Southampton University was under the eastern influence on Saturday night, when ‘Kastori’ Asian Cultural show, organised by students of Southampton University and Southampton Institute, was held with the help of Pukaar project. The show was an electric mix of eastern and western culture at ‘The Cube’, University of Southampton. The guests of honour included Miss Southampton, Editor of AND magazine and Director of Think Media Music.

Events ranged from musical groups, dances, a comedy sketch and three stunning fashion shows. Doors opened at 6:30pm and the seats were filled soon enough when the audience was densely packed into the 500 capacity hall. The event opened with a bang, as the Kasbia Knights got the crowd raring to go, playing a traditional Punjabi beat. Main organiser and president of the Asian society (Southampton University), Rupesh Patel, presented the show along with Krishna Maroo from the Southampton Institute.

Republic Designers provided the clothes for the western influenced fashion show, exhibiting their spring collection, with a hint of eastern promise. This was followed by a hip-hop and R‘n’B dance medley by three students from the university, keeping the western theme, but with an urban twist. Next up was a three-piece vocal group with members from both the university and institute. They played one original song and a cover version of a pop star Rhagav’s ‘Teri Ba to Mein’. Their fusion of acoustic guitar, tabla and charming lyrics set a high standard for the acts to follow.

Part two of the fashion show was an explosion of eastern and western culture. The traditional Salwaar kameez’s was combined with jeans and killer heels to create a union of both cultures. As the traditional theme became a more prominent theme towards the latter part of the show, there was some traditional Bollywood dancing to the classic, ‘Ek, Do, Teen’. The dancers were dressed in pink and white flamboyant outfits, which enhanced their every move.

The comedy sketch was by far the highlight of the show, with students in a tongue in cheek depiction of British Asian culture. The sketch was based around owners of convenience store who were searching for a suitor for the 22-year-old daughter. The audience were in hysterics as three eligible bachelors were showcased, all with their individual qualities. The final fashion show was of a traditional Indian theme. Stunning Indian suits and ceremonial dresses were worn in an elegant 20-minute piece. Over 30 students wore intricately detailed sarees and suits.

The show approached its end with students being presented awards from Pukaar to encourage their hard work and quality of organisation in the entire show. The beautiful Miss Southampton, Emily Roberts, presented the award to Rupesh Patel. The editor of AND magazine, Martin Perry, presented the award to the president of Asian Society, Southampton Institute. Director of Think Music Media, Terry Eckersley, presented the award to Sebina who organised the fashion show. Rupesh Patel, closed the award ceremony and showed his gratefulness by putting in a word of thanks for the show’s sponsors Pukaar Project, Eastern Eye, Republic and Tigerlilly Designs.

The multitalented chairman of Pukaar, Romail Gulzar, closed the show with his second album’s lead song “Galassian Charr”, building the excitement for the after party with this traditional bhangra tune. The song was an instant hit and this was clearly evident when the stage was raided by dancing students as soon as he started singing. One of the fashion models, Ravi Shah, who wasn't a big fan of bhangra and was also seen dancing ecstatically next to Romail during the finale. The after party was also a great success, with hundreds of students dancing to ‘desi beats’, courtesy of bhangra group B21, Indy Sagoo, and Dr Zeus. The Firin’ squad and Warner street team DJ’s provided the R ‘n’B sounds to slow down the pace after energetic bhangra dancing.

The atmosphere was electric, and vibrant outfits adorned models and students alike. It was clear that the organisers, sponsors and guests thought both events were a great success.