Little English makes big impact with relatable British Asian story
Why Viraj Juneja loved playing the lead in new film adaptation of hit theatre play
By ASJAD NAZIRMar 16, 2023
Acclaimed British Asian film Little English will release in UK cinemas this week, after delighting audiences on the festival circuit.
The heart-warming Pravesh Kumar directed comedy-drama features a great cast that includes talented young lead Viraj Juneja. He stars opposite Rameet Rauli in the story of a Punjabi girl with limited English, trapped with a London-based family, after the man she is supposed to marry runs away, and finds herself in an unlikely love story with his seemingly dangerous younger brother.
The actor, best known for 2019 independent British comedy feature film Get Duked!, along with short films and TV appearances, has great presence as the love interest in the multi-layered movie adaptation of hit theatre play There's Something About Simmy.
Eastern Eye caught up with him to find out more.
What first connected you to acting?
Performing! I’ve always been a performer, okay what I really mean is, I’ve always loved being centre of attention. Doing school plays and short films, knowing the audience was watching me, it was a drug. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with acting as a craft, but yeah that was certainly the origin.
What was the experience of working on Little English?
Unlike anything else! We were shooting in a real house, which presented its own problems but meant we became one massive family. (Laughs) I think we all took turns to nap in that bed upstairs. There was just an incredible synergy. It became such a special place to be. I was buzzing to go to work every morning. Even on my days off I had massive FOMO! I wanted them to call me in so I could just hang out with everyone.
Tell us about the lead character you play?
I play Haripal, or Harry, who has been labelled as a ‘bad egg’ in the local community, however, there’s so much more to him. He’s a young man who’s experiencing some mental health issues having been abandoned in the world. He is struggling to find his authentic self. Deep down there is a lot of good and love in him.
What was the biggest challenge of playing this role?
Harry very much likes to keep himself to himself. He doesn’t have a good relationship with anyone, especially his mum. I, on the other hand am very extroverted and love my mum dearly. Seema, who plays my mum in the film, is phenomenal and being present with her in those scenes really stayed with me.
With Rameet Rauli in Little English
What was it like working with writer/director Pravesh Kumar?
A privilege! Pravesh has championed South Asian voices for the past 20 years and RIFCO (his theatre company) is the home for our stories and audiences. To be a part of his first feature is such an honour. I’d love to work with him again but moreover I’d love to watch more of his work. He has an incredible relatable warmth. Film sets can be chaotic, but he was never fazed by anything.
You and Rameet Rauli are great in the lead roles. What was it like working with her?
She is amazing. We had so much fun working together. She’s brilliant and such a wholesome person to be around. Her bubbly energy is infectious. Her character Simmy is phenomenal - to be lost in a new world alone, be feisty at times and yet comedic, isn’t easy, but Rameet effortlessly nailed every beat with aplomb. I’ve learnt things from working with her. (Laughs) Oh and she’s a massive diva. Sorry Rameet!
Who are you hoping connects with this movie?
Honestly, I feel the film will resonate with everyone who goes to watch it. The characters are so relatable. The story is heartbreakingly beautiful and the music so uplifting. After every screening, people have come up to us saying, ‘you remind me of my brother, sister, aunt, grandad etc.’ This authentic film really takes you on a journey.
What is your own favourite moment in Little English?
To film, definitely the scenes where the family are all together. Ameet (Chana) and Goldy (Notay) had me laughing every time. Seeing everyone in costume and nailing their characters, were the moments when I knew we were creating something special.
How much did being surrounded by good actors in the film help you?
Incredibly so. I feel honoured that I got to work with Madhav Sharma, who plays Bauji (grandad). He’s a living legend with a wealth of experience and would regale me with his endless tales. There was a moment when I sat there and realised ‘Oh sh*t this dude is the Mr Shah from East is East!’ What a privilege it was to have spent time with him.
What inspires you as an actor?
