New Delhi: 93.5 RED FM, India’s leading private radio and entertainment network, successfully concluded the 7th edition of its flagship cultural festival, South Side Story, at the KD Jadhav Wrestling Stadium in New Delhi. Over two days, the festival brought together 12,000+ attendees, celebrating the rich music, food, art, and traditions of Southern India while creating unforgettable cultural moments.
On day one, the stage came alive with an eclectic mix of classical, folk, and contemporary acts. TM Krishna’s soulful Carnatic notes, Job Kurian’s indie sounds, and Aattam & Bhadra Rajin’s fresh performances set the tone for the evening. The highlight of the evening was Padma Bhushan awardee Shobana, who captivated the audience with her debut stage performance in North India – a seamless blend of Bharatanatyam and cinematic artistry. The evening ended on a high with Avial’s powerful Carnatic rock anthems, leaving the crowd roaring for more.
If day one was about tradition meeting innovation, day two amplified the energy with a bold and contemporary line-up. The fierce all-women hip-hop collective Wild Wild Women, the melodic Sooraj Santhosh, the electrifying Thaikkudam Bridge, and the iconic Raghu Dixit Project delivered unforgettable performances, ensuring the finale was as grand as the opening. From folk-fusion to hip-hop and rock, the diversity of sound created a spectacular showcase of South India’s evolving cultural landscape.
The festival went far beyond music. Audiences indulged in a sumptuous 20+ dish Onam Sadhya on both days, which added another layer to the experience reminding many of home and heritage through traditional flavours. They also explored curated F&B pop-ups by partners such as Naivedyam, Mahabelly, Dakshin Canteen, and Bili Hu, and engaged with literature, art installations, and cultural showcases. With 60–65% of attendees from Southern states and large participation from Northern India, the festival truly lived up to its mission of being a cultural bridge.
Nisha Narayanan, Director & COO, RED FM and Magic FM, said “South Side Story is more than just a music festival, it’s a vibrant celebration of art, culture, literature, cuisine, and community. It transcends age and gender, and it was truly uplifting to see such a diverse audience immersed in the South’s rich cultural spirit at our 7th edition of the South Side Story Festival. With each edition, the festival has evolved into one of Red FM’s most treasured properties, where tradition meets contemporary expression. We’re grateful to our incredible artists, partners, and audience who brought it all to life. At Red FM, we don’t just host events, we curate experiences that inspire, connect and resonate long after the final note. And we’re just getting started. We’ll be back soon – louder, bolder and more unforgettable than ever.”
This year’s edition was supported by an eclectic mix of partners including Morpheus, Royal Enfield, Bank of Maharashtra, Boomer, Woodpecker Beer, Reliance Digital, Muthoot, Gas-O-Fast, Maharashtra Tourism, Mahabelly, Naivedyam, Bili Hu, Neytt Homes, Oxford Bookstore, DC Books Kerala Literature Festival (KLF), VLCC, Epicuria Mall, Pride Plaza, and many more – turning the festival into a pan-cultural showcase and storytelling platform.
-Based on Press Release
