Bollywood and Telugu film songs played on strings at Southwark Cathedral this Saturday

A string performance of songs from Hindi and Telugu cinema takes place at Southwark Cathedral at 9pm on Saturday 26 September, bringing tracks such as “Jai Ho” and “Tum Hi Ho” into the Gothic church by London Bridge.

What is on the Southwark Cathedral setlist

The programme spans several decades of film music. Alongside “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire, it features “Bole Chudiyan” from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, “Tum Hi Ho” from Aashiqui 2, “Lag Ja Gale”, “Oo Antava”, “Zara Zara”, “Iktara” and “Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko”. “Samajavaragamana” is on the list too, as is “Why This Kolaveri Di?”.

The evening also honours the people who wrote the music. A.R. Rahman is among them, and his “Jai Ho” won Best Original Song at the 2009 Oscars. Amit Trivedi and Madan Mohan are also among the composers being celebrated.

Most of the cathedral as it stands today is Gothic work carried out between 1220 and 1420. People were already worshipping on the spot by 606 AD at the latest. The music will be heard under its pointed arches and vaulted ceilings, among carved choir stalls and stained glass, with The Shard rising close by.

Timings and entry rules

The music starts at 9pm. Entry opens 45 minutes ahead of that, and the doors shut five minutes before the start. Seats in each zone are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Late entry is not allowed, so arriving with time to spare is advised.