Exploring different sides to myself. We’re human beings and go through so many emotions. I want to embrace them all because you never know when something may help you connect to a character in future. I love the feeling of watching something back and not recognising myself.
Why should we all watch Little English?
Little English is a film with massive heart. We’ve never had a film that so authentically represents South Asian culture on screen before. It will have you laughing, crying, hugging those around you and maybe also dancing in the aisle.
AN ASIAN migrant who arrived in the UK without speaking a word of English has described her experience of assimilation in an award-winning documentary released last month.
Nages Amirthananthar, 83, features in Fearless, which tells the stories of six women who left their homes as young adults to build new lives in Britain.
In an interview with Eastern Eye, she said, “I still struggle to speak properly when my children or grandchildren talk fast or use difficult words. They are very smart. I understand a lot, and I can read and write, but speaking has always been hard for me. That’s why I never had much confidence. I think if there had been proper English courses when I arrived, it would have helped.”
With her husband RS Amirthananthar
Others who narrate their experiences of migration in the film are Sheila Daniel, Aileen Edwards, Maggie Kelly, Anne Gaché, Nashattar Kang; all are now aged between 80 and 92.
Their stories combine humour and inspiration as they reflect on the courage it took to abandon familiar surroundings and forge fresh beginnings in a foreign country. Amirthananthar moved to Scunthorpe in 1975.
She said, “It was difficult to express how I felt, because everything was so new. I had lived in a village in Hartland, and life in the UK was completely different – everything had changed: the lifestyle, the shopping, all of it.
An old portrait
“My husband [Dr RS Amirthananthar, a GP] came before us on a scholarship. He was very calm and supportive, always guiding me on what to do.”
Their family moved to a small village near Hull and bought their first home there. A few of her husband’s relatives lived in Warrington and Leicester.
Originally from Jaffna in Sri Lanka, Amirthananthar could not understand why some people used the racial slur “P*** “to describe her, since she was from the island nation, and not from Pakistan.
She said, “I was about 31 or 32 years old at the time. I couldn’t manage much on my own in the beginning. I had studied in school, but I didn’t speak English well. I could understand it, but speaking was difficult. My husband encouraged me to learn. I took classes at a local ladies’ school and improved.
With her family
“Our neighbour in Scunthorpe was a lovely white lady. She was very kind, always offering to help. She even helped with laundry. There weren’t any Asian women nearby to support me.”
Amirthananthar recalled how she was initially wary about moving to England due to concerns about the cold climate.
However, her husband persuaded her by arguing that their children would have a better life in the UK. The couple were married for 43 years until her husband’s death 17 years ago.
They have five children (the eldest son is 59) and nine grandchildren.
Amirthananthar said, “English people are very nice. I always liked mixing with them. When I first arrived, I used to go to coffee mornings with the neighbours – mostly English people, because there were very few Asians in the neigbhourhood. We’d take turns hosting, just chatting and spending time together.”
She revealed her cooking skills helped her to “navigate the tough times” and that many people were many fans of her dishes, and that she was encouraged to start her own restaurant.
She said, “I like doing things for others, especially cooking. That’s how I’ve made so many friends. Even now, people send me Christmas cards and photos. Many people asked me to start a restaurant. They said they’d come and help. But my husband didn’t want me to cook for others – only for the family.”
At the time there was little or no government support for migrants in Britain, but Amirthananthar said language classes or training programmes would have made a significant difference, particularly in building confidence among newcomers.
She said, “Many people today already speak the language when they arrive in the UK, which helps. Once they know the language, they can integrate and contribute to society.”
Amirthananthar described her experience of watching Fearless as “very good,” though she admitted to feeling somewhat shy during the screening.
She was particularly caught off guard when asked (in the film) if she had enjoyed herself before marriage. Her response was that she had. “Everyone laughed at that bit, and I was embarrassed,” she recalled.
