belongs here as part of the world; music is such a big part of Ukrainian culture, and so it is important to show them that their culture contributes to the world.” n More details about services offered by the centre and upcoming events via: rucc.uk

Ms Sevko, as well as working full time, teaches a full day of schooling at the centre on Saturdays, which is a vital part of helping them remain in touch with their language and heritage.

She also welcomed them back to the centre, along with their families, on Sunday, May 14, to celebrate Mother’s Day.