The vibrant spirit of Southern India came alive in the capital as 93.5 RED FM successfully concluded the 7th edition of its flagship cultural festival, ‘South Side Story 2025’, in New Delhi. Spanning two days, the festival drew more than 12,000 attendees, transforming the venue into a hub of music, art, food and traditions, and creating an unforgettable cultural mosaic.

According to a press release from the radio network, the festival opened with a powerful line-up of performances that showcased the rich diversity of Southern India’s musical heritage.

Day one witnessed an eclectic mix of genres from TM Krishna’s soulful Carnatic notes to Job Kurian’s indie rhythms and the refreshing acts of Aattam and Bhadra Rajin. The evening’s highlight was Padma Bhushan awardee Shobana, who made her North India stage debut with a spellbinding act that blended Bharatanatyam with cinematic artistry. The day culminated in thunderous applause as Avial brought the stage down with its signature Carnatic rock anthems.

If the first day was about the harmony of tradition and innovation, day two set the tempo higher with a line-up that leaned boldly towards contemporary sounds. From the fierce energy of all-women hip-hop collective Wild Wild Women to the melodic voice of Sooraj Santhosh, followed by the electrifying performances of Thaikkudam Bridge and the iconic Raghu Dixit Project, the finale ensured that the festival ended on the same grand note on which it had begun.

Beyond music, ‘South Side Story’ was a celebration of cultural experiences. Audiences indulged in a traditional Onam Sadhya spread of over 20 dishes on both days, relishing the authentic flavours that evoked nostalgia for many.

Alongside, curated F&B pop-ups by Naivedyam, Mahabelly, Dakshin Canteen and Bili Hu gave attendees a taste of South India’s culinary richness. Literature, art installations, and cultural showcases added further layers to the festival, making it a multi-dimensional experience.

Interestingly, around 60–65 percent of the attendees hailed from Southern states, while a large participation also came from Northern India, fulfilling the festival’s vision of being a cultural bridge.

Speaking about the success of the festival, 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.”

Narayanan added that the festival has now grown into one of RED FM’s most cherished properties.