The experience of seeing her story portrayed in a film came as a shock. “I never thought my story would appear in a film,” she said, adding that women of her generation are not accustomed to seeing themselves represented in this way.
Her naturally open personality meant she answered all questions honestly during filming, though she later wondered whether she had been too candid – especially regarding her admission that she was happier before marriage.
Her children, however, reassured her that honesty was the right approach.
Amirthananthar said she hoped young viewers will understand that love has always been central to her character.
“Calm down, darling. Don’t let your emotions take over,” is advice she regularly gives to her children and grandchildren.
Perhaps this helped her at times when dealing with her late husband’s occasionally short temper. “When you live with love, you must be patient,” she reflected, summarising the philosophy that has guided her life.
She added, “Do your duty properly. Don’t be afraid of anyone. Be honest and calm. Do your best and don’t ignore your responsibilities. That’s what I’ve done my whole life – and I still do.”
She emphasised the importance of selfreliance, adding: “Be honest and work hard. That’s the most important thing. You have to do your best. I don’t like when people claim benefits they don’t deserve. This is our land now – you should work for your living, not rely on others.”
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The controversy, now widely referred to as The Salt Path scandal
The Salt Path author Raynor Winn calls media claims “highly misleading”
Allegations published in The Observer raise doubts about key memoir details
PSPA charity ends relationship with Winn and her husband Moth
Winn pulls out of Saltlines tour but is still scheduled for literary events
Author rejects claims as legal advice sought
Raynor Winn, the author of the best-selling memoir The Salt Path, has strongly denied accusations that parts of her book are fabricated, describing recent media coverage as “highly misleading” and confirming that she and her husband are taking legal advice.
The controversy, now widely referred to as The Salt Path scandal, follows an Observer report that disputes aspects of the memoir’s central narrative, including the timeline and medical diagnosis that prompted the journey at the heart of the book.
Winn has previously said that the story is based on detailed notes taken during a 630-mile walk along the South West Coast Path, undertaken after the couple lost their farm and Moth, her husband, was diagnosed with the neurological condition Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD).
Memoir defended as a “true story”
In a statement to Sky News, Winn said: “The Salt Path lays bare the physical and spiritual journey Moth and I shared, an experience that transformed us completely and altered the course of our lives. This is the true story of our journey.”
She added that, due to legal advice, the couple would not be making further public comment at this time.
PSPA severs ties over unanswered questions
In response to the media coverage, the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Association (PSPA), which supports individuals affected by CBD and similar conditions, confirmed it had “terminated” its relationship with Raynor and Moth.
In a message to its supporters, the charity said: “Many questions currently remain unanswered,” referencing the uncertainty raised by The Salt Path scandal and the need for clarity.
Tour appearances cancelled
Winn had been due to appear throughout the summer as part of Saltlines, a spoken-word and music collaboration with the Gigspanner Big Band. However, the band announced via social media that she would no longer take part in the tour.
Despite this, she remains listed for several upcoming events including literary festivals, creative writing courses, and author Q&As.
A publishing success and a film adaptation
Since its publication in 2018, The Salt Path has sold over a million copies worldwide and spent almost two years on The Sunday Times bestseller list. It is described by publisher Penguin as “an unflinchingly honest, inspiring and life-affirming true story.”
The memoir is the first in a planned series of four books centred on nature, walking, and overcoming adversity. The fourth instalment is due to be released in October 2025.
In 2023, a film adaptation starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs was shot across various UK coastal regions and released earlier this year.
Film companies respond to controversy
The producers of the film, Number 9 Films and Shadowplay Features, issued a statement distancing the production from the allegations. “The allegations made in The Observer relate to the book and are a matter for the author Raynor Winn,” they said. “We have passed any correspondence relating to the article to Raynor and her agent.”
They added that no claims had been raised at the time of optioning or during production and that standard due diligence was undertaken before adapting the memoir.
