Red FM, a private radio and entertainment network, has announced the eighth edition of South Side Story, its annual cultural property. What began as a music-led celebration has evolved into a broader celebration of South Indian culture and a distinctive Delhi cultural experience, 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 for an eighth consecutive year. Thaikkudam Bridge continues to remain one of the forces of the festival. The line-up also features actress and Padma Bhushan awardee Shobana and first timer Aksomaniac, alongside names including Raghu Dixit, Karthik, Baby Jean, Avial, Sooraj Santhosh, Arya Dhayal and Masala Coffee creating a blend of classical art, contemporary music, pop and rap.
This year also marks a 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.
Nisha Narayanan, Director and 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,” Narayanan said.
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 platform for conversations, storytelling and literary exchange. The cinema experience will be curated in partnership with the Indian Habitat Centre, spotlighting South India’s cinematic legacy and contemporary narratives.
The festival will also celebrate art, craft and design through the return of Neytt, fresh from its spotlight at the Met Gala, and Rouka, both returning after collaborations last year to bring craftsmanship, creativity and exclusive South Side Story experiences to audiences. Food lovers can explore a culinary journey through collaborations with Mahabelly, South Side Habits, Draavin Canteen, Naivedyam, and Bili Hu, showcasing the flavours and traditions of Southern India. Audiences can also look forward to the Kalaripayattu performances and Onam Sadhya, a 20-dish South Indian culinary experience that is flavourful, soulful and rooted in tradition.
As India’s live entertainment and event economy continues to witness growth, audiences are increasingly gravitating towards experiences that are immersive, culturally rooted and community-led. Against this backdrop, South Side Story has emerged as one of the country’s cultural IPs, reinforcing Red FM’s position as a brand invested in celebrating regional identity, independent voices and cultural experiences
