July 20: Red FM, one of India’s private radio and entertainment networks, is back with the 8th edition of South Side Story, its flagship annual cultural property. What began as a music-led celebration has today evolved into North India’s largest celebration of South Indian culture and one of Delhi’s most anticipated cultural experiences, bringing together its sounds, stories and artistry.
Returning to Delhi on 29th and 30th August 2026 at KD Jadhav Wrestling Stadium, South Side Story comes back bigger, deeper and more immersive than ever before. Beyond experiences, this year’s edition is a reflection of the rich and evolving music culture of South India, bringing together some of the finest artists across genres on one stage. Returning for an incredible eighth consecutive year, Thaikkudam Bridge continues to remain one of the defining forces of the festival. The line-up also features acclaimed actress and Padma Bhushan awardee Shobana and first timer Aksomaniac, alongside celebrated names including Raghu Dixit, Karthik, Baby Jean, Avial, Sooraj Santhosh, Arya Dhayal and Masala Coffee creating a powerful blend of classical art, contemporary music, pop and rap.
This year also marks a major milestone with the festival extending to Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, for the very first time on 22nd August 2026 at Messe Global Laxmi Lawns. For the Pune edition, audiences will experience performances by Shobana, Karthik, Avial, The Raghu Dixit Project and Tribemama Marykali.
Speaking on the announcement, Nisha Narayanan, Director & COO, Red FM, said,
“South Side Story has always been rooted in the belief that our homegrown artists, indigenous stories and southern cultural identity deserve the grandest stages. Eight years in, that conviction has only deepened. This milestone is a testament to the incredible collective effort of the phenomenal artists, audiences and partners who continue to build this vision with us year after year. As we scale up in Delhi for the biggest season and expand to Pune, we are building more than just a festival. We are creating a platform where regional stories and talent can be celebrated, shared and experienced across geographies. South Side Story is as much about cultural preservation as it is about cultural cross-pollination, bringing diverse communities together through music, food, cinema and art. We warmly invite not just the South Indian community, but anyone who is curious about the richness and diversity of southern culture, to join us in this honest celebration of creativity, connection and togetherness.”
This year, the festival deepens its cultural footprint through a series of curated partnerships across literature, cinema and food. The literature segment will be presented in collaboration with Oxford Bookstore, Kunzum Books, DC Books and the Kerala Literature Festival, creating a vibrant platform for conversations, storytelling and literary exchange. The cinema experience will be curated in partnership with the Indian Habitat Centre, spotlighting South India's rich cinematic legacy and contemporary narratives. The festival will also celebrate art, craft and design through the return of Neytt, fresh from its global spotlight at the Met Gala, and Rouka, both returning after memorable collaborations last year to bring craftsmanship, creativity and exclusive South Side Story experiences to audiences. Food lovers can explore an expansive culinary journey through collaborations with Mahabelly, South Side Habits, Draavin Canteen, Naivedyam, and Bili Hu, showcasing the diverse flavours and traditions of Southern India. Audiences can also look forward to the Kalaripayattu performances and Onam Sadhya, a spectacular 20-dish South Indian culinary experience that is flavourful, soulful and deeply rooted in tradition.
As India’s live entertainment and event economy continues to witness significant growth, audiences are increasingly gravitating towards experiences that are immersive, culturally rooted and community-led. Against this backdrop, South Side Story has steadily emerged as one of the country’s most distinctive cultural IPs, reinforcing Red FM’s position as a brand deeply invested in celebrating regional identity, independent voices and large-scale cultural experiences.