Actor Jason Isaacs, who plays Moth in the film, previously told Sky News he had spoken with the couple before filming and described them as “humble” and uninterested in seeking the spotlight. He also called the film “a true, beautiful, real-life love story” and hoped it would encourage empathy toward homeless people.
Publisher contacted for comment
Sky News has contacted Penguin, which published The Salt Path as well as two of Winn’s follow-up works, for comment regarding the allegations now being described as part of The Salt Path scandal.
When Jasbinder Bilan first paused her teaching career to pursue a creative writing degree, she had no idea it would lead to a life-changing breakthrough. What began as a leap of faith became a journey filled with hope, rejection and ultimately triumph. Inspired by her beloved grandmother and her Indian roots, Bilan poured her soul into her debut manuscript Song of the Mountain. Though the publishing world was not immediately ready for her story, perseverance paid off when she won the 2016 Times Chicken House Prize, launching her celebrated writing career. Now, following the success of her Costa Award-winning Asha and the Spirit Bird, Bilan returns with a powerful new historical adventure, Naeli and the Secret Song. In this exclusive interview, she speaks about the emotional inspiration behind the book, her love for young readers and the importance of believing in your voice — no matter how long it takes to be heard.
What first connected you to writing? It was stories more than writing that were my first love. My grandmother, Majee, was the storyteller in our house and it was those bonding moments that sparked my love for creating my own stories. She told me lots of Indian folk tales at bedtime, but she also shared stories of our life in India on the farm near the foothills of the Himalaya. So, I grew up feeling connected to a place that I then filled with my imagination. As a little girl I loved drawing and writing, and always wanted to be a writer, but it took me a long time to make that dream come true.
What led you towards writing children’s books in particular? Although I did not become a published author straight away, I became an English teacher. I was surrounded by children’s literature and of course by young people, so it felt like a natural fit to want to write stories for this age group. At each stage of development there are challenges, and the wonderful thing about stories is that as an author you can really help young people navigate an increasingly complex and difficult world. In each of my stories I create empathy and show my readers how they can be a little braver in their own worlds.
Which of your books is closest to your heart? It has to be Asha and the Spirit Bird, because it is the book that made me a published author and the one inspired by my Majee, who I was very close to. It is also a celebration of my family roots.
Tell us about your new book. My latest book, Naeli and the Secret Song, is another historical adventure with a musical twist. It is set in both Hyderabad, India, and England towards the middle of the 19th century. It follows my main character Naeli as she bravely boards a ship bound for Southampton, in search of her English father. The story has many twists and turns as she explores gas-lit London, armed with her precious violin. With help from a newfound friend, Jack, she follows faint clues that take her as far as the wilds of Northumberland. It is the song her papa taught her that propels her on her quest, and the strange Uncle Daniel she needs to escape.
Naeli and the secret song
What inspired the story? As with many of my stories, the inspiration comes from a very real source. India and Britain have been connected for many hundreds of years, and these connections, as well as being economic, have also been personal. I came across a collection of letters written by a girl called Mary Wilson. She was the daughter of Sir Henry Russell, an officer in the Indian Army. Her mother was Indian. When Sir Henry moved back to England, he arranged for Mary to go too, but he hid his identity from her. Although he supported her financially, he did not want her to know he was her father. These letters show how desperate she was to know him.
What happened next? This gave me the idea for the story. I also wanted to shine a light on the love between the two nations. Hyderabad was a city full of music and literature, and culture is a great connector, so Naeli’s parents were brought together by their passion for music.
You always come up with really interesting titles. What inspired this one? I was looking for a way into this story and came up with the idea of a family mystery hidden by a secret song. There are also misunderstandings in the story, family jealousies and some dastardly goings-on.
Is there a key message you want to convey with this particular book? I wanted to show that the connections between India and Britain are long and strong. As well as the complexities of colonialism, this book explores the things that brought people together at the time. It also highlights the fact that Victorian Britain was a diverse place. I hope readers will see that period in history in a fresh light.
