Students on De Montfort University’s Music, Film and Entertainment Journalism module pick the films, plays, music, TV shows and books that shaped them
My favourite film
My favourite film is a Bollywood film called Om Shanti Om, due to its captivating story, and dramatic scenes. There’s a mix of romance, action and suspense and which keeps me engaged every time I watch it. The main male character played by Shah Rukh Khan delivers a charismatic performance. The music throughout the film is extremely catchy and there’s also a sense of comedy within a few of the characters. The iconic scene where Shah Rukh is fighting a toy tiger is my absolute favourite, showcasing how films are made back before special effects were a thing. I love how it blends Bollywood nostalgia with a thrilling revenge plot, making it a timeless classic for me.
The last film I saw
The last film I saw was My Fault: London, a romance by Dani Girdwood and Charlotte Fassler. It follows Noah, a teenager who moves to London from America when her mum remarries. However, she gains a new stepbrother who she has the hots for. Their relationship becomes complicated with feelings flying all over the place. As Noah navigates her new life she is forced to revisits the past and her abusive father.
It’s quite predictable, yet somehow, I drew me in right till the end but I feel like it’s aimed more at females. I watched it with my boyfriend and his sister. He wasn’t very interested and kept trying to skip through it, whereas me and his sister were engrossed.
My favourite TV show
The BBC crime thriller Virdee combines intense crime drama and deep family troubles. It follows a Sikh detective in Bradford who has been disowned by his father for marrying a Muslim woman. His personal and professional struggles don’t end there. His brother-in-law is high up in the drugs world and he is thrown into a gripping case which causes his life to completely change.
My favourite band/song
Tension by Diljit Dosanjh, a track from his Advisory album. The song has a bold and carefree vibe, with lyrics that emphasise confidence, resilience, and living without worries.
Diljit’s powerful delivery, combined with Deep Jandu’s energetic beats, makes it addictive. The song has a strong Punjabi feel, blending traditional themes with modern music production. I love how Tension perfectly captures an attitude of self-assurance, making it a song I can listen to on repeat. Everyone who listens to this song when they’re with me vibes.
The instrument I wished I learnt
I have always wished I had learned to play the dhol, as it is such a powerful and energetic instrument. The deep, resonant beats instantly bring life to any celebration, especially in Punjabi music and bhangra performances. The way skilled players create intricate rhythms with both ends of the drum is fascinating, and I love how it brings people together on the dance floor. Its ability to command attention and set the mood makes it an instrument I truly admire. Nobody is able to sit still when a dhol is being played.
The first time I went to the theatre
The first time I went to the theatre was with my mum and dad to watch a tribute to Michael Jackson, and from that moment on, I knew l wanted to perform in theatre myself. Watching the performers bring his music to life with such energy, precision, and passion was truly inspiring.
The way they commanded the stage, engaged the audience, and told a story through music and movement made me realise how powerful live performances can be. I was mesmerised the atmosphere. I then took on the dream to perform in theatre, I joined many theatre groups and found myself performing in the West End … until my time came to head in a different direction.
My guilty pleasure
A coffee, dark chocolate, and forcing my boyfriend to sit and watch Love Island. I can binge watch all those series over and over again. It’s crazy.