South Side Story draws 13,000 for South Indian arts festival in Delhi

Organisers said more than 13,000 people attended the eighth South Side Story in Delhi over two days, for a programme of South Indian music, dance, martial arts and food.

Kerala rapper Baby Jean opened with tracks including *Tapori* and *Neon Ride*, while the Raghu Dixit Project played songs such as *Parasiva*, *Jag Changa* and *Neene Beku*, explaining their meanings for non-Kannada listeners. Sooraj Santhosh’s set ended with a sing-along to *Kaantha*, and Karthik performed *Oru Maalai*, *Vizhi Moodi* and *Aye Sinamika*.

Bharatanatyam dancer Shobana returned after appearing at last year’s edition. She said audience members seeing South Indian classical dance for the first time could leave wanting to know more about the form.

Masala Coffee made its South Side Story debut, performing *Aadiyiyalo*, *Kuttanandan* and *Surangani*. Thaikkudam Bridge, which has performed at all eight editions, closed with songs including *Urumb*, *Khwaab* and *Aigiri Nandini*, before answering calls for *Fish Rock*.

The programme also included Kalaripayattu, Chenda and Dhol, Bharatanatyam and Kathakali presentations, alongside an Onam Sadhya.