What, according to you, makes for a great children’s book? I would say having characters the reader can identify with and root for. It has to be a page-turner and have an adventure at its heart. I also think there should be a surprise that takes readers to a place they have not been before and makes them think.
What advice would you give parents selecting a book for their children? Try to let the child pick their own books rather than choosing for them. In this way they will develop their own tastes. Reading together is fantastic too. Parents also need to be role models – having family time when everyone reads is something to aim for.
What inspires you creatively? I get my inspiration from lots of different places. I like to have an open mind, walk in nature, visit places and let my mind wander. I find walking my dog is a great way to relax and I usually start thinking of a new story. I have so many ideas — my only problem is finding the time to write them all!
Why do you love being a writer? It was my childhood dream and I never thought someone like me could become a writer. I think of this and realise that if you want to do something, you just have to knock down the obstacles, not take no for an answer and keep going. It is my dream job and I love all the different aspects, especially meeting my readers. I have been lucky enough to have many ‘pinch me’ moments, such as being invited to Buckingham Palace and doing events for Queen Camilla.
Naeli and the Secret Song by Jasbinder Bilan (£7.99, Chicken House) is available now.
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Rachel Zegler stuns in Jamie Lloyd’s Evita as Palladium crowds grow nightly
Rachel Zegler plays Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s radical Evita revival at the London Palladium.
A viral moment features Zegler singing live from the theatre’s balcony to crowds on the street.
Lloyd’s stripped-down staging amps up visuals and sound but sacrifices storytelling depth.
Talks are on for a Broadway transfer as early as 2026 with Zegler confirmed to reprise her role.
Rachel Zegler commands the London stage as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s daring reimagining of Evita, a production that trades subtlety for spectacle and could soon be heading to Broadway.
Following the success of Sunset Boulevard, Lloyd’s signature stripped-down style meets rock concert intensity in this revived version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical. Zegler, in only her second major stage role, dazzles with commanding vocals and presence, even as critics debate the show’s dramatic clarity.
Jamie Lloyd’s Evita with Rachel Zegler set for Broadway after London triumphInstagram/officialevita
Zegler’s Evita performance leaves no doubt
From her first note, Rachel Zegler proves she’s no newcomer to the stage. Her performance, both vocally and physically, carries the entire show, even when the production leans more into visual punch than emotional depth. Zegler’s rendition of Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, performed from the Palladium’s real-life balcony to street crowds below, has already become the production’s signature moment. The scene is filmed live and broadcast inside, symbolically capturing Eva Perón’s manipulation of public adoration.
Staging pushes boundaries with video and spectacle
Jamie Lloyd’s direction strips the production down to a giant grey staircase and replaces traditional storytelling with flashing lights, camera close-ups, and muscular choreography. While critics say some scenes lose emotional resonance, especially in the second act, others land with undeniable theatrical force. Some note the live camera work, booming lighting, and thundering score often feel closer to a Beyoncé tour than traditional West End fare.
After drawing big names on opening night, from Pedro Pascal and Keanu Reeves to Elaine Paige, the show’s success has sparked conversations about a Broadway transfer. Lloyd, backed by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, is pushing for an early 2026 New York run. Logistics are already in motion, with plans to replicate the live balcony scene in the heart of Manhattan, pending city approval for crowd management.
Though visually electrifying, the production has drawn criticism for flattening the emotional arc of Eva Perón’s story. Supporting roles, including Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che and James Olivas as Juan Perón, offer committed performances, but critics say the narrative lacks clarity. Still, audiences have been captivated, and the show has crossed into public conversation beyond theatre circles, exactly the kind of impact Lloyd seems to be chasing.
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K Anis Ahmed’s new novel Carnivore is as imaginative as it is provocative
From the blood-soaked backstreets of Dhaka to the polished kitchens of Manhattan’s elite, K Anis Ahmed’s new novel Carnivore is as imaginative as it is provocative. A satirical thriller steeped in class tension, culinary obsession and primal survival, Carnivore follows Kash, a Bangladeshi immigrant-turned-chef who launches a high-end restaurant serving exotic meats – only to become embroiled in a sinister world of appetite and ambition.
But this is no simple tale of knives and recipes. Ahmed – a seasoned journalist, publisher, and president of PEN Bangladesh – brings a sharp eye to the grotesqueries of power and privilege. In this exclusive interview with Eastern Eye, he speaks about his passion for food, the moral murkiness of his characters, and why even the most ordinary people can spiral into extraordinary darkness.
A compelling premise, layered and unpredictable charactersAMG
What first connected you to writing?
I have been an avid reader since childhood – starting with Bengali and Russian fairy tales, before moving on to Enid Blyton and Agatha Christie. In my teens, I discovered Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene. Their travel writing sparked my imagination. The idea of being a wanderer through the world as a writer captivated me and pulled me toward writing as a vocation.
What inspired your new novel Carnivore?
I lived in New York for a time and love the city. I have always had a strong interest in food and found the idea of running a café, bar or restaurant quite enticing. Since I could not do it in real life, I created one in fiction – and let it go in some wild directions.
Tell us a little about the story.
It is about a young immigrant, Kash, who runs a wild game restaurant in downtown Manhattan. When the 2008 financial crash hits, his investors and clientele disappear. To stay afloat, he turns to hosting private dinners for the super-rich. In chasing a gig for a secretive billionaire’s dining club – while also dealing with a Russian money-lender – things soon spiral out of control.
What drew you to the culinary aspect?
It came from my passion for food and cooking. But cooking, for me, is more than just food – it is about identity, values and cultural expression.
As a writer, how do you develop the darker elements in a story like this?
It usually begins with a simple ‘what if’. I ask myself: how far could a seemingly ordinary person be pushed, given enough pressure or temptation? And who might they take down with them?
What inspired the title?
It was suggested by my brilliant agent, Charlie Campbell. The title captures not just the wild game theme, but also the broader idea of appetite – its excesses, its destructive potential.
Anyone who enjoys a gripping story with a diverse cast and unexpected twistsHarperFiction
What was the biggest challenge in writing the book?
Making the ultimate meal they plan feel believable – both to Kash and his team, and to the clients. None of these characters are inherently sociopathic. I wanted to explore the extremes that ordinary people might reach when driven by circumstance.
What is your favourite part of the book?
There is an episode where they go “hunting” for a peacock – I really enjoyed writing that. The backstory draws from my own memories of Eid-ul-Azha in Dhaka, where animal sacrifices take place in driveways and courtyards. It is surreal to see such rituals on such a scale in a modern city.
Who are you hoping the novel resonates with?
Anyone who enjoys a gripping story with a diverse cast and unexpected twists. It is for fans of crime thrillers, but also for general fiction readers who like discovering new subcultures – and morally daring propositions.
What do you enjoy reading, and do you have a favourite author?
I read a lot – both fiction and non-fiction, from science to history. The novel is my greatest love, and my favourite authors span classics and contemporaries. Some recent writers I have particularly enjoyed include Paul Beatty, Alejandro Zambra, Rachel Kushner and Ottessa Moshfegh.
What inspires you as a writer?
Intriguing ‘what if’ ideas, morally complex characters and the challenge of crafting sentences that feel exactly right.
What are you working on next?
I am working on a story where a seemingly normal person slowly descends into sociopathy. I want to explore how someone can unravel and become unrecognisable from who they once were.
What, in your view, makes a great novel?
A compelling premise, layered and unpredictable characters, and prose that is fresh and evocative – without being overwrought.
Why should readers pick up your new book?
Because it is a truly fun read – simple as that.
Carnivore by K Anis Ahmed is published by HarperFiction, £16